Micah's End-Times Prophecy

We had one final chapter of Isaiah and several from Micah today, all of which were cryptic prophecies regarding end-times. I have always wanted to know more about eschatology but confess that I know very little about it. I could spend hours researching these chapters and still not be able to fully understand nor communicate what is happening. So please take whatever I write regarding end-times prophecy with a grain of salt! I will try my best to succinctly regurgitate what I have read on the subject.

In the 35th chapter of Isaiah, the destruction of Edom is predicted. Verse 8 tells us that "Edom will be paid back for all it did to Israel". The judgement that is described is very severe, which made me wonder what they did that was so bad. Who were the Edomites and what became of them? And why do they figure so prominently in end-times prophecy? For it is not only Isaiah, but also Micah, Obadiah, Joel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Jeremiah, who speak of this notable annihilation.

Remember that the Edomites were the descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin brother who sold him his birthright. There had probably always been enmity between them, due in large part to the favoritism shown by their parents, but the rivalry escalated when Jacob stole his brother's blessing from Isaac. Esau settled just south of Judah and married several women from pagan cultures, including an Ishmaelite (the tribe from which modern-day Arabs hail). The Amalekites were part of the Edomites and as a group committed many violent atrocities against Israel. The Edomites eventually joined forces with Nebuchudnezzar in the Babylonian captivity of Israel and delighted in her destruction. In many ways, Edom as a nation continued to act the part of the jealous sibling. Obadiah 1:10 says that because of violence toward it's brother (Israel), Edom would be completely cut off.

Edom was eventually overtaken by other Arab nations before being completely annihilated by the Romans in 106 AD. No one knows what became of the people, as the "Edomites" no longer exist. But they are presumed to have assimilated in and around the Jews themselves, becoming part of the people-group known as Palestinians today. "Edom" therefore is used in reference to Palestinians when discussing end-times prophecy. Referring back to the passage from Obadiah, "violence towards your brother", takes on a whole new meaning. The land the Edomites' occupied is in modern-day Jordan and it's most prominent cities, Bozrah and Petra, are now desolate archaeological dig sites. However, both cities play large roles in end-times prophecy.

Tomorrow's reading: Micah 6-7, 2 Chron. 32:1-8, 2 Kings 18:13-37, Isaiah