Your argument centers on the belief that modern-day Jews are descendants of Edom and not from the tribe of Judah, citing historical and encyclopedic sources, particularly from Jewish encyclopedias. However, there are some points to address and clarify, particularly regarding biblical and historical contexts.
1. Genealogical and Historical Accuracy
While it is true that the Edomites, descendants of Esau, were historical enemies of Israel, the claim that modern Jewry is Edom lacks strong historical or biblical evidence. The genealogical distinction between Judah and Edom was well-documented in the Bible, and while Edom opposed Israel, it does not suggest that Edom eventually replaced or became Israel.
Biblical Prophecy and Destruction of Edom: Obadiah 1:18 states that the house of Jacob and the house of Joseph would consume Edom, leaving no survivors. Historically, Edom as a nation ceased to exist after its destruction, particularly during the time of the Roman Empire when the Idumeans (a group associated with Edom) were absorbed into Judean society. There is no substantial evidence that modern Jews are genealogically Edomites, especially given that the Jewish people have been traced to the tribe of Judah, particularly through the line of King David, and other tribes of Israel.
2. Use of Encyclopedic Sources
You’ve mentioned the Jewish Encyclopedia and Encyclopedia Judaica to support the claim that Edom is equivalent to modern Jewry. However, context is critical when citing sources. The Jewish Encyclopedia references might be pointing out historical events where the Edomites were adversaries of Israel, but it does not suggest that modern Jewish identity is Edomite in origin. Furthermore, such encyclopedias are compilations of historical and scholarly interpretations, not necessarily declarations of modern Jewish identity.
It’s important to understand that Jewish people today are ethnically diverse due to centuries of dispersion, but their religious and cultural identity remains rooted in the ancient tribes of Israel, particularly Judah. This is affirmed by archaeological evidence, genealogical studies, and the preservation of Jewish traditions and customs.
3. Who Were the Enemies of Jesus?
When Yeshua (Jesus) walked the earth, His confrontations with the Jewish leaders were primarily against the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes, who were religious authorities, not representative of the entire Jewish people. He did not condemn the Jews as a race or tribe but criticized specific groups for their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27). It is vital to recognize that Yeshua Himself was from the tribe of Judah, and His disciples and early followers were Jewish as well.
Religious Conflict vs. Ethnic Identity: The conflict Yeshua faced was more about religious corruption than ethnic lineage. The New Testament shows that He came first for the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24), and His message was meant for all, Jews and Gentiles alike. The opposition He faced from some Jewish leaders cannot be generalized to a broad claim against all Jewish people, let alone a claim that the Jewish people are descendants of Edom.
4. Edom and Israel’s Relationship
Historically, Edom did indeed oppose Israel, but the Bible also describes eventual judgments and the end of Edom as a distinct people. While tensions existed between these nations, this does not translate into Edom somehow replacing or becoming Israel. The relationship between Edom and Israel ended after the Edomites' downfall, and by the time of the Second Temple period, the Jewish people had firmly established their identity, particularly through the tribe of Judah, as seen in the genealogies provided in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
5. Christianity and Modern-Day Jews
Modern Jews, regardless of their ethnicity or political stance, continue to trace their religious roots to ancient Israel. Christianity itself emerged from the Jewish tradition, and Yeshua was a Jew ( yeah I know your opinion on this, but you are wrong brother man), fulfilling Jewish prophecy. Any attempt to label modern Jews as Edomites seems to misunderstand both the spiritual and genealogical heritage of the Jewish people.
Conclusion
The claim that modern Jews are Edomites lacks substantial biblical and historical backing. Edom was historically an adversary of Israel, but biblical prophecy and historical events point to the eventual destruction of Edom as a people. Modern Jews trace their lineage primarily to the tribe of Judah, and Yeshua Himself was a Jew. The confrontations He had with some Jewish leaders were about religious issues, not ethnicity. It's essential to approach these topics with careful study of both historical context and biblical teachings.
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