Brotherhood and Inheritance A Canonical Reading of the Esau and Edom Traditions

This study offers a canonical reading of the Esau and Edom traditions, examining the portrayal of Esau and Edom in Genesis, Deuteronomy, and the prophetic material. First, it is argued that the depiction of Esau and his descendants in Genesis and Deuteronomy is, on the whole, positive. Second, it is put forward that Edom is portrayed negatively by the prophets for violating their kin, and for disrespecting the divine apportioning of the lands. Finally, it is suggested that these traditions have resonance with one another based on recurring literary and theological motifs, heuristically framed as brotherhood and inheritance.

Bradford A. Anderson is Lecturer in Biblical Studies at Mater Dei Institute, Dublin City University, Ireland.

AcknowledgmentsAbbreviationsChapter 1 - IntroductionChapter 2 - Esau and Edom in the History of Biblical InterpretationChapter 3 - Beginnings: Oracle, Birth and Birthright (Genesis 25:19-34)Chapter 4 - Genesis 27: The Blessing of Jacob and EsauChapter 5 - Genesis 32-33: The Reunion of Jacob and EsauChapter 6 - Genesis 36: The Genealogy of EsauChapter 7 - Esau in Genesis: Summary and ConclusionsChapter 8 - Deuteronomy's Portrayal of the Sons of Esau and the EdomitesChapter 9 - Edom in Obadiah and the ProphetsChapter 10 - Esau and Edom in Malachi 1:2-5Chapter 11 - Edom in the Prophetic Corpus: Summary and ConclusionsChapter 12 - Conclusion: The Relationship of the Esau and Edom Traditions and the Implications for Election TheologyBibliography