“And Edom shall be a possession, Seir, its enemies, also will be a possession, While Israel performs valiantly.
Parallel translations
- WEB Edom shall be a possession. Seir, his enemies, also shall be a possession, while Israel does valiantly.
- KJV And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
- BSB Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor.
- NKJV “And Edom shall be a possession; Seir also, his enemies, shall be a possession, While Israel does valiantly.
- NLT Edom will be taken over, and Seir, its enemy, will be conquered, while Israel marches on in triumph.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Edom and Seir will become a possession while Israel acts valiantly. The oracle predicts Israel's future dominance over its neighbors.
Overview
Edom, descended from Esau, was a longstanding rival of Israel, and this prophecy foresees its subjugation. The fulfillment came in part under David, who conquered Edom, and points more broadly to the triumph of the kingdom that the star and scepter represent. The verse continues the theme of God establishing His people's rule over their enemies.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 9
- Amos 9:12that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the nations who are called by my name,” says Yahweh who does this.
- 2 Sam 8:14He put garrisons in Edom. Throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all the Edomites became servants to David. Yahweh gave victory to David wherever he went.
- Gen 27:29Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers. Let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you. Blessed be everyone who blesses you.”
- Isa 34:5For my sword has drunk its fill in the sky. Behold, it will come down on Edom, and on the people of my curse, for judgment.
- Gen 27:40By your sword will you live, and you will serve your brother. It will happen, when you will break loose, that you shall shake his yoke from off your neck.”
- Isa 63:1Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? Who this who is glorious in his clothing, marching in the greatness of his strength? “It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.”
- Ps 60:1For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A teaching poem by David, when he fought with Aram Naharaim and with Aram Zobah, and Joab returned, and killed twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt. God, you have rejected us. You have broken us down. You have been angry. Restore us, again.
- Ps 60:8–12Moab is my wash basin. I will throw my shoe on Edom. I shout in triumph over Philistia.”
- Gen 32:3Jacob sent messengers in front of him to Esau, his brother, to the land of Seir, the field of Edom.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
Resources, by level
Commentaries & study tools
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Hebrew/Greek interlinear, word definitions, and cross-references for this verse.
Christ at the center
In the wilderness Christ is the water from the rock, the bronze serpent lifted up that the dying might look and live (John 3:14), and the star and scepter that Balaam saw rising out of Jacob.
How Numbers 24:18 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.