Edom's hatred, rooted in pride and a deep-seated grudge against Israel, stands as a fundamental flaw in their character. This animosity stems from Esau's belief that he deserved mastery and his father's blessings, fostering a bitterness that became a defining trait of the Edomite people. In 586 BC, the Edomites allied with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces against Judah, taking pleasure in the Jews' defeat and committing atrocities against the defenseless, including babies and youngsters. The violence perpetrated by Edom against ancient Israel and Judah is well-documented, revealing a persistent pattern of cruelty. God takes great offense to these acts, promising that Edom shall be cut off forever as a consequence of their relentless hatred and crimes against His chosen people.

Esau's hatred for Jacob, born from the loss of his birthright and blessing, has reverberated through generations, shaping a bitter enmity between their descendants. This animosity began with Jacob's deceptions, securing both the birthright and the patriarchal blessing, leaving Esau with a curse-like pronouncement of a harsh existence in a dry land, living by the sword, and occasionally breaking his brother's yoke. Esau, devastated by these losses, harbored a hatred so intense that he desired to kill Jacob, a sentiment that has persisted among his people, the Edomites, for approximately 3,700 years. This deep-seated hatred, rooted in pride and a sense of entitlement, manifests as violence and underhanded actions against Jacob's descendants, Israel. Esau's perpetual enmity is seen in attitudes of gloating and rejoicing over Israel's misfortunes, as well as in acts of pillaging, enslaving, and seizing territory. Such behavior is not merely against Israel but is perceived as a direct affront to God's will, since Israel is chosen by Him. This defiance intensifies the gravity of Edom's actions, positioning their hatred as a declaration of war against God's decree that the older shall serve the younger. The consequences of this hatred are dire, as foretold in prophecy. Edom's pride and violence lead to a predicted annihilation, where nothing will be left of their wealth, wisdom, or might. Their allies will betray them, and they will be unable to perceive the treachery, blinded by a loss of understanding. This complete destruction is a direct result of their actions against their brother, reaping the hatred they have sown over centuries.

Edom, the descendants of Esau, holds a primary place among the ancient enemies of Israel, as listed in Psalm 83:5-8, where they are named first in a confederacy against God's people. This hatred, rooted in the conflict between Esau and Jacob from their time in the womb, has been perpetuated through generations, manifesting as a deep-seated animosity toward Israel. In Amos 1:11, God pronounces judgment on Edom for four transgressions: pursuing their brother Jacob with the sword, casting off all pity, harboring perpetual anger, and keeping wrath forever. These actions reveal Edom's character as violent, ruthless, destructive, and seething with unrelenting anger. In the book of Obadiah, God's condemnation continues, highlighting Edom's overwhelming pride, as they dwell in high places believing themselves unconquerable. Obadiah 1:10-14 details their violence against Jacob, especially during Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians, where Edom stood as an enemy, rejoicing over Judah's calamity, plundering their possessions, and cutting off escapees. This betrayal of familial bonds shows Edom's utter lack of mercy and their joy in Israel's suffering. God promises near annihilation for these traits, declaring in Obadiah 1:18 that the house of Esau shall be as stubble, with no significant remnant to remain as a people. Edom's enmity is further exemplified through Amalek, a grandson of Esau, whose descendants became a distinct and ruthless enemy of Israel. Genesis 36 traces Amalek's lineage, showing Esau's alliances with Canaanite tribes and Ishmael, aligning with those opposed to God's people. Amalek's tribe distinguished itself through ambition and violence, becoming a significant thorn in Israel's side. In Exodus 17:8-16, Amalek attacks Israel at Rephidim, targeting the weak and weary stragglers during the exodus, as detailed in Deuteronomy 25:17-18, showing no fear of God despite His visible presence. This act incites God's sworn enmity, promising war against Amalek from generation to generation and commanding their remembrance to be blotted out. Throughout Scripture, Edom and Amalek consistently display pride, violence, pitilessness, and cruelty, opposing everything of God and Israel. Their hatred, passed down through generations, positions them as central figures in any confederacy against God's people, using any means to bring about destruction.