Who are the edomites today?

According to biblical history, the Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin brother (Genesis 25:30, 36:1). Esau is identified as the father of the Edomites [1], and they established a kingdom in the mountainous region southeast of Judah, known as Mount Seir or Edom. The Edomites maintained a distinct identity throughout the Old Testament period, often in conflict with Israel (see Numbers 20:14-21, 1 Samuel 14:47, 2 Kings 8:20-22). However, after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, the Edomites migrated westward into southern Judah, a region that became known as Idumea. By the intertestamental period and into New Testament times, the Edomites had been largely absorbed into the Jewish population. The Herods, who ruled Judea during Jesus's time, were of Edomite descent, demonstrating this integration. From a Church of Christ perspective grounded in New Testament scripture, there is no biblical basis for identifying a distinct Edomite people group existing today. The Edomites as a separate nation ceased to exist after their absorption into surrounding populations, particularly the Jewish people. The Living Word emphasizes that biblical genealogies and tribal identifications are primarily relevant to understanding Old Testament history and God's covenant people, with the New Testament focusing on the spiritual Israel—the church of Christ (Galatians 3:26-29).