Were the Edomites a threat to God despite their strength?
No. Though the Edomites were physically strong mountain dwellers who grew proud and claimed no one could destroy them, they were nothing under a sovereign God. He declared He would destroy them, throw down what they built, and not let them prosper, because as Esau’s offspring they were anti-God.
Les teaches that the offspring of Esau were the Edomites, who were mountain dwellers. Because they climbed mountains daily, they developed great physical stamina and became a physically strong people. They built their homes, vineyards, and heritage up in the cliffs of the rock. Their strength led them to become proud and arrogant, saying, “Nobody can destroy us.” But God said He would destroy them and not let them prosper, because coming out of Esau they were anti-God and had no time for God. God had already thrown down their houses once, yet they said they would return and build the desolate places. The Lord said they would build, but He would throw them down; they would be called the border of wickedness and the people against whom the Lord has indignation forever. Even with all their pride and physical stamina, they were nothing under a sovereign God, while little, weak Israel could be made whatever God wanted.
Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.