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Rabbi Gordon - Devarim: 5th Portion
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| Topics: | Devarim, Parshah |
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Rabbi Yehoshua Gordon directed Chabad of the Valley in Tarzana, CA until his passing in 2016.
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If Eisov lived in Seir, near Israel, why do we always call Rome as Eisav?
The short answer: Edom is a nation which descended from Esau. In the rabbinic texts, Edom is often equated with Rome.
See also Bereishit 36:1,8,20,43 and Obadiah 1.
A bit of background.
Avraham Ibn Ezra on Bereishit 27:40 notes: Rome comes from the Kittim as is stated in Numbers 24:24. They were a small group who believed in the one that people made into a diety. Few Edomites accepted the new religion and it began to spread until Rome by an Edomite priest and that is why Rome is equated with Edom.
Ramban also notes this idea, the Edomites were the first people to believe in this [religion] and their newfound faith ended up in Rome, that is why Edom and Rome are equated as they had the same beliefs, although they are two separate countries.
He also cites an ancient Targum on Eicha 4:22 where this idea is expressed.
David Kimchi on Joel 4:19 also notes that the Rome was comprised of Edomites.
Thank you