The name Edom (אֱדֹם) means 'red' and is the name given to Esau, the twin brother of Jacob. It became the name of both the nation descended from Esau and the territory they occupied south of the Dead Sea.
Edom serves as a complex theological type in Scripture. The story of Esau-Edom and Jacob-Israel illustrates God's sovereign election: 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated' (Malachi 1:2-3, Romans 9:13). Esau's despising of his birthright for red stew (Gen 25:30 — hence 'Edom/red') represents trading eternal inheritance for earthly appetite. The prophets frequently use Edom as a symbol of proud nations that oppose God's people and face His judgment (Obadiah, Isaiah 34, Ezekiel 35). Yet God also commanded Israel to respect Edomites as brothers (Deuteronomy 23:7), showing His mercy extends even to those outside the covenant line.