| Meaning |
{
"name": "Seir",
"category": "Geographical region / Biblical location",
"description": "Seir is an ancient mountainous region located in the southern part of the Transjordan, traditionally identified with the area of the Edomite nation. It is frequently mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the dwelling place of the Edomites and is associated with the descendants of Esau.",
"biblicalReferences": [
"Genesis 36:8-9 – Seir is listed as the land of the Edomites, descendants of Esau.",
"Deuteronomy 2:5 – Describes Seir as a land previously inhabited by the Horites before the Edomites took it over.",
"Numbers 20:14 – Moses and the Israelites travel near Seir while journeying to the Promised Land."
],
"historicalContext": "In antiquity, Seir was a rugged, arid highland area, known for its basaltic rock formations. It served as a natural boundary between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah to the north and the Edomite kingdom to the south. Archaeological evidence links the region to early Iron Age settlements and the Edomite culture.",
"modernIdentification": "The region historically identified as Seir corresponds roughly to the modern-day area of southern Jordan, near the city of Petra and the Al-Karak Governorate.",
"relatedTerms": [
"Edom",
"Horites",
"Esau",
"Transjordan"
]
} |
