דברי הימים ב, פרק כ״ח, פסוק י״ז

The Kingdom of Judah found itself completely surrounded by danger, facing threats from every direction: Aram to the east, the Philistines to the west, Ephraim to the north, and Edom to the south. Seeking relief, the king of Judah turned to the empire of Assyria for help. This alliance successfully removed the northern and eastern threats, as Assyria exiled Aram and segments of the Ten Tribes. However, the protection agreement with Assyria offered no defense against the remaining borders. Left vulnerable, the enemies to the south and west seized the opportunity to strike.

The Edomites launched a direct invasion into Judah's territory. This attack marked a major shift in history. For generations, dating back to the rule of King Amaziah, the Edomites had been a conquered people, completely enslaved by Judah. Their sudden rise, successful strike, and taking of captives were not merely the results of a changing political landscape. Ultimately, this turn of events was driven by the will of God, who orchestrated the invasion to humble and defeat the people of Judah [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].