In Genesis 36 we find genealogies of Esau. There is a little comment “These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the Israelites”. Israel was never supposed to have a king, their leader was God. By contrast, the Edomites served many gods, and had great and mighty leaders that led them into battle. They were focused on appearances.
Jesus warns of the dangers of appearances in Matthew 23. He tells the crowds and disciples to beware of the scribes and Pharisees, to do as they say but “not the works they do”. Jesus condemns them as hypocrites. He also tells the crowds where our focus should be, “you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Rather than being like the Edomite kings, exalting oneself above all others, Jesus highlights the importance of following his instruction, and of serving others.