OBADIAH
When the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem, the Edomites rejoiced and helped the enemy instead of helping their brethren (Gen. 25:21–26;
What were the sins of Edom? Pride stands at the top of the list, and God promised to bring them down (vv. 1–4). They were also guilty of looting (v. 13), and God said they would be looted (vv. 5–7). They were violent (v. 10) and indifferent (v. 11), and they rejoiced at the plight of the Jews (v. 12; Prov. 24:17–18); but God warned that they would one day be slaughtered (v. 8). What they had done to others would be done to them (v. 15), and there was no escape. (See
But there is a bright future for Israel (vv. 17–21), for they shall “possess their possessions” (v. 17). Babylon burned the city of Jerusalem and the temple, but Israel will be a fire to burn the enemy: “And the kingdom shall be the Lord’s” (v. 21)!
“The Other Side”
It is a cruel thing to stand “on the other side” when our brothers and sisters need our help. The priest and the Levite retreated to “the other side” instead of helping the wounded pilgrim (Luke 10:31–32). If it is in our power to help, we must do so (