About Edom: (NET) The name Edom derives from a Hebrew root that means “red.” Edom was located to the south of the Dead Sea in an area with numerous rocky crags that provided ideal military advantages for protection. Much of the sandstone of this area has a reddish color. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob (Gen 25:19–26).
About their city Sela (the rocky cliffs v.3): (NET) The word rock in Hebrew (סֶלַע, sela’) is a wordplay on Sela, the name of a prominent Edomite city. Its impregnability was a cause for arrogance on the part of its ancient inhabitants.
Ob and In:
1. The arrogance of Edom and the reply from the LORD
v.3b You think to yourself,
‘No one can bring me down to the ground!’
v.4 I can bring you down even from there!” says the LORD.
2. The extent of their destruction
v.5 But you will be totally destroyed!
(NET) Obadiah uses two illustrations to show the totality of Edom’s approaching destruction. Both robbers and harvesters would have left at least something behind. Such will not be the case, however, with the calamity that is about to befall Edom.
v.6 How the people of Esau will be thoroughly plundered!
Their hidden valuables will be ransacked!
v.9b everyone will be destroyed from Esau’s mountain!
v.10b shame will cover you, and you will be destroyed forever.
3. The reason for God's total and forever judgment towards Edom was because of what they had done to Jacob
v.10 violently slaughtered the people of Jacob,
v.11 stood aloof while strangers took his army captive... you behaved as though you were in league with them.
v.12 gloated when your relatives suffered calamity, rejoiced over Judah's destruction, boasted when they suffered adversity
v.13 entered the city...joined in gloating...looted their wealth
v.14 slaughter those who trying to escape, captured their refugees
Reflection: What shall we do when our b/s suffers?? Do not let other people or join other people when they harm them. Do not rejoice when they suffered. Do not join those who harm them and take advantage. Do not treat them with violent when they try to escape.
As a passive bystander when our b/s suffered is evil to God. Total destruction is coming to such person.
What does being brothers and sisters mean? Do not let them to suffer by themselves. Being a passive bystander is against the nature of being b/s.
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