Last week we saw that the Edomites were the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob (father of the tribes of Israel), and today we are going to look into why they are being judged and humbled.

We see early on in Obadiah that the Edomites are arrogant in their hearts. A lot of this had to do with their dwelling place. They lived up in the clefts of the rock, so places that were well protected and hard to get to. They believed themselves to be protected and safe, but we see that God is going to humble them. This seems to be a small part of why they are going to be humbled and judged, because the main part is revealed in verse 10 where it reads, “Because of violence to your brother Jacob, You will be covered with shame, and you will be cut off forever.”

Here we see that they are going to be judged and judged harshly because of their treatment not just to God’s people but to their relatives. We see here that due to their relation with Israel, and the way they have been treating them, God is coming down hard on them. We see here God’s care and provision for His people, and also His judgment against their/His enemy. It seems a little more personal and directed, because of the blood relation.

So what can we learn here? God does not mess around when it comes to His people! He will have the last word and the final judgment. We can take comfort that the God who judges is also the God who saves as well. His mercy and justice work hand-in-hand, His love and wrath work hand-in-hand, His holiness and grace work hand-in-hand, so let us worship and praise Him for who He is!

Thanks for reading,

Pastor Josh