Because of violence to your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame, and you will be cut off forever.
“On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth, and foreigners entered his gate and cast lots for Jerusalem— You too were as one of them.”
“Do not gloat over your brother’s day, the day of his misfortune.” Obadiah 1:10-12
The prophet Obadiah warned the people of Edom that destruction would come to them. Why? Because they ignored the plea of their brothers in Judah. When Jerusalem was attacked, Edom did not come to help, but rather gave approval. The irony is the Edomites were descendants of Abraham and Isaac (but not Jacob, rather his brother Esau). Yet, despite their shared ancestry, the Edomites and Israelites lived in almost perpetual conflict. In the fifth century the prophecy came true when Edom was displaced into Idumea and ultimately disappeared from history altogether.
Am I fighting against God or His people? Have I realized that whoever blessed the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will themselves be blessed?
God, what a reminder that You keep Your promises and that You honor those who honor You. I pray that You will lead and guide me today. Help me serve You well and sense Your blessing upon my life. Thank you that when I placed my faith and trust in Jesus, I became a child of Abraham and have become part of the apple of Your eye.
