Obadiah 10-14
Summary for Obad 1:10-14: 1:10-14 a Because of the violence you did ... in Israel: The basis for Esau’s condemnation is stated in 1:10 b (cp. Isa 34 c; Jer 49:7-22 d; Joel 3:19 e; Amos 1:11-12 f) and amplified in Obad 1:11-14 g, where Edom’s treachery is described. In legal terms, the evidence of these verses supports the charge of covenant breaking.1:11 h Outside of this book, nothing specific is known of Edom’s role during the various Babylonian invasions of Judah (in 605, 597, and 586 BC). Responsibility toward one’s neighbor is a specific requirement of God’s law (e.g., Deut 22:1-4 i; cp. Matt 25:41-46 j), especially when there is either a specific “treaty of brotherhood” (Amos 1:9 k) or a historical relationship that is regarded as fraternal (see study note on Obad 1:6).
Summary for Obad 1:12-14: 1:12-14 l All societies are held accountable for sins such as those of Edom (see, e.g., the oracles against Israel’s neighbors in Amos 1:3–2:3 m). Among the sins that the Edomites committed against Judah were sharing with the Babylonians in plundering the land (Obad 1:13 n) and either killing or repatriating Judah’s fugitives (1:14 o). 1:12 p The tribes of Israel were Edom’s relatives (literally brother; cp. Num 20:14 q).
• Edom and other local nations had apparently deceived themselves into thinking that rapprochement with Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC would bring them respite. Their time of judgment would come.
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