Obd 8-15 | TNotes | STEP | 1:8 At that time (literally in that day ): The Hebrew word yom , “day ,” occurs twelve times in 1:8-15 , often translated “when” or “at that time.” The time referred to in 1:8 is the beginning of the end, when God steps in to reverse the fortunes of his people. • wise person ... everyone who has understanding: Edom took pride in its wisdom tradition (cp. Jer 49:7 ). For example, the book of Job is set in Edomite territory.

1:8 ^a At that time (literally in that day): The Hebrew word yom, “day,” occurs twelve times in 1:8-15 ^b, often translated “when” or “at that time.” The time referred to in 1:8 ^c is the beginning of the end, when God steps in to reverse the fortunes of his people.

• wise person ... everyone who has understanding: Edom took pride in its wisdom tradition (cp. Jer 49:7 ^d). For example, the book of Job is set in Edomite territory.
Summary for Obad 1:10-14: 1:10-14 ^e Because of the violence you did ... in Israel: The basis for Esau’s condemnation is stated in 1:10 ^f (cp. Isa 34 ^g; Jer 49:7-22 ^h; Joel 3:19 ⁱ; Amos 1:11-12 ^j) and amplified in Obad 1:11-14 ^k, where Edom’s treachery is described. In legal terms, the evidence of these verses supports the charge of covenant breaking.
1:11 ^l 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 ^m; cp. Matt 25:41-46 ⁿ), especially when there is either a specific “treaty of brotherhood” (Amos 1:9 ^o) 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 ^p 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 ^q). Among the sins that the Edomites committed against Judah were sharing with the Babylonians in plundering the land (Obad 1:13 ^r) and either killing or repatriating Judah’s fugitives (1:14 ^s). 1:12 ^t The tribes of Israel were Edom’s relatives (literally brother; cp. Num 20:14 ^u).

• 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.
Summary for Obad 1:15-18: 1:15-18 ^v The law of retribution (lex talionis) is that we harvest what we plant. Edom’s treachery, compounded by her pride, would be more than returned when the cup of vengeance came around to her lips. Justice would bring deliverance for Israel and punishment for Edom (see also Jer 49:7-22 ^w; Ezek 32:29 ^x; Mal 1:2-5 ^y). 1:15 ^z The day is near when I, the Lord, will judge (literally the day of the Lord is near): Although the day of the Lord was sometimes a temporal event (e.g., the forthcoming destruction of Edom; Joel’s locust plague, Joel 1:15 ^aa), in its final form that day encompasses God’s final retribution on all godless nations.

• As you have done: For those who experience judgment, their evil deeds shape their punishment.