Obadiah 1:10

ยถ For [thy] violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.

For thy violence {H2555} against thy brother {H251} Jacob {H3290} shame {H955} shall cover {H3680} thee, and thou shalt be cut off {H3772} for ever {H5769}.

For the violence done to your kinsman Ya'akov, shame will cover you; and you will be forever cut off.

Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever.

For the violence done to thy brother Jacob, shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.

Commentary

Obadiah 1:10 delivers a powerful and concise declaration of divine judgment against the nation of Edom. This verse encapsulates the core reason for Edom's impending destruction: their cruel and opportunistic actions against their "brother" nation, Jacob (Israel).

Historical and Cultural Context

The prophecy of Obadiah is directed specifically at Edom, a nation descended from Esau, the twin brother of Jacob (Genesis 25:23). Despite this familial connection, a long-standing animosity existed between the two nations. Edom often acted as an adversary to Israel, refusing passage, joining enemies, and, most notably in this context, exploiting Judah's vulnerability during the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem. Instead of offering aid or showing compassion, Edom actively participated in the plundering and stood by as their "brother" suffered, as further detailed in Obadiah 1:11-14. This betrayal of kinship forms the backdrop of God's severe condemnation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Betrayal of Brotherhood: The phrase "thy violence against thy brother Jacob" emphasizes the profound breach of familial and moral obligation. Edom's actions were not just against a neighboring nation, but against their own kin, making the offense particularly grievous in God's sight. This highlights the importance of how we treat those with whom we share a deep connection.
  • Divine Justice and Consequences: God's judgment is swift and certain for Edom's cruelty. The pronouncement "shame shall cover thee" signifies public disgrace and humiliation, a fitting recompense for their gloating over Israel's downfall. The ultimate consequence, "thou shalt be cut off for ever," points to a complete and irreversible destruction, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to justice for His people.
  • God's Protection of His People: Implicit in Edom's condemnation is God's fierce protection of Israel. While Israel faced temporary defeat and exile, God would not allow their oppressors to go unpunished. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people are disciplined (Deuteronomy 32:35).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "violence" here is hamas (ื—ึธืžึธืก), which denotes not just physical force, but also injustice, cruelty, and moral wrong. It carries a strong connotation of destructive, unrighteous behavior. The phrase "cut off" translates the Hebrew verb karath (ื›ึธึผืจึทืช), a term often used to signify expulsion, excommunication, or utter destruction. In this context, it implies a complete and permanent termination of Edom's national existence and identity, underscoring the finality of their judgment.

Practical Application

Obadiah 1:10 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Seriousness of Our Actions: It underscores that God sees and judges all acts of injustice, especially those committed against the vulnerable or those with whom we share a bond. Our actions, particularly those driven by malice or indifference, have eternal consequences.
  • Accountability for Indifference: Edom was condemned not only for active violence but also for their passive indifference and even delight in their brother's suffering. This calls us to actively demonstrate compassion and solidarity, rather than standing by when others are in distress (Galatians 6:2).
  • God's Sovereignty and Justice: The verse reaffirms that God is ultimately in control and that He will bring justice to bear. While evil may seem to triumph for a season, God's righteous judgment will prevail, ensuring that "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7).
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Amos 1:11

    Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever:

  • Malachi 1:3

    And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.

  • Malachi 1:4

    Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.

  • Psalms 89:45

    The days of his youth hast thou shortened: thou hast covered him with shame. Selah.

  • Genesis 27:41

    ยถ And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.

  • Ezekiel 35:9

    I will make thee perpetual desolations, and thy cities shall not return: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 49:17

    Also Edom shall be a desolation: every one that goeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all the plagues thereof.