Obadiah 1:12

KJV

But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress.

KJV (with Strong's)

But thou shouldest not have looked {H7200} on the day {H3117} of thy brother {H251} in the day {H3117} that he became a stranger {H5235}; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced {H8055} over the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063} in the day {H3117} of their destruction {H6}; neither shouldest thou have spoken {H6310} proudly {H1431} in the day {H3117} of distress {H6869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You shouldn't have gloated over your kinsman on their day of disaster or rejoiced over the people of Y'hudah on their day of destruction. You shouldn't have spoken arrogantly on a day of trouble

Berean Standard Bible

But you should not gloat in that day, your brother’s day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast proudly in the day of their distress.

American Standard Version

But look not thou on the day of thy brother in the day of his disaster, and rejoice not over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither speak proudly in the day of distress.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Obadiah 1:12 delivers a scathing indictment against the nation of Edom, condemning their egregious lack of compassion and active hostility towards their kin, the people of Judah, during a time of immense national catastrophe. The verse specifically rebukes Edom for three distinct transgressions: observing Judah's suffering with satisfaction, rejoicing over their destruction, and speaking arrogantly in their distress, all actions that violated the sacred bond of brotherhood and foreshadowed divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, a prophetic oracle primarily directed against Edom, the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. The preceding verses (Obadiah 1:1-11) detail Edom's impending judgment, rooted in their pride and their violent actions against Judah. Verse 10 explicitly states, "For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever." Verse 12 then elaborates on the specific nature of this "violence" and betrayal, listing the heinous acts that sealed Edom's fate. The subsequent verses (Obadiah 1:13-14) continue to condemn Edom's active participation in the plundering and betrayal of Jerusalem, reinforcing the depth of their sin before pivoting to the broader theme of God's universal judgment and Israel's restoration (Obadiah 1:15-21).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "day of thy brother" and "day of their destruction" most likely refers to the Babylonian conquest and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a cataclysmic event for the kingdom of Judah. Edom, situated southeast of Judah in the mountainous region of Seir, shared a deep, albeit fraught, familial history with Israel, tracing their lineage back to Esau and Jacob. Despite this blood relation, a persistent animosity characterized their relationship, marked by border disputes, military conflicts, and a refusal of passage (as seen in [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Israel Passage")). During Judah's vulnerability, Edom did not offer aid but instead capitalized on their distress, demonstrating a profound betrayal of covenantal and familial solidarity. This historical backdrop underscores the severity of Edom's actions, as they violated the ancient Near Eastern expectation of kin-support, especially in times of crisis.
* **Key Themes:** Obadiah 1:12 is central to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. The primary theme is the **consequences of unbrotherly conduct and malicious joy**, particularly when directed against God's chosen people. Edom's actions highlight the sin of **_schadenfreude_**—taking pleasure in the misfortune of others—which is deeply offensive to God. The verse also underscores the theme of **divine justice and retribution**, as Edom's pride and cruelty will be met with a proportionate judgment, a principle articulated in [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord is Near"). Furthermore, it speaks to the **sanctity of the covenant family**; despite their fractured history, Edom and Judah remained "brothers" in a significant sense, making Edom's betrayal all the more reprehensible. Finally, the passage contributes to the theme of **God's sovereignty over nations**, demonstrating His active involvement in judging the proud and those who oppress His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **looked (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** While meaning "to see," in this context, _râʼâh_ carries a deeper implication than mere observation. It suggests a deliberate, often prolonged gaze, indicative of watching with satisfaction, gloating, or even taking pleasure in the spectacle of another's misfortune. It implies a lack of empathy and a failure to intervene or offer aid when witnessing a brother's downfall.
* **rejoiced (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** This word denotes a strong sense of joy, gladness, or delight. Its use here reveals the depth of Edom's moral depravity: they actively celebrated and found pleasure in the destruction and suffering of the children of Judah. This is not passive indifference but active malice, a profound spiritual and relational failing.
* **proudly (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be large" or "to make great," _gâdal_ in this context, especially when paired with "spoken" (from `peh`, mouth), signifies boasting, arrogant speech, or insolence. Edom's pride led them to magnify themselves and speak contemptuously or triumphantly over Judah in their weakest moment, demonstrating a haughty disregard for their suffering and for God's purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger":** This clause condemns Edom's passive yet complicit observation of Judah's suffering. "The day of thy brother" refers to the time of Judah's calamity, specifically when they became "a stranger," implying their scattering, exile, or the alienation of their land and people. Edom's sin was not merely witnessing the tragedy but doing so with a gaze that lacked compassion, perhaps even with satisfaction, failing to offer the expected fraternal support.
* **"neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction":** This second prohibition escalates the accusation, moving from passive observation to active, malicious delight. Edom is rebuked for celebrating the downfall of Judah, their "children" (descendants), during the period of their national "destruction" (likely referring to the fall of Jerusalem and the temple). This "rejoicing" signifies a profound moral failure, a _schadenfreude_ that violated the very essence of brotherly love and human decency.
* **"neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress":** The final condemnation addresses Edom's arrogant speech during Judah's vulnerability. "Spoken proudly" indicates boasting, gloating, or uttering insolent words against the afflicted people of Judah. In their "distress," Judah needed comfort and solidarity, but Edom responded with haughty declarations, perhaps claiming superiority or divine favor for themselves, further deepening their sin against their kin and against God.

#### Literary Devices
Obadiah 1:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Repetition**, specifically the phrase "in the day of," which appears three times. This anaphoric repetition emphasizes the specific timing of Edom's transgressions—during Judah's most vulnerable moments—and highlights the deliberate nature of their sinful actions. The use of **Triple Negation** ("shouldest not have looked," "neither shouldest thou have rejoiced," "neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly") creates a powerful rhetorical crescendo, underscoring the severity and comprehensive nature of Edom's moral failings. Furthermore, the passage uses **Personification** by referring to "the day of thy brother" and "the day of their destruction" as if the "day" itself is a tangible entity marking a period of profound suffering. The contrast between "thy brother" (Judah) and Edom's hostile actions creates a stark **Irony**, highlighting the betrayal of familial bonds.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Obadiah 1:12 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that God holds nations accountable not only for overt violence but also for attitudes of malicious indifference, _schadenfreude_, and arrogant speech towards the suffering, especially those within the covenant community. Edom's sin was a violation of the deep-seated expectation of brotherly love and solidarity, a betrayal of their shared lineage through Abraham and Isaac. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God observes and judges the heart's disposition, not just outward actions. The Lord demands empathy and compassion, not gloating or exploitation, in times of distress.

* [Proverbs 17:5](/proverbs/17-5 "Proverbs 17:5 - Mocking the Poor")
* [Proverbs 24:17-18](/proverbs/24-17-18 "Proverbs 24:17-18 - Do Not Rejoice When Your Enemy Falls")
* [Lamentations 4:21-22](/lamentations/4-21-22 "Lamentations 4:21-22 - Edom's Rejoicing and Coming Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Obadiah 1:12, though directed at an ancient nation, resonates deeply with timeless truths about human nature and God's expectations for His people. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any trace of _schadenfreude_—the insidious pleasure derived from another's misfortune. In a world often characterized by division and competition, this verse calls believers to cultivate genuine empathy and compassion, especially towards those who are struggling, whether they are friends, family, or even perceived adversaries. It reminds us that our response to the suffering of others is a profound indicator of our own spiritual health and alignment with God's heart. Instead of standing by indifferently, rejoicing in destruction, or speaking proudly, we are called to mourn with those who mourn, to offer comfort, and to pray for those in distress, recognizing that we are all interconnected in the human family and ultimately accountable to a just and compassionate God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be tempted to "look on" or "rejoice over" the struggles of others, whether overtly or subtly?**
* **How does the concept of "brotherhood" in Obadiah challenge my understanding of how I should treat those with whom I have disagreements or historical tensions?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of genuine empathy and compassion, moving away from indifference or pride when others are in distress?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific "day of destruction" for Judah that Obadiah refers to?**

Answer: While Obadiah does not explicitly name the event, most scholars agree that the "day of their destruction" refers to the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians in 586 BC. This event saw the city sacked, the Temple destroyed, and much of the population exiled, marking the end of the Kingdom of Judah. Edom's actions during this period, as condemned in Obadiah 1:12-14, included standing by, actively participating in the looting, and even capturing fleeing Judahites. This historical context is crucial for understanding the depth of Edom's betrayal against their "brother" Judah, as detailed throughout [Obadiah](/obadiah/1 "The Book of Obadiah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Obadiah 1:12's condemnation of Edom's unbrotherly conduct and malicious joy finds its ultimate fulfillment and reversal in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Edom exemplified the depths of human sin in celebrating the destruction of their kin, Christ perfectly embodies the divine compassion and solidarity that humanity failed to demonstrate. He did not "look on" our day of distress with indifference or pride, but rather, in His profound empathy, He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). Instead of rejoicing in our destruction, He became our substitute, taking upon Himself the very destruction we deserved, fulfilling the prophecy of the Suffering Servant who "was wounded for our transgressions" ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")). Furthermore, unlike Edom who "spoke proudly" in distress, Jesus, in His agony on the cross, uttered words of forgiveness and intercession for His persecutors ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Forgives His Persecutors")). His life and sacrifice call His followers to a radically different response to suffering—to weep with those who weep ([Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Rejoice and Weep Together")), to love our enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), and to be instruments of healing and reconciliation, reflecting the very heart of the One who came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Micah 4:11

Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.

Ezekiel 35:15

As thou didst rejoice at the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do unto thee: thou shalt be desolate, O mount Seir, and all Idumea, [even] all of it: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Proverbs 17:5

¶ Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: [and] he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

Proverbs 24:17

¶ Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

Proverbs 24:18

Lest the LORD see [it], and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

Matthew 27:40

And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

Matthew 27:43

He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.