Obadiah 1:12

Commentary on Obadiah 1:12 (KJV)

Obadiah 1:12 serves as a stern rebuke against Edom for its callous and hostile behavior during Judah's time of extreme suffering. The prophet Obadiah condemns Edom's actions, highlighting their lack of brotherly compassion and their active participation in the downfall of their kin, the descendants of Jacob.

Context

The Book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, a powerful oracle primarily directed against the nation of Edom. Edom, located southeast of Judah, was descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob. Despite this familial tie, a deep-seated animosity existed between the two nations, evident throughout their history (e.g., Numbers 20:14-21). This verse specifically addresses Edom's conduct during the Babylonian conquest and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a period of immense distress for the "children of Judah." Instead of offering aid or sympathy, Edom either stood by indifferently, actively participated in the plundering, or rejoiced in Judah's calamity.

Key Themes

• Lack of Brotherly Compassion: The most prominent theme is Edom's failure to act with empathy or solidarity towards their "brother" Judah. They "shouldest not have looked on" their suffering, implying an active, perhaps even gleeful, observation of their demise.
• Rejoicing in Adversity (Schadenfreude): Edom is condemned for "rejoicing over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction." This speaks to a profound moral failing – finding satisfaction in the misfortune of others, especially one's own kin.
• Pride and Arrogance: The command "neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress" highlights Edom's arrogance. In their pride, they gloated and perhaps boasted over Judah's downfall, believing themselves superior or secure from similar judgment. This pride is a recurring theme associated with Edom throughout Obadiah.
• Divine Justice: Underlying these prohibitions is the principle that God observes and judges such actions. Edom's sins of indifference, malice, and pride would inevitably lead to the principle of divine judgment, often called the Day of the Lord, where their deeds would be returned upon their own head.

Linguistic Insights

• "looked on" (Hebrew: ra'ah): More than mere observation, this word can imply gazing, watching with satisfaction, or even gloating. It suggests a lack of intervention when help was desperately needed.
• "rejoiced over" (Hebrew: samach): This denotes a deep sense of joy or delight. The use of this strong word emphasizes the severity of Edom's sin – they took pleasure in the suffering of others.
• "spoken proudly" (Hebrew: gadal peh): Literally meaning "made great the mouth," this idiom signifies boasting, arrogant speech, or insolence. Edom's pride led them to speak contemptuously of Judah in their weakest moment.

Practical Application

Obadiah 1:12 offers timeless lessons on human conduct and divine expectations:

• Empathy and Compassion: Believers are called to cultivate empathy and compassion for others, especially those in distress. We are to "rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep" (Romans 12:15), not to gloat or stand idly by.
• Warning Against Schadenfreude: Taking pleasure in another's misfortune is a serious sin in God's eyes. This verse condemns the attitude of celebrating the downfall of an adversary, reminding us that such an attitude is contrary to God's heart.
• Humility in Prosperity: When others suffer, it is a time for humility and prayer, not for pride or boasting. Our security and well-being come from God, and we should avoid any sense of superiority that might lead to looking down on the afflicted.
• The Principle of Reciprocity: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Obadiah emphasizes that how we treat others, particularly the vulnerable, often determines how we ourselves will be treated by God.