Obadiah 1:14

KJV

Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither shouldest thou have stood {H5975} in the crossway {H6563}, to cut off {H3772} those of his that did escape {H6412}; neither shouldest thou have delivered up {H5462} those of his that did remain {H8300} in the day {H3117} of distress {H6869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You shouldn't have stood at the crossroads to cut down their fugitives or handed over their survivors on a day of trouble."

Berean Standard Bible

Nor should you stand at the crossroads to cut off their fugitives, nor deliver up their survivors in the day of their distress.

American Standard Version

And stand thou not in the crossway, to cut off those of his that escape; and deliver not up those of his that remain in the day of distress.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Obadiah 1:14 delivers a scathing indictment against the nation of Edom for their egregious and opportunistic cruelty during Judah's time of profound distress, likely the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem. The verse specifically condemns Edom for actively positioning themselves at strategic escape routes to intercept and murder fleeing Judean refugees, and for callously surrendering any surviving remnant to their enemies, thereby compounding Judah's suffering and demonstrating a profound betrayal of their shared familial heritage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Obadiah 1:14 is situated within a concise prophetic oracle, the shortest book in the Old Testament, primarily directed against Edom. This verse follows Obadiah's initial pronouncements of divine judgment against Edom (Obadiah 1:1-9), detailing the specific reasons for this impending doom. It is part of a series of charges (Obadiah 1:10-14) that enumerate Edom's various offenses against their "brother" nation, Judah, culminating in the particularly heinous acts described here. The verse serves as a climactic accusation, highlighting the depth of Edom's treachery and setting the stage for the declaration of their complete downfall and Judah's ultimate restoration (Obadiah 1:15-21).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Obadiah's prophecy is widely understood to be the period surrounding the Babylonian conquest and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Edom, descended from Esau, was a neighboring nation to Judah, descended from Jacob, making them distant relatives (see [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - Jacob and Esau")). Despite this kinship, Edom frequently harbored animosity towards Judah, often exploiting their weaknesses. During the fall of Jerusalem, instead of offering refuge or aid, Edom seized the opportunity to participate in the plunder, block escape routes, and even hand over survivors to the Babylonian invaders. This act was a profound violation of ancient Near Eastern codes of conduct, especially concerning kinsmen, and demonstrated a ruthless opportunism that sealed their condemnation in God's eyes. The "crossway" (Hebrew: _pereq_) refers to a strategic fork in the road or mountain pass, a natural escape route for those fleeing a besieged city, making Edom's presence there a deliberate act of malice.
* **Key Themes:** Obadiah 1:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Active Betrayal and Cruelty**, demonstrating that Edom's sin was not merely passive indifference but active participation in the suffering of their kin. Their actions during Judah's "day of distress" highlight a profound lack of compassion and a willingness to exploit vulnerability. Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Judgment for Injustice**, as Edom's actions are presented as a direct affront to God's justice, warranting severe retribution (compare with [Proverbs 17:5](/proverbs/17-5 "Proverbs 17:5 - Mocking the Poor")). Finally, it exemplifies the **Violation of Brotherly Responsibility**, as Edom, despite their familial ties, acted as an adversary rather than a protector, thereby contravening the spirit of kinship and neighborly love that the Law often emphasized (e.g., [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stood (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** From H5975, a primitive root meaning to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive); to abide, appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. Here, it denotes a deliberate, fixed position, indicating Edom's intentional and strategic presence at the escape routes. They did not stumble upon the fugitives but actively positioned themselves to intercept them.
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** From H3772, a primitive root meaning to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e. make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces); be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), lose, perish, utterly, want. In this context, it signifies a violent severing of life, a deliberate act of murder, ensuring no escape for the fleeing Judeans. It implies a complete and merciless destruction of those attempting to flee.
* **delivered up (Hebrew, _çâgar'_):** From H5462, a primitive root meaning to shut up; figuratively, to surrender; close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, straitly. This word describes the act of handing over, surrendering, or imprisoning. It points to Edom's active collaboration with Judah's enemies, not just passively observing but actively aiding in the capture and subjugation of the survivors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway,"**: This clause condemns Edom for their deliberate and strategic positioning. Instead of offering assistance or remaining neutral, they chose to occupy the critical escape routes (the "crossway," H6563 _pereq_, referring to a fork in the road or a pass) where desperate Judeans would naturally seek refuge. Their presence was not accidental but a calculated act of malice, indicating their intent to intercept and harm.
* **"to cut off those of his that did escape;"**: This specifies the first heinous action: actively preventing escape and murdering those who had managed to flee the initial destruction. The phrase "cut off" (H3772 _kârath_) implies a violent severing, often leading to death, targeting the "escapees" (H6412 _pâlîyṭ_), the vulnerable remnants of Judah. This was a direct assault on the most desperate and defenseless.
* **"neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress."**: This second clause condemns Edom for a further act of betrayal: handing over the "remnant" (H8300 _sârîyd_), those who had survived the initial onslaught and perhaps even the attempts to "cut off." To "deliver up" (H5462 _çâgar_) means to surrender or give over to an enemy. This highlights Edom's active collaboration with the invaders, exploiting Judah's "day of distress" (H3117 _yôwm_ of H6869 _tsârâh_, a time of intense trouble and anguish) to ensure the complete subjugation of their kin.

#### Literary Devices
Obadiah 1:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of condemnation. **Apostrophe** is evident as the prophet directly addresses Edom ("thou"), creating a powerful sense of accusation and judgment. The vivid imagery of "standing in the crossway" and "cutting off" the fleeing refugees creates a stark and memorable picture of Edom's predatory behavior, utilizing **Visual Imagery** to emphasize their cruel opportunism. The use of **Parallelism** in the two balanced clauses ("Neither shouldest thou have stood... neither shouldest thou have delivered up...") underscores the dual nature of Edom's sin – both active interception and active betrayal – intensifying the indictment. Furthermore, the phrase "day of distress" functions as a form of **Euphemism** or **Understatement** for the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem, highlighting the profound vulnerability of Judah and, by contrast, the extreme callousness of Edom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Obadiah 1:14 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering commitment to justice and His particular concern for the vulnerable and oppressed. Edom's actions reveal a profound spiritual blindness and moral depravity, as they not only failed to show compassion but actively participated in the suffering of their own kin during their darkest hour. This verse underscores the biblical principle that God holds nations and individuals accountable for their treatment of others, especially those who belong to His covenant people. It demonstrates that opportunistic cruelty, particularly against the defenseless, incurs divine wrath. The "day of distress" for Judah becomes a "day of reckoning" for Edom, illustrating the principle that how one treats God's people is how one treats God Himself.

* [Psalm 137:7](/psalm/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Remember Edom's Cruelty")
* [Proverbs 24:17-18](/proverbs/24-17-18 "Proverbs 24:17-18 - Do Not Rejoice When Your Enemy Falls")
* [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - What You Did for the Least of These")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Obadiah 1:14 challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, particularly in times of others' vulnerability. It condemns not only active malice but also the passive indifference or opportunistic exploitation of another's suffering. In a world often marked by conflict and distress, this verse calls believers to embody radical compassion and solidarity. Are we standing in the "crossways" of life, ready to intercept and aid those who are fleeing hardship, or are we, like Edom, positioned to exploit their pain for our own gain, whether material, social, or emotional? The call is to actively bear one another's burdens, to offer refuge and support, and to resist the temptation to rejoice in or profit from the misfortunes of others. Our response to those in distress reveals the true nature of our love and our alignment with God's heart for justice and mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be tempted to stand idly by, or even benefit from, the distress of others?**
* **How can I actively position myself to offer help and refuge to those who are "escaping" hardship in my sphere of influence?**
* **What does this verse teach me about God's perspective on human suffering and our responsibility to one another?**

### FAQ
**What was the "day of distress" mentioned in Obadiah 1:14?**

Answer: The "day of distress" most likely refers to the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. This event marked a period of immense suffering for the Judeans, involving siege, famine, the razing of the city and its temple, and the forced exile of its inhabitants. Edom's actions during this time, as condemned in Obadiah 1:14, compounded Judah's agony by preventing escape and actively betraying survivors to their enemies.

**Why was Edom's behavior particularly condemned, given their relationship with Judah?**

Answer: Edom's behavior was particularly egregious because they were considered "brother" nations, descended from Jacob and Esau (see [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - Jacob and Esau")). Despite this familial tie, Edom consistently showed hostility towards Judah. Their actions during Jerusalem's fall—actively intercepting and betraying fleeing Judeans—were a profound violation of kinship and basic human decency. This betrayal of a suffering relative was seen as an especially heinous sin in God's eyes, warranting severe divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Obadiah 1:14, with its stark portrayal of betrayal and the exploitation of the vulnerable, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, while Edom "cut off" those who sought escape, Christ is the ultimate escape and refuge for all who are distressed by sin and death. He is the "way" (John 14:6), not a crossway to destruction, but the singular path to life. Second, Edom "delivered up" the remnant to their enemies, but Jesus, the Good Shepherd, lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11), never delivering them up to destruction but rather rescuing them from the dominion of darkness and transferring them into His kingdom (Colossians 1:13). He endured being "delivered up" by His own people and by the authorities (Acts 3:13) to secure the ultimate deliverance for humanity. Furthermore, the "day of distress" for Judah foreshadows the ultimate "day of distress" for all humanity under the weight of sin, from which only Christ can deliver. He stands not at a crossway to block escape, but at the cross, opening the way for all who believe to find eternal refuge and peace. His sacrifice ensures that those who are "His" will never be cut off or delivered up to condemnation, but will find ultimate salvation and security in Him (Romans 8:31-39).

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

Psalms 31:8

And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.

Isaiah 37:3

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day [is] a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and [there is] not strength to bring forth.

Genesis 35:3

And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

Obadiah 1:12

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.

Amos 1:9

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant:

Amos 1:6

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver [them] up to Edom:

Jeremiah 30:7

Alas! for that day [is] great, so that none [is] like it: it [is] even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.