Obadiah 1:14

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Obadiah 1:14 is a direct indictment against the nation of Edom for their egregious actions during a time of severe crisis for their "brother" nation, Judah. This verse specifically condemns two particularly cruel acts: standing at the crossroads to intercept and kill fleeing Judeans, and actively handing over survivors to their enemies.

Context

The book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, a prophetic oracle primarily directed against Edom, the descendants of Esau, who were historically related to Israel (descendants of Jacob). Despite this familial tie, Edom frequently showed hostility towards Judah. This particular prophecy likely refers to the period surrounding the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem (circa 586 BC), when Edom, instead of offering aid or refuge, actively participated in the plunder and slaughter of the Judeans. This verse highlights their opportunistic cruelty, exploiting Judah's vulnerability.

Key Themes

  • Active Betrayal: Edom's sin was not merely passive observation but active participation in the suffering of Judah. They exploited the "day of distress," showing no compassion.
  • Consequences of Cruelty: The book of Obadiah emphasizes divine judgment against those who rejoice in or profit from the misfortune of others. Edom's actions here seal their fate for God's retribution.
  • Violation of Brotherly Responsibility: As kin, Edom had a moral and historical obligation to assist Judah, not to become their adversary. This act of treachery violated the very spirit of neighborly love (see Leviticus 19:18).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "stood in the crossway" (Hebrew: miphraq) denotes a strategic position at a fork in the road, where escapees would naturally seek refuge. Edom's choice to position themselves there signifies a deliberate and malicious intent to cut off any hope of survival. To "cut off" (Hebrew: karath) implies a complete severing, often leading to death. Furthermore, "delivered up" (Hebrew: hisgir) means to hand over or surrender, indicating that any who survived the initial onslaught were actively betrayed to the invaders, rather than protected.

Practical Application

Obadiah 1:14 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and solidarity, especially towards those who are vulnerable or suffering. It condemns the human tendency to exploit the misfortunes of others or to stand by idly, or worse, to actively participate in their downfall. For believers today, this verse underscores the biblical principle that we are called to bear one another's burdens and to show love and mercy, particularly to those in distress. It highlights that God takes notice of how we treat His people and those in need, promising that He who touches them touches the apple of His eye.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 31:8 (2 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 37:3 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.