Day 30 – April 5, 2022

Israel and Edom – Part 2

¹⁰ “Because of the violence you did to your close relatives in Israel, you will be filled with shame
    and destroyed forever.
¹¹ When they were invaded, you stood aloof, refusing to help them.
Foreign invaders carried off their wealth and cast lots to divide up Jerusalem,
    but you acted like one of Israel’s enemies.

¹² “You should not have gloated when they exiled your relatives to distant lands.
You should not have rejoiced when the people of Judah suffered such misfortune.
You should not have spoken arrogantly in that terrible time of trouble.
¹³ You should not have plundered the land of Israel when they were suffering such calamity.
You should not have gloated over their destruction when they were suffering such calamity.
You should not have seized their wealth when they were suffering such calamity.
¹⁴ You should not have stood at the crossroads, killing those who tried to escape.
You should not have captured the survivors and handed them over in their terrible time of trouble.

Obadiah 1:10-14 (NLT)

The prophet Obadiah outlines Edomite complicity during the destruction of Jerusalem and the forced displacement of the people of Judah. What makes the complicity especially egregious is that Edom is a “close relative” of Israel and Judah. They refused to aid their sisters and brothers. Obadiah, speaking for God, says that Edom will experience a similar fate as a result.

When you read through the list of things the Edomites “should not have” done, why do you think they acted that way? What do you think God would have wanted them to do instead? Have you ever rejoiced in someone’s suffering? Taken advantage of people when they are down on their luck? Acted more like an enemy that a friend? Can you think of examples when our nation has done what we “should not have” done in times of war? What do you think God would have wanted us to do instead?

Each day (except Sundays) during Lent, we will post a Scripture for reflection on our theme, “Military Withdrawal.” Together, we will learn to walk in God’s ways of peacemaking and reconciliation. These posts are meant to stimulate conversation and interaction. Please post your thoughts and comments.