By Mike Chaffin
Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the Lord’s. Obadiah 1:21
In the shortest book of the Old Testament the last words are one of judgement on their neighboring country to the southeast. Esau was Jacob’s brother. God had chosen Jacob to be the father of Israel. Esau went south of Canaan and took the land from the Horites. It has been called Edom, Seir, and Mt. Seir over the years, yet it is the same country.
Obadiah’s prophecy of judgement has to do with Edomites helping other countries attack Jerusalem, harassing and killing Israelites as they fled. They were guilty of pride. They were guilty of taking advantage of their ancient relatives in their time of need.
It is a cautious tale that we all can take to heart. The Edomites had always had a tenuous relationship with Israel. The older brother, the older country, saw an opportunity to collect spoil and to kick someone when they were down. God sees their ruthless behavior and declares to end their country.
Jesus warned us against this type of behavior when he said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,” Matthew 5:43-44.
The Edomites might have thought the Israelites hated them, but it gives them no license to hate back.
Paul continued with Jesus’s teaching when he said,
“Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Romans 12:20
The last word here is to always show love and mercy, even to those who persecute you. A hard teaching, but one we must learn.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your words of peace. We are, by all means, to live at peace with our neighbor, and when that isn’t possible, to love our enemies. Lord help me to live this out. In Jesus name, amen.
