Obadiah 1:11
On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Edom wasn't just a passive bystander; the verse emphasizes their active participation, stating they were "like one of them," meaning they plunged into the brutal act of looting and dividing Jerusalem's spoils as if they were just another foreign invader. This wasn't mere neutrality, but a willing embrace of the enemy's actions, showing a betrayal of kinship for a share of the plunder.
The prophet Obadiah addresses the nation of Edom, condemning their actions during Jerusalem's downfall at the hands of foreign invaders. Instead of showing solidarity with their brother nation, the Edomites stood by, or worse, actively participated with the enemy, reveling in Judah's destruction and even claiming a share of the spoils. This betrayal is depicted as Edom becoming just like the ruthless conquerors themselves.
The verse describes Edom 'standing aloof' during Jerusalem's fall. Was this just passive observation, or something much darker?
The Hebrew word used for 'standing' here can imply more than just being a spectator. It suggests taking a position, often in opposition or hostility.
When Jerusalem was under attack, Edom didn't just watch from the sidelines; they actively sided with the attackers. This wasn't a neutral stance; it was a choice to be 'like one of them' – the enemies of their own people.
This betrayal cut deep because Edom and Judah were not just neighbors; they were kin, descended from brothers Isaac and Abraham. Yet, in their moment of greatest need, Edom chose to stand against their own family.
The invaders 'cast lots for Jerusalem.' What does this chilling detail reveal about Edom's involvement?
The act of 'casting lots' over Jerusalem signified a complete disregard for its people and property. It was how conquerors divided the spoils of war – people, possessions, and land.
By saying Edom was 'like one of them,' Obadiah is indicting them for participating in this brutal division. They weren't just present; they were actively involved in plundering their kin and celebrating their downfall.
This highlights a grave theological point: when people align themselves with forces of destruction and greed, they become complicit in the evil they enable. Their participation in the 'spoils' made them just as guilty as the primary aggressors.
Edom was a blood relative of Judah, yet acted like a 'stranger.' What does this say about identity and loyalty?
The prophet emphasizes the stark contrast between Edom's familial connection to Judah and their hostile actions. While Edom and Judah shared a common ancestry through Isaac, Edom's behavior was that of an alien enemy.
This demonstrates that outward familial ties mean little when they are not accompanied by loyalty, compassion, and a shared commitment to justice. Edom prioritized their own perceived advantage or perhaps ancient animosities over their God-given responsibilities as relatives.
Understand the original words
yom · Hebrew Noun
In Scripture, this refers to a specific time of divine intervention, judgment, or visitation, often associated with the culmination of history or a decisive moment of justice. It denotes the time when God manifests His sovereignty against wickedness and establishes His purposes.
nokri · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
People outside the covenant community of Israel, often implying an lack of spiritual or familial loyalty. In a negative context, it refers to those who are hostile toward God’s people or indifferent to His covenant.
goral · Hebrew Noun
To throw pieces of wood or stone with markings to determine fate or divide spoils. In Scripture, this often represents an attempt to exert control over something that belongs to God or a disrespectful disregard for the sacredness of a people or city.
This verse accuses Edom of malicious inaction and active participation in the suffering of their 'brother Jacob' during the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem, highlighting a deep betrayal of kinship.
c. 830 BC
Jehoash of Israel defeats Amaziah of Judah
The kingdom of Judah suffers a significant military defeat at the hands of Israel. This conflict saw significant destruction in Jerusalem and foreshadowed future Edomite treachery.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Jewish people and treasures to Babylon. This marks the start of the Babylonian exile.
c. 588-587 BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar Destroys Jerusalem
After a prolonged siege, Babylonian forces breach Jerusalem's walls, destroy the Temple, and deport the majority of the remaining population. Edomites are noted for their hostile stance and participation in the looting.
c. 587 BC
Edomites Aid Babylonians in Jerusalem's Fall
Historical accounts and prophetic judgments suggest Edomite complicity, where they stood by and even profited from Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians.
This psalm describes David's suffering and the way his friends stood far off, mirroring Edom's aloofness and betrayal of their kinship.
Ezekiel 35:10This passage echoes Obadiah's condemnation of Edom for claiming the land of Israel for themselves, a spiritual betrayal that parallels their actions on the day Jerusalem fell.
Jeremiah 49:7-11Similar to Obadiah, Jeremiah prophesies against Edom for their pride and their failure to help Judah, warning that their own destruction will come.
Joel 3:3This verse describes foreign nations casting lots for the people and land of Judah, directly correlating with the actions of the 'strangers' and Edom in Obadiah 1:11.
2 Chronicles 21:16-17This historical account shows foreign invaders (Philistines and Arabians) raiding Judah and carrying off possessions, providing a context for the 'strangers' and the plundering described in Obadiah.
barnesObadiah 1:11: "In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them."
In the day that thou stoodest on the other side - The time when they so stood, is not defined in itself, as a past or future. It is literally; "In the day of thy standing over against," i. e., to gaze on the calamities of God's people; "in the day of strangers carrying a…
clarkeObadiah 1:11: "In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them."
Thou stoodest on the other side - Thou not only didst not help thy brother when thou mightest, but thou didst assist his foes against him. And cast lots - When the Chaldeans cast lots on the spoils of Jerusalem, thou didst come in for a share of the booty; "thou wast as…
Edom wasn't just a passive bystander; the verse emphasizes their active participation, stating they were "like one of them," meaning they plunged into the brutal act of looting and dividing Jerusalem's spoils as if they were just another foreign invader. This wasn't mere neutrality, but a willing embrace of the enemy's actions, showing a betrayal of kinship for a share of the plunder.
The prophet Obadiah addresses the nation of Edom, condemning their actions during Jerusalem's downfall at the hands of foreign invaders. Instead of showing solidarity with their brother nation, the Edomites stood by, or worse, actively participated with the enemy, reveling in Judah's destruction and even claiming a share of the spoils. This betrayal is depicted as Edom becoming just like the ruthless conquerors themselves.
The prophet Obadiah addresses the nation of Edom, condemning their actions during Jerusalem's downfall at the hands of foreign invaders. Instead of showing solidarity with their brother nation, the Edomites stood by, or worse, actively participated with the enemy, reveling in Judah's destruction and even claiming a share of the spoils. This betrayal is depicted as Edom becoming just like the ruthless conquerors themselves.
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God holds His people accountable not just for their actions, but for their allegiances. Choosing to stand with oppressors against the vulnerable, especially when they are 'kin,' is a profound betrayal that incurs divine judgment.
Yerushalayim · Hebrew Proper Noun
The city of Jerusalem, the chosen dwelling place of God’s name and the center of Old Testament worship. It symbolizes the spiritual inheritance and the presence of God among His people.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus allows Jewish Return
After the fall of Babylon, Cyrus the Great permits the exiled Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple, marking the end of the Babylonian exile.
"On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them." — Edom wasn't just a passive bystander; the verse emphasizes their active participation, stating they were "like one of them," meaning they plunged into the brutal act of looting and dividing Jerusalem…
