Edom’s arrogance

Edom is the descendant of Esau, Jacob’s brother. In this book, “Edom” and “Esau” are used as synonymous terms. Moab and Ammon were cousins to Israel, but Edom was a brother. The former also opposed Israel, but the latter’s hostility was more thorough. Therefore, a thorough judgment from God will come upon Edom. (1) A “messenger” has been sent among the nations, which can be understood either as an angel or as a human envoy. The message from the Lord that the messenger spoke was to rise up and let us go against Edom for battle. (2) At this time, Edom’s heart was filled with arrogance. They lived in the clefts of the rock and made the heights their dwelling. This was Mount Seir, that is, the region of what is now southern Jordan. There was a city there called Bozrah (present-day Petra). It was an impregnable city formed among the rocks. Therefore, Edom boasted, “Who will bring me down to earth?” (3) What they took pride in became a trap for them. If you trust in anything other than God, you will surely be put to shame. God declares to Edom as follows: “‘Though you make your home high like the eagle, though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,’ declares the Lord.”

Thorough judgement

It is prophesied that the judgment that will come upon Edom will be thorough. (1) No thief or robber ever takes everything away completely; they leave something behind, like fruit left on the vine. However, in the case of Esau (Edom), nothing will be left; they will be completely plundered. (2) Their allies will show a friendly attitude (escorting visiting envoys back to the border is a sign of friendship), but it is nothing more than deception. In the end, close friends and those who had been sustained by Edom will betray Edom and set a trap for them. (3) The judgment that will come upon Edom is extremely severe. They will lose their existence as a nation. As it says, “Then your warriors will be filled with terror, Teman, so that everyone will be eliminated from the mountain of Esau by murder.” Just as last time, let us learn the folly of arrogance. No matter how well protected by a strong fortress, the life of one who does not place trust in God is pitiable. Those who visit the ruins of Petra today are astonished by the grandeur of the ruins, and at the same time realize how fleeting earthly splendor is. “For this is contained in Scripture: ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a choice stone, a precious cornerstone, And the one who believes in Him will not be put to shame’” (1 Peter 2:6).