By: Obed Pineda
When a person is surprised with an unexpected gift, usually the phrase that follows is “you shouldn’t have.” It is curious that the expression’s subjective connotation does not necessarily align with it’s objective denotation. Currently, this phrase is often interpreted as a meek reaction of gratitude displayed by the one who received the present. It exhibits a spirit of humility where the person receiving the gift is stating that they do not feel deserving of the generosity being extended toward them. However if one were to take the words of this sentence literally, it would almost appear as of the person was offended by the kind gesture. This could be the case when rather than an expression of thanksgiving, words of admonishment are spoken instead. Thus, context once more becomes key in deciphering the proper use of the phrase. Upon reading Obadiah’s inspired words to the nation of Edom, seven times Jehovah God states “you should not have” to them as a reprimand for their voluntary cooperation with the enemies of His children, the Israelites (cf. Obadiah 1:12-14). Verily, it has been stated by Biblical scholars that the inspired work of Obadiah is summarized with this expression because through its entirety God brings to light a conglomerate of misdeeds which they had practiced, sealing their righteous punishment by His holy hand. It is wise to note that this inspired treatise included among the “minor” prophets of the Old Testament was originally written for the Gentile nation of Edom. The value of this truth becomes even more precious when it is recalled that it was also written during the time that the Law of Moses was still in effect (cf. Colossians 2:14, Hebrews 7:18-28). Therefore, this proves once more that it is God Who, “will judge the world in righteousness” and not only His people (Acts 17:31a, 1st Peter 4:17-18). Obadiah’s stern words to the Edomites echoes Nahum’s message to another Gentile nation; the Assyrians. The Almighty declared thru the Elkoshite, “God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; the LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for His enemies; The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and will not acquit the wicked” (Nahum 1:2-3a). God’s just judgment against all sinners is illumined by both of these Old Testament prophets, but it is true as well that His grace and mercy are on full display by seeking to stir in them a spirit of contrition and penitence through His prophets. Hence, this should remind us of God’s words to the children of Judah as He reminded them, “I am the LORD, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob” (Malachi 3:6, cf. 2nd Peter 3:9). It was Jehovah’s purpose to bring into Edom’s memory the seeds of bitterness they had planted, which was now bringing into fruition the penalty of their evil ways. Obadiah exposed Edom’s bitter root against Israel by decrying, “For violence against your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever. In that day that you stood on the other side – in that day that strangers carried captive his forces, when foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem – even you were as one of them. But you should not have gazed on the day of your brother in the day of his captivity; nor should you have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; nor should you have spoken proudly in the day of their distress” (Obadiah 10-12). Thrice does God denounce Edom’s enjoyment at the expense of Judah’s shame. Remember that the blood feud between Edom and Israel originated with their fathers, Esau and Jacob (cf. Genesis 27:41, Hebrews 12:14-17). Edom relished witnessing Israel be defeated by the hands of her enemies. The inspired psalmist prayed, “Remember, O LORD, against the sons of Edom the day of Jerusalem, who said ‘Raze it, raze it, to its very foundation’” (Psalm 137:7)! God’s reprimand of Edom’s decision to “gaze” on Israel’s destruction highlighted their lack of compassion toward their fellow man. Wanting to have “front row seats” to enjoy the downfall of an enemy revealed their insatiable thirst for violence and vengeance. Their hearts had been so festered with the toxins of vindictiveness, that they watched Jerusalem’s destruction and celebrated it, ignoring the crucial lesson that was being taught on that day. Edom was so enthralled by Israel’s downfall that they failed to realize that “if the righteous will be recompensed on the earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner” (Proverbs 11:31). The meaning of the inspired proverb is that if God was willing to punish His disobedient children in the manner that He did, what made the Edomites confident that their sin would remain unperturbed. Instead, by taking pleasure in Israel’s demise and putting aside mercy and compassion, they added to their sinful ways. They dismissed the valuable lesson that God was punishing His children severely because of their idolatrous tendencies; the same idol worship that Edom was engaged in. Thus, instead of standing there to be entertained by their rival’s destruction, they should have heeded the warning and sought to immediately purge themselves from all of their false gods. This also unveils one of the perils of self-righteousness. It is very possible that the Edomites believed that they were finally being vindicated from the “wrongs” of Jacob and his descendants. Yet, their self-righteous attitude blinded them from the wrongs they needed to correct in their own lives, lest they too be inflicted by the rod of God. Their impure minds disallowed them to enjoy the merciful warning from heaven being provided for them in the example of Jerusalem’s demise. Their misplaced lust for revenge denied them an incredible opportunity to “be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). This mindset manifests the dire consequences of a proud heart that never allows the wound to heal with forgiveness and mercy. It proves just how deep into the abyss of antipathy an unresolved issue can delve a person into. It provides insight to the wisdom of Paul’s caution, “Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27). Edom’s deplorable enjoyment of Judah’s destruction undeniably gave place to the devil, but lamentably also to God’s justified retribution, for it is written, “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from Him” (Proverbs 24:17-18).