Obadiah 1:12

But you should not gloat in that day, your brother's day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast proudly in the day of their distress.

Study Bible

But you should not gloat in that day
The admonition against gloating highlights the moral and ethical expectations God has for nations and individuals. Gloating over another's misfortune is condemned throughout Scripture, as seen in Proverbs 24:17-18, which warns against rejoicing when an enemy falls. This phrase underscores the principle of empathy and compassion, even towards adversaries. The "day" refers to a specific time of judgment or calamity, often seen as a divine act of justice.

your brother’s day of misfortune
The term "brother" refers to the close kinship between Edom and Israel, as both nations descended from Esau and Jacob, respectively. This familial relationship is emphasized to highlight the betrayal and lack of solidarity shown by Edom. The "day of misfortune" likely refers to the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a time of great suffering for Judah. The historical context reveals the deep-seated animosity between the two nations, despite their shared ancestry.

nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction
Rejoicing over Judah's destruction is condemned as it reflects a heart contrary to God's desire for justice and mercy. The destruction of Jerusalem was a significant event, marking the end of the Davidic kingdom and the beginning of the Babylonian exile. This phrase connects to the broader biblical theme of God's judgment and the call for humility and repentance. The rejoicing of Edom is seen as a violation of the covenantal relationship and a failure to recognize God's sovereignty.

nor boast proudly in the day of their distress
Boasting in another's distress is portrayed as arrogance and pride, which are consistently condemned in Scripture. This attitude reflects a lack of understanding of God's justice and mercy. The "day of their distress" refers to the severe trials faced by Judah, including the siege and destruction of Jerusalem. This phrase serves as a warning against pride and self-exaltation, reminding readers of the need for humility before God. The prophetic literature often contrasts human pride with divine sovereignty, as seen in Isaiah 2:11-12.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Obadiah
The prophet who authored the book, delivering a message of judgment against Edom.

2. Edom
A nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, often in conflict with Israel.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, representing the people of God during the time of Obadiah.

4. Esau
The ancestor of the Edomites, brother of Jacob, representing a historical and familial connection to Israel.

5. Day of Misfortune/Destruction/Distress
Refers to the time of Judah's suffering and calamity, possibly during the Babylonian invasion.

Teaching Points

Avoiding Schadenfreude
Rejoicing in others' misfortune is contrary to God's heart. We are called to empathy and compassion, even towards those we may consider adversaries.

Family and Brotherhood
The relationship between Edom and Israel serves as a reminder of the importance of familial bonds and the destructive nature of holding grudges.

God's Justice
Obadiah's message underscores that God sees and judges the actions of nations and individuals. We must trust in His justice rather than taking matters into our own hands.

Humility in Victory
When we see others fall, it is a time for humility and reflection, not pride or arrogance. We should seek to help rather than hinder.

The Power of Repentance
The call to Edom is a reminder that repentance and change are always possible. We should seek to align our actions with God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the historical relationship between Edom and Israel inform our understanding of Obadiah 1:12?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of not gloating over others' misfortunes in our daily lives?

3. How does the teaching in Obadiah 1:12 relate to Jesus' command to love our enemies in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to foster reconciliation in strained relationships, drawing from the lessons in Obadiah?

5. How can we trust in God's justice when we see wrongdoing, and what role does prayer play in this process?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 25:29-34
The account of Esau selling his birthright to Jacob, highlighting the longstanding tension between their descendants.

Psalm 137:7
A lament over Edom's role in Jerusalem's downfall, showing the historical animosity.

Proverbs 24:17-18
Advises against rejoicing in the downfall of one's enemy, echoing the sentiment in Obadiah.

Matthew 5:44
Jesus' teaching to love your enemies, providing a New Testament perspective on dealing with adversaries.