Obadiah 1:10
For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.
Original Language Analysis
מֵחֲמַ֛ס
For thy violence
H2555
מֵחֲמַ֛ס
For thy violence
Strong's:
H2555
Word #:
1 of 7
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
אָחִ֥יךָ
against thy brother
H251
אָחִ֥יךָ
against thy brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
2 of 7
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
תְּכַסְּךָ֣
shall cover
H3680
תְּכַסְּךָ֣
shall cover
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
Cross References
Amos 1:11Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever:Psalms 89:45The days of his youth hast thou shortened: thou hast covered him with shame. Selah.Genesis 27:41And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.Ezekiel 35:9I will make thee perpetual desolations, and thy cities shall not return: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.Psalms 137:7Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.
Historical Context
Edom's hostility stretched from Moses's time (refusing Israel passage—Numbers 20:14-21) through monarchy (various conflicts) culminating in celebrating Jerusalem's fall. Psalm 137:7 captures Jewish anguish: "Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it." This sustained malice despite kinship particularly provoked God's judgment. The phrase "cut off forever" was fulfilled—Edom disappeared from history, a warning that God keeps His word.
Questions for Reflection
- How does betraying family, church, or covenant relationships constitute particularly serious sin?
- What does Edom's permanent destruction teach about the certainty of divine justice?
Analysis & Commentary
God specifies Edom's crime: "For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever." Edom's sin was "violence against thy brother"—Jacob and Esau were twin brothers (Genesis 25:24-26), making Israel and Edom kindred nations. Deuteronomy 23:7 commanded: "Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother." Yet Edom violated this kinship through violence. The punishment: "shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off forever." Shame replaces pride; permanent destruction replaces presumed security. This teaches that betraying covenant relationships constitutes especially heinous sin—greater knowledge and closer relationship increase accountability (Luke 12:47-48). Edom knew their kinship but chose hostility.