Obadiah 1:12
But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress.
Original Language Analysis
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 17
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תֵּ֤רֶא
But thou shouldest not have looked
H7200
תֵּ֤רֶא
But thou shouldest not have looked
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 17
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בְּי֥וֹם
in the day
H3117
בְּי֥וֹם
in the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 17
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אָחִ֙יךָ֙
of thy brother
H251
אָחִ֙יךָ֙
of thy brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
4 of 17
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
בְּי֥וֹם
in the day
H3117
בְּי֥וֹם
in the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
5 of 17
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
נָכְר֔וֹ
H5237
נָכְר֔וֹ
Strong's:
H5237
Word #:
6 of 17
strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
7 of 17
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּשְׂמַ֥ח
neither shouldest thou have rejoiced
H8055
תִּשְׂמַ֥ח
neither shouldest thou have rejoiced
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
8 of 17
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
לִבְנֵֽי
over the children
H1121
לִבְנֵֽי
over the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יְהוּדָ֖ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֖ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
10 of 17
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
בְּי֥וֹם
in the day
H3117
בְּי֥וֹם
in the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
11 of 17
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אָבְדָ֑ם
of their destruction
H6
אָבְדָ֑ם
of their destruction
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
13 of 17
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּגְדֵּ֥ל
proudly
H1431
תַּגְדֵּ֥ל
proudly
Strong's:
H1431
Word #:
14 of 17
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
פִּ֖יךָ
neither shouldest thou have spoken
H6310
פִּ֖יךָ
neither shouldest thou have spoken
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
15 of 17
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Cross References
Ezekiel 35:15As thou didst rejoice at the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do unto thee: thou shalt be desolate, O mount Seir, and all Idumea, even all of it: and they shall know that I am the LORD.Micah 4:11Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.Proverbs 17:5Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.1 Samuel 2:3Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.2 Peter 2:18For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.Psalms 22:17I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.Psalms 37:13The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.Psalms 31:18Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.Job 31:29If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:Jude 1:16These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
Historical Context
Edom's response to Jerusalem's destruction demonstrated not just failure to help but active hostility and celebration. This pattern repeats in church history when professing Christians celebrate others' suffering rather than showing compassion. The Pharisee thanking God he's not like the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14) exemplifies similar pride. God resists such arrogance.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you secretly (or openly) rejoice when others you dislike face difficulties?
- How does Christ's command to love enemies challenge natural human responses to others' suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
God condemns Edom's attitudes during Jerusalem's fall: "But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress." The repetition "thou shouldest not" emphasizes moral obligation violated. "Looked on"—gloating observation. "Rejoiced"—taking pleasure in others' suffering. "Spoken proudly"—mocking distress. Proverbs 24:17-18 warns: "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth... lest the LORD see it, and it displease him." Taking pleasure in others' calamity, especially covenant relatives', constitutes serious sin. Christ commands loving enemies (Matthew 5:43-48), weeping with those who weep (Romans 12:15).