Obadiah 1:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Obadiah 1:11
11 In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them.
Chapter Context
Obadiah 1 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, love, judgment. Written during possibly after Jerusalem's fall (c. 586 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Edom's betrayal of Judah during Jerusalem's fall heightened ancient tribal hostilities.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Obadiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Obadiah 1:11
11 In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them.
Analysis
Edom's specific betrayal: "In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them." When Jerusalem fell to Babylon, Edom "stood on the other side"—passive spectators at best, hostile participants at worst. "Strangers carried away captive his forces"—Babylon conquered Judah. "Cast lots upon Jerusalem"—dividing spoils. "Even thou wast as one of them"—Edom acted like pagan enemies rather than showing kinship loyalty. This passivity in others' suffering, or worse, participation in it, provoked divine judgment. James 4:17 states: "To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." Edom knew they should help relatives but chose complicity.
Historical Context
Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem (586 BC) involved brutal siege, starvation, destruction of temple, mass killing, and exile. Edom's response—standing aside or celebrating—revealed their true character. The principle applies today: claiming faith while ignoring suffering brothers and sisters denies the gospel (1 John 3:17-18). Christ identifies with His people such that helping or ignoring them means helping or ignoring Him (Matthew 25:31-46).
Reflection
- How do we "stand on the other side" when fellow believers or vulnerable people suffer?
- What does it mean to be complicit in evil through passivity rather than active opposition?
Cross-References
- References Jerusalem: Psalms 137:7
- Parallel theme: Joel 3:3, Nahum 3:10