Obadiah 1:14 - Don’t stand in the crossroads to cut off those of his who escape. Don’t deliver up those of his who remain in the day of distress.
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What does "Obadiah 1:14" mean?
Obadiah 1:14 is a harsh indictment against the Edomites for their behavior towards Israel during a time of distress. To understand the verse, let's break it down:
"Don't stand in the crossroads to cut off those of his who escape": This refers to Edom actively preventing Israelites from fleeing danger. The "crossroads" were strategic points, and by standing there, the Edomites were acting as roadblocks to capture those trying to escape the invading armies (likely the Babylonians). They were actively hindering the safety and freedom of the Israelites.
"Don't deliver up those of his who remain in the day of distress": This means the Edomites were not only preventing escape but were also handing over any remaining Israelites to the enemy (likely also the Babylonians). "Delivering up" implies betrayal and collaboration with the enemy to harm their own kin.
In essence, the verse accuses the Edomites of:
Blocking the escape of Israelites: Preventing them from finding safety.
Capturing and handing over remaining Israelites to their enemies: Aiding and abetting the enemy in oppressing and possibly killing or enslaving the Israelites.
Historical Context:
Obadiah prophesied against Edom, Israel's neighbor to the south, for rejoicing in Israel's downfall and taking advantage of their suffering. Historically, there was often animosity between Israel and Edom, and the Edomites exploited Israel's weakness during times of invasion and conquest instead of offering assistance. This betrayal was seen as particularly heinous because of their kinship (the Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother).
Theological Significance:
The verse illustrates the severity of:
Taking advantage of others' misfortunes: Instead of showing compassion, the Edomites exacerbated the suffering of the Israelites.
Betraying family and kinship: The Edomites were expected to show solidarity with Israel, but they instead aligned themselves with the enemy.
Lack of empathy and compassion: The Edomites lacked basic human empathy and actively contributed to the destruction and suffering of their neighbors.
In short, Obadiah 1:14 condemns the Edomites for their cruel and opportunistic behavior toward the Israelites in a time of great need. It accuses them of actively hindering escape and handing over their own people to the enemy, highlighting a profound betrayal of kinship and basic human decency.
Obadiah 1:14 - Don’t stand in the crossroads to cut off those of his who escape. Don’t deliver up those of his who remain in the day of distress.
What does "Obadiah 1:14" mean?
Obadiah 1:14 is a harsh indictment against the Edomites for their behavior towards Israel during a time of distress. To understand the verse, let's break it down:
"Don't stand in the crossroads to cut off those of his who escape": This refers to Edom actively preventing Israelites from fleeing danger. The "crossroads" were strategic points, and by standing there, the Edomites were acting as roadblocks to capture those trying to escape the invading armies (likely the Babylonians). They were actively hindering the safety and freedom of the Israelites.
"Don't deliver up those of his who remain in the day of distress": This means the Edomites were not only preventing escape but were also handing over any remaining Israelites to the enemy (likely also the Babylonians). "Delivering up" implies betrayal and collaboration with the enemy to harm their own kin.
In essence, the verse accuses the Edomites of:
Blocking the escape of Israelites: Preventing them from finding safety.
Capturing and handing over remaining Israelites to their enemies: Aiding and abetting the enemy in oppressing and possibly killing or enslaving the Israelites.
Historical Context:
Obadiah prophesied against Edom, Israel's neighbor to the south, for rejoicing in Israel's downfall and taking advantage of their suffering. Historically, there was often animosity between Israel and Edom, and the Edomites exploited Israel's weakness during times of invasion and conquest instead of offering assistance. This betrayal was seen as particularly heinous because of their kinship (the Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother).
Theological Significance:
The verse illustrates the severity of:
Taking advantage of others' misfortunes: Instead of showing compassion, the Edomites exacerbated the suffering of the Israelites.
Betraying family and kinship: The Edomites were expected to show solidarity with Israel, but they instead aligned themselves with the enemy.
Lack of empathy and compassion: The Edomites lacked basic human empathy and actively contributed to the destruction and suffering of their neighbors.
In short, Obadiah 1:14 condemns the Edomites for their cruel and opportunistic behavior toward the Israelites in a time of great need. It accuses them of actively hindering escape and handing over their own people to the enemy, highlighting a profound betrayal of kinship and basic human decency.