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
The Hebrew word for "gloat" is "ra'ah," which conveys a sense of looking upon something with satisfaction or pleasure, often at another's misfortune. In the context of Obadiah, this is a stern warning against deriving joy from the suffering of others, particularly those with whom one shares a familial or covenantal bond. Historically, Edom and Israel were nations descended from Esau and Jacob, respectively, making them kin. The admonition here is a call to empathy and compassion, reflecting the broader biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and not delighting in their downfall.

over your brother
The term "brother" is significant, as it underscores the familial relationship between Edom and Israel. This is not merely a political or national rivalry; it is a betrayal of kinship. The Hebrew word "ach" for brother emphasizes the closeness and the expected loyalty and support that should exist between relatives. This highlights the gravity of Edom's actions and serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining familial bonds and responsibilities, even amidst conflict.

in the day of his misfortune
The phrase "day of his misfortune" refers to a time of calamity or disaster. The Hebrew word "eyd" suggests a period of ruin or distress. This is a reminder of the transient nature of human circumstances and the call for humility and solidarity in times of trouble. The historical context here is the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, a time when Edom should have offered support but instead chose to rejoice in Judah's suffering.

nor rejoice over the people of Judah
"Rejoice" in Hebrew is "samach," which means to be glad or joyful. The admonition against rejoicing over Judah's downfall is a call to resist the temptation to find happiness in the suffering of others. This reflects a broader biblical ethic that values compassion and empathy over schadenfreude. The people of Judah, as God's chosen people, were in a covenant relationship with Him, and their suffering should have been a cause for mourning, not celebration.

in the day of their destruction
The "day of their destruction" refers to the catastrophic events that befell Judah, particularly the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The Hebrew word "abad" implies a complete and utter ruin. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the reality of divine judgment. It also underscores the need for solidarity and support among God's people during times of divine chastisement.

nor boastfully mock
The phrase "boastfully mock" combines the ideas of pride and derision. The Hebrew "peh" (mouth) and "gadal" (to make great) suggest speaking arrogantly or contemptuously. This is a warning against prideful attitudes that elevate oneself at the expense of others. In the biblical narrative, pride is consistently portrayed as a vice that leads to downfall, and this admonition serves as a call to humility and respect for others, even in their weakness.

in the day of distress
"Day of distress" uses the Hebrew word "tsarah," which denotes a time of trouble or affliction. This phrase encapsulates the theme of the verse, which is a call to compassion and solidarity in times of hardship. The historical context of Judah's distress serves as a backdrop for this moral teaching, reminding believers of the importance of standing with those who suffer and reflecting God's love and mercy in their actions.

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.