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"You should not have gazed"

Text: Obadiah 12

A SERIES OF “YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE”

A series of rebuke was spoken against Edom by the prophet Obadiah. There were good and positive things Edom could have done for his brother, Israel. But instead of rendering help, Edom added to the suffering of Israel (Judah).

“But you should not have gazed on the day of your brother
In the day of his captivity;
Nor should you have rejoiced over the children of Judah
In the day of their destruction;
Nor should you have spoken proudly
In the day of distress.”
Obadiah 12

THREE “YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE” STATEMENTS

1. “You should not have gazed on the day of your brother in the day of his captivity”

a) Relationship as brothers was highlighted.

b) Edom had forgotten an old adage:

“A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17

i) There should have been a strong bond of friendship.

ii) They should have been there for each other as brothers.

c) Instead, Edom “gazed” on the day of Judah’s captivity and did nothing!

2. “Nor should you have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction”

a) The least Edom could have done was to feel for Judah.

i) To feel sorrow.

ii) To feel compassion.

b) Instead, Edom “rejoiced”.

i) The Edomites were happy that the children of Judah were destroyed.

ii) They were glad at the demise of their brethren.

c) “Nor should you have spoken proudly in the day of distress”

i) What was there to be proud about?

ii) They were proud that they were strong.

iii) They were proud that they had remained intact when other nations had fallen to Babylon.

iv) They felt quite sure that they would not fall prey to the Babylonians.

v) Obadiah warned Edom of their own certain demise shortly.