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Daily Devotions

Amos

Amos 
Day 
Day 19

"Transgressions of Edom"

Text: Amos 1:11

TWIN BROTHERS

Esau and Jacob were the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 25:19-34). Esau was the firstborn. He was born “hairy” and thus he was called “Esau” (Genesis 25:25). Apparently, the colour of his hair was reddish, and thus he was nicknamed “Edom” (Genesis 25:25a, 30).

However, the twins were never close to each other. Jacob was in part to blame. He cheated his brother Esau of his birth-right and the blessing of the firstborn (Genesis 25, 27). Jacob fled from his twin brother in fear. Many years passed but though there was some kind of reconciliation, the brothers never were close (Genesis 32-33).

Esau became Edom. His country was in Mount Seir. Jacob was transformed through faith in the Lord and God gave him a new name “Israel” (Genesis 35).

THE GENEALOGY OF ESAU

This may be found in Genesis 36. Esau was called Edom (Genesis 36:1). His sons became chieftains. One of the sons was called “Teman” (Genesis 36:15). Sometimes, the name “Teman” was used as a reference to Edom (Amos 1:12).

THE JUDGMENT AGAINST EDOM

Amos proclaimed a divine judgment against Edom solemnly. The Lord judged Edom for its transgressions.

“Thus says the LORD:
‘For three transgressions of Edom, and for four,
I will not turn away its punishment,
Because he pursued his brother with the sword,
And cast off all pity;
His anger tore perpetually,
And he kept his wrath forever.”
Amos 1:11

1. “I will not turn away its punishment”

a) This phrase was used again and again (Amos 1:3, 6, 9, 11).
b) This was uttered against Syria, Philistia, Tyre and now Edom.

2. “Because he pursued his brother”

a) Israel’s relationship with Tyre was “the covenant of brotherhood” (Amos 1:9).
b) Israel’s relationship with Edom was simply “brotherhood” (by blood and not by covenant) {Amos 1:11}.
c) Edom pursued his brother Israel (intimation of “war”).

3. “With the sword and cast off all pity”

a) The word “pursuit” was now more clearly explained.
b) Edom warred against his brother Israel with the sword with no feelings of mercy or pity.

4. “His anger tore perpetually, and he kept his wrath forever”

a) “Anger” and “wrath” were used synonymously to indicate “fury”.
b) Edom maintained perpetual wrathful feelings and animosity towards Israel.

This was uncalled for and this led to wicked and sinful deeds!