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"If thieves had come to you"

Text: Obadiah 5

GOD’S KINDNESS TO EDOM

God’s kindness to Edom was clearly articulated in the Book of Deuteronomy. Israel was given this clear word of command concerning Edom.

“You shall not abhor an Edomite,
for he is your brother.”
Deuteronomy 23:7

1. View of Edom

a) A brother.

b) Therefore he is not to be abhorred.

2. This was because of the blood-relationship

a) Between Esau and Jacob.

b) This relationship was to be honoured.

THE PLUNDER OR HARVEST OF EDOM

The fate of Edom in the future was a bleak one. The nation would be plundered.

“If thieves had come to you,
If robbers by night-
Oh, how you will be cut off!-
Would they not have stolen till they had enough?
If grape-gatherers had come to you,
Would they not have left some gleanings?”
Obadiah 5

1. Thieves and robbers

a) They come only to plunder.

b) They would steal until they felt that they had enough.

c) This was one possible scenario for Edom.

2. “Grape-gatherers”

a) An ancient practice in Israel.

i) When a field is gleaned, some grapes must be left behind for the poor to glean.

ii) This law was written in the Pentateuch (Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19-21).

b) If the plunderers were “grape gatherers”

i) They might not totally pluck Edom clean.

ii) In which case, there was still hope for Edom in the future.

3. The final fate of Edom

a) There was yet hope extended.

b) But would Edom repent and seek God’s forgiveness?