Verse 1

CONTENTS

The subject of Jerusalem and her transgressions is dropped in this Chapter, because the Prophet is directed to set his face against the enemies of Jerusalem, the Ammonites, Moab, Seir, Edom, and the Philistines.

Verses 1-7

We have here the Lord reckoning with other sinful nations. And first with Ammon. This people had been a long enemy to Israel, and upon every occasion did all they could to distress them. 2 Samuel 12:26 etc. Here therefore the Lord begins to reckon with Ammon. And observe on what account it is done, namely, because they rejoiced in the transgression of Israel, and the Lord's displeasure with Israel. Aha Aha! so would we have it; is the language of all carnal men, when gracious souls transgress and all into sin and trouble. Psalms 35:21. See also the whole prophecy of Obadiah.

Verses 8-11

Moab comes next to be called to account for her joy at Israel's affliction. The Reader will connect with this account the history of Moab's hatred to Israel, when Balak hired an enchanter from the East to curse the people of God. And he will not fail to recollect the end of that business. Nu 22; 23; 24.

Verses 12-14

Edom, the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, is the next brought to God's bar, and a solemn judgment and sentence is pronounced upon Edom. See, Reader! how plainly the different seeds of nature and grace ran through all the generations of Esau and Jacob? Oh! to what can we refer distinguishing mercy but to God's sovereign will and purpose! Malachi 1:2-3; Romans 9:13-16.

Verses 15-17

Philistia makes up the last brought to judgment in this Chapter, for hatred to God's people; and not the least in the soreness of it. Reader! do not overlook the sweet consolations such reviews hold forth to the Lord's people, in that, while the Lord corrects his children as a father corrects them; and as proofs of his love, his displeasure is called forth to any, and to every enemy of his people as judgments, who take pleasure in the sorrows of his redeemed, and thwart them with reproaches while smarting under them. Hebrews 12:5-11.

Verse 17

REFLECTIONS

READER! I pray you do not hastily pass away from the perusal of this interesting Chapter. See! how the Lord takes notice of his people, even in those seasons, when for their backslidings, one might be prompted to fear the Lord took no part with them. Israel was at this time under chastisement, yea, heavy affliction. But will their enemies insult them in their misery? Will they rejoice when Israel profanes the Lord's sanctuary: or feel glad when Israel's land lays desolate, and the house of Judah is gone into captivity? Surely the Lord seeth the enemies triumph, and heareth their reproaches. Jesus takes up the quarrel as directed against himself, and woe to all such oppressors when He ariseth! Hear how the Lord, by another Prophet, undertakes for his afflicted ones, and reproves the enemy for their sakes. Shall I not, saith the Lord (by Obadiah the Prophet) in that day, even destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mouth of Esau? For thy violence against thy brother Jacob, shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut of f forever. Reader! it is very blessed and most gracious, to find the Lord taking part with his redeemed against all their oppressors; and though He corrects them himself, they shall not be corrected by others uncommissioned by him. Whoso toucheth them, toucheth the apple of his eye. Precious Lord Jesus! give thy people grace to see, and rightly to value their union and oneness with thee; and that even in their distresses for sin, and under thy displeasure, thou wilt not suffer the enemy to triumph; but wilt condemn every tongue that riseth against them in judgment; for this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. Amen.