Obadiah 1:13-14

Obadiah 1:13-14 (ESV): “13  Do not enter the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; do not gloat over his disaster in the day of his calamity; do not loot his wealth in the day of his calamity. 14  Do not stand at the crossroads to cut off his fugitives; do not hand over his survivors in the day of distress.”

When a person falls, we should not rejoice. Nor should we take advantage of the misfortune of others. Jesus’ golden rule still applies: treat others the way you want to be treated.

Obadiah prophesied against Edom—the descendants of Esau—after the fall of Judah to the Babylonians. Instead of helping their brother nation, Edom captured fleeing Israelites and handed them over to the Babylonians. They even occupied portions of Judah’s land after the invasion. Because of this betrayal and cruelty, God declared severe judgment upon Edom.

Have you ever found yourself secretly glad over someone else’s failure? Do you ever rejoice in another person’s downfall? The Lord calls us to something better. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Mic. 6:8). Never take advantage of someone who is already down. Help where you can—and certainly do not contribute to their destruction.  Amen?

Father, great in mercy and rich in compassion are You. Help us display those same attributes toward our neighbor. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.