God our Fortress - A Commentary on Nahum 1: 7-8

Friendly Fire

The vision of Obadiah. Thus says Lord Yahweh concerning Edom— We have heard a report from Yahweh, And an envoy has been sent among the nations saying, “Arise! And let us arise against her for battle” Obadiah 1

Historical context

Jacob and Esau were Abraham’s grandsons. Though they were born as twin brothers, the story of Jacob and Esau quickly became one of conflict, deception, and estrangement.

Jacob, later named Israel, became the father of the twelve tribes. Esau, also called Edom, became the ancestor of a nation that settled in the rugged, mountainous region of Seir, southeast of the land of Judah.

Now these are the generations of Esau (that is, Edom).

So Esau lived in the hill country of Seir; Esau is Edom. These then are the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir. Genesis 36: 1, 8-9

Despite their shared ancestry, the descendants of Jacob and Esau would become bitter rivals, their relationship marred by centuries of tension, suspicion, and hostility.

When the people of Israel came out of Egypt and journeyed toward the promised land, they requested safe passage through Edomite territory. The Edomites refused, forcing Israel to take a longer, more difficult route. This act of brotherly rejection set the tone for future interactions.

Too long, please open your Bible Numbers 20:14–21

Throughout the period of the kings, Edom remained a troublesome neighbor.

The great betrayal

The most grievous offense came during Jerusalem’s darkest hour—the destruction of the city by the Babylonians in 586 BC. As Babylon destroyed Jerusalem, Edom did not come to their aid. Instead, they stood aloof, rejoiced over the city's downfall, plundered its ruins, and even captured fleeing survivors, handing them over to the enemy (Obadiah 10–14).

Too long, please open your Bible Obadiah 10-14
Remember, O Yahweh, against the sons of Edom The day of Jerusalem, Who said, “Tear it down! Tear it down To its very foundation.” Psalm 137:7
“As you delighted over the inheritance of the house of Israel because it was desolate, so I will do to you. You will be a desolation, O Mount Seir, and all Edom, all of it. Then they will know that I am Yahweh.” ’ Ezekiel 35:15

God’s response

From this, we see that Obadiah is not merely recording a national grudge; he is proclaiming divine justice in response to a long-standing pattern of arrogance, cruelty, and betrayal, all the more grievous because it came from kin.

Thus says Yahweh, “For three transgressions of Edom and for four I will not turn back its punishment Because he pursued his brother with the sword While he corrupted his compassion; And his anger also tore continually, And he kept his wrath forever. Amos 1:11

God judges not only violent actions but also the heart that delights in the downfall of others. True love refuses to celebrate evil, even when it happens to those who have wronged us.

No compassion

Edom’s cruelty, schadenfreude and betrayal all stemmed from one source — a lack of compassion. Edom refused to show mercy to a failing brother. This wasn’t just mere politics; their heart was frozen in anger and hatred! In their moment of strength, they turned away from the cries of the vulnerable, revealing a hardness of heart that God would not overlook.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth 1 Corinthians 13:6 (NIV)

Higher standards

Too long, please open your Bible Matthew 5: 43-48

Jesus reframes enemy-love: not just non-retaliation, but proactive love. Jesus hinges our attitude to our enemies on God’s nature, who gives sun and rain to all.

The Edom mindset is opposite to kingdom love. It says, "Let them fall, and we’ll be pleased." Jesus says, "Pray for them, bless them, love them". Edom sought advantage in another’s suffering. Jesus calls us to seek others’ good, even at our own expense.

“Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares Lord Yahweh, “is it not that he should turn from his ways and live? Ezekiel 18:23
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some consider slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

If God does not take pleasure at the destruction of the wicked but desires their repentance, our posture should not be any different.

The modern spirit of Edom

  • Gloating in secret: Maybe we don’t loot cities, but we scroll past someone’s downfall with a smile.
  • Schadenfreude in disguise: When we delight in bad news about people we dislike — political opponents, difficult coworkers, estranged family, even other churches.
  • Social media culture: Encourages taking sides and celebrating others’ mistakes.

Challenge

Let love shape how you respond to others’ failures, especially when it’s someone you’re tempted to despise.

Reflection

  1. Is there someone whose failure I secretly enjoy?
  2. Am I tempted to gain from someone else's loss — relationally, emotionally, socially?
  3. How can I practice Christlike love in response to the misfortune of others this week?