The book of Obadiah in the Bible contains a prophecy about the nation of Edom.
Among other things, Edom is criticized for their pride. The primary issue, however, is not what they did, but what they didn’t do. Theirs is not an act of commission, but of omission.
Specially, the gripe that God has for them is for violence afflicted on the nation of Judah. Not that Edom actually committed the violence, but that they merely stood by and watched as other nations did it.
For this, they are destined to be “covered with shame” and “destroyed forever.” That is a harsh judgment for doing nothing. There is no forgiveness offered to Edom and no restoration recorded; just punishment.
This shows us God’s heart for us to act justly and his displeasure for those who stand idly by and not helping those in trouble.
When we see someone in need, someone being taken advantage of or being treated unfairly, do we take action to assist or stand aloof like Edom?
[See Obadiah 10-11.]
A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.
