Obadiah

vs 11

By standing idle when injustice is occurring, you are essentially like one of the robbers. Which when you think about it sucks, because you don't even profit. But you'll still be treated as one. This here is a verse you could use to establish the principle they've called in the States the "bad Samaritan" - the idea that by doing nothing when someone is in trouble, you are in fact liable.

vs 12

This was the issue - this was the reason they stood back. Because they don't like Israel, and they wanted it to fall. And God does not take kindly to this attitude towards his people. Especially from those who are so closely linked in their history.

vs 13

Just because God is judging his people doesn't mean it's right to be a part of that judgment. God can open a door for his people to be punished. And evil people can walk through it. That doesn't mean his vengance will not come down on you if you still choose to take action against his people. God just knows that evil people will do it, though.

vs 14

These just sound like the actions of people who have a personal vendetta. I mean, looting a house that's already broken into is opportunism. But lying in wait for someone fleeing a burning building... what kind of scum?

vs 15

And most nations back then - and probably now - don't stand up to God's test. What we do will be returned on our heads. As nations. I suddenly care who I vote for a little more now.

vs 16

I'm not sure if this is meant to be a blessing or a curse. It's hard to tell. I mean, it could mean a number of things. It could mean that when the nations come to plunder Edom, they will do the drinking there.

vs 17

This is why I think that they'll do their drinking in Edom. Because in this verse it is Zion that becomes the deliverance and inheritance once more.

vs 18

And so the destruction of Edom is set out. It will come from God's people, it will be total. God has spoken.

vs 19

I'm not exactly sure what is going on in the next two verses. Are these Israelite people who are moving into Edom? Or is it other peoples from around Israel?

vs 20

The promise of God's people returning and having land is here. Even through the punishment of Edom there is hope for Israel. And I think this is the whole point of the little book. Through vengance comes salvation. Part of being saved from wickedness is the judgment of that wickedness.

vs 21

As will all places be in the end. God's dominion will stretch into eternity, and all things will come to his feet. I mean, it's his already, but he'll claim it, as it were.