Edom

Bible Study

Amos 1:11-12 ESV

The historic story of the Edomites and the Israelites had burned hot through many many generations.

In Amos 1:11-12 we are told, “Thus says the Lord:

“For three transgressions of Edom, and for four,I will not turn away its punishment,Because he pursued his brother with the sword,And cast off all pity;His anger tore perpetually,And he kept his wrath forever.

But I will send a fire upon Teman,Which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.”

Once again three and four which is not mentioned because of redundancy…it is mentioned because of another major sin and God’s action and reaction to that sin.

This time God focuses on Edom. Edom was related to Israel through Esau or Edom…remember Esau and Jacob or Israel, so there is a close connection. Edom was located on the east side of the Jordán River.

God promises he will not stop or turn away from punishment.

The reason: Edom pursued his brother Israel with a sword. Throughout history even though they were related by brothers they continually fought. In Numbers 20:17-21 the Edomites denied the Israelites to pass through their land. That set the stage for a hostility between the two nations that continued to the time of Amos.

He (Edom) did not show pity to Israel.

He (Edom) tore his anger perpetually into Israel.

He kept hold of his wrath toward them (Israel).

As a result God will send fire on Temán. And devour the palaces of Bozrah. We know from Obediah 9 that Temán was a main city in Edom and Bozrah was the capital in ancient times. The point is that from Temán to Bozrah or north to south of Edom throughout history they would be attacked. By the time of Malachi in the Fifth Century B.C. They were desolate (Malachi 1:3).

In God, Deborah

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