Nor should you stand at the crossroadsThis phrase highlights the strategic position of Edom, located at a crossroads of major trade routes. Historically, Edomites were known for their strategic control over these routes, which they used to their advantage. The crossroads symbolize a place of decision and opportunity, where Edom chose to act against their kin, the Israelites. This action is condemned as it reflects betrayal and opportunism. The crossroads also serve as a metaphor for moral and spiritual decisions, emphasizing the importance of choosing righteousness over exploitation.
to cut off their fugitives
The act of cutting off fugitives indicates a deliberate attempt to prevent escape and ensure capture or death. In the context of the Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem, Edom's actions are seen as a betrayal of their kinship with Israel. This phrase underscores the severity of Edom's sin, as they not only refrained from offering refuge but actively participated in the oppression. Biblically, this act is reminiscent of other instances where God condemns those who harm the vulnerable, such as inProverbs 24:11-12, which calls for the rescue of those being led away to death.
nor deliver up their survivors
Delivering up survivors implies handing over those who managed to escape the initial destruction. This action is particularly egregious as it involves betrayal and a lack of compassion. Historically, this reflects Edom's alliance with Babylon, prioritizing political gain over familial loyalty. Theologically, it contrasts with the biblical call to protect and aid the oppressed, as seen in passages likeIsaiah 1:17, which urges the defense of the fatherless and the widow.
in the day of their distress
The "day of their distress" refers to the time of Jerusalem's fall and the suffering of its people. This phrase emphasizes the timing of Edom's actions, highlighting their opportunistic nature. In biblical prophecy, the "day of distress" often signifies a time of divine judgment and testing. Edom's actions during this period are seen as a failure to act justly and mercifully, contrasting with the biblical ideal of supporting those in distress, as exemplified by the Good Samaritan inLuke 10:25-37. This serves as a reminder of the call to act with compassion and justice, even in times of chaos and judgment.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
EdomitesDescendants of Esau, brother of Jacob, who lived in the region of Edom. They are the primary audience of Obadiah's prophecy, being rebuked for their actions against the Israelites.
2.
IsraelitesDescendants of Jacob, who were fleeing from their enemies during a time of distress. They were betrayed by the Edomites, their kin.
3.
CrossroadsA metaphorical or literal place where decisions are made. In this context, it represents a place where the Edomites intercepted and harmed the fleeing Israelites.
4.
Day of DistressA time of calamity and suffering for the Israelites, likely referring to an invasion or attack by foreign powers.
5.
ObadiahA prophet who delivered God's message of judgment against Edom for their betrayal and violence against their relatives, the Israelites.
Teaching Points
The Sin of BetrayalThe Edomites' actions serve as a warning against betraying those who are vulnerable, especially those with whom we share a bond or kinship.
God's JusticeObadiah's prophecy reminds us that God sees and judges the actions of nations and individuals, especially when they harm others in their time of need.
Compassion in CrisisIn times of distress, we are called to be compassionate and supportive, not opportunistic or harmful.
The Importance of BrotherhoodThe relationship between Edom and Israel highlights the importance of maintaining peace and support within familial and community relationships.
Standing at the CrossroadsWe often face decisions that can lead to either harm or help for others. We must choose paths that align with God's will and demonstrate love and justice.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Obadiah 1:14?
2.How does Obadiah 1:14 warn against taking advantage of others' misfortune?
3.What does Obadiah 1:14 teach about God's view on betrayal and loyalty?
4.How can we apply Obadiah 1:14 to modern-day conflicts and disputes?
5.Compare Obadiah 1:14 with Proverbs 24:17. What similar principles are taught?
6.How can we ensure our actions align with the warnings in Obadiah 1:14?
7.What historical events does Obadiah 1:14 reference regarding Edom's actions against Israel?
8.How does Obadiah 1:14 reflect God's judgment on betrayal and violence?
9.What is the significance of Edom's actions in Obadiah 1:14 for understanding divine justice?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Obadiah 1?
11.How does Obadiah 1:18 align with or conflict against evidence of Edomite survival or assimilation in later history?
12.If Obadiah 1:10-14 prophesies Edom's utter destruction, why do archaeological records not uniformly confirm this total collapse?
13.Where is the archaeological evidence that all exiles in Egypt faced the disastrous fate prophesied in Jeremiah 44:12-14?
14.What prompted God's judgment on Edom?What Does Obadiah 1:14 Mean
Nor should you stand at the crossroadsObadiah pictures Edom placing itself at strategic intersections while Jerusalem’s citizens flee the Babylonian invasion.
• The crossroads are literal road junctions south of Judah where refugees would pass on the way to safety (compare2 Kings 25:4–5).
• God forbids Edom from blocking those routes. The command echoesDeuteronomy 23:7, where Israel was told not to abhor Edom; here the Lord expects the same decency in return.
•Proverbs 24:11–12 warns against withholding help from those being led away to death. Edom’s passivity—or worse, active obstruction—becomes shared guilt (Ezekiel 25:12–14).
To cut off their fugitivesBlocking the crossroads escalated to violence.
• “Cut off” means intercepting and killing or capturing the escaping Jews, a betrayal of kin (Genesis 25:23 reminds us Israel and Edom were twin nations).
•Amos 1:11–12 indicts Edom for “pursuing his brother with the sword.” Obadiah pinpoints exactly how that pursuit looked on the ground.
• By targeting the helpless, Edom ignored God’s heart for the vulnerable (Psalm 82:3–4).
Nor deliver up their survivorsAfter ambushing the escapees, Edom turned them over to Babylon.
•Psalm 137:7 records Edom egging on Babylon: “Raze it, raze it to its foundations.”
• Handing over survivors parallels the Philistines and Tyrians who sold Israelites as slaves (Joel 3:4–6). God judges nations that traffic in human lives.
• The Lord’s promise to bless those who bless Abraham’s offspring and curse those who curse them (Genesis 12:3) stands behind this verse; Edom chose the curse.
In the day of their distressTiming intensifies the sin.
• Judah’s “day of distress” (Jeremiah 30:7) was God’s discipline, but Edom compounded the pain. Instead of mourning with the afflicted (Romans 12:15), they exploited the moment.
•Proverbs 17:5 warns, “He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.” Obadiah proves the principle: Edom’s own “day of distress” would soon follow (Obadiah 1:15).
summaryObadiah 1:14 condemns Edom for stationing themselves where fleeing Judeans passed, violently intercepting them, and handing the survivors over to Babylon at the very moment their help was needed most. The verse shows God’s intolerance of schadenfreude, betrayal, and violence against the vulnerable. It calls every reader to protect, not prey on, those in distress—knowing that how we treat the least of Christ’s brothers and sisters is how we treat the Lord Himself (Matthew 25:40).
Verse 14. - The climax of injury is the cutting off of fugitives, and delivering them into captivity.
Neither shouldst thou have stood in the crossway;and stand not thou is the crossway. The Edomites, as neighbours, would know all the passes into the wilderness by which the Judaeans would seek to escape.
Neither shouldst thou have delivered up;and deliver not up; Septuagint,
νηδὲ συγκλείσῃς,, "shut not up;" Vulgate,
et non concludes. So Pusey, "shut not up,"
i.e. with the enemy, driving them back upon their pursuers (comp.
Psalm 31:8). The Hebrew word implies both meanings - "to deliver over to confinement;" and the meaning here is - do not seize on the people to give them over into captivity (comp.
Amos 1:6, 9).
Those of his that did remain. Those whom the invaders had spared.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Nor should youוְאַֽל־(wə·’al-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 408:Notstandתַּעֲמֹד֙(ta·‘ă·mōḏ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsatעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe crossroadsהַפֶּ֔רֶק(hap·pe·req)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6563:Parting of ways, plunderto cut offלְהַכְרִ֖ית(lə·haḵ·rîṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3772:To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenanttheir fugitives,פְּלִיטָ֑יו(pə·lî·ṭāw)Adjective - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6412:Escaped one, fugitivenorוְאַל־(wə·’al-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 408:Notdeliver upתַּסְגֵּ֥ר(tas·gêr)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5462:To shut up, to surrendertheir survivorsשְׂרִידָ֖יו(śə·rî·ḏāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8300:A survivorin the dayבְּי֥וֹם(bə·yō·wm)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3117:A dayof their distress.צָרָֽה׃(ṣā·rāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6869:Tightness, a female rival
Links
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OT Prophets: Obadiah 1:14 Don't stand in the crossroads to cut (Obad. Oba. Ob) 
