1. A prophecy against Ammon and Moab (1-11)

The Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (24:1,2) was God's discipline on his people to teach them that God is the Lord. Israel's neighbors were gleeful at her misfortune. The Ammonites and Moabites were descendants of Lot. The Ammonites gloated over the destruction of the temple and the exile of the Israelites. The Moabites said, 'Judah's just like everyone else!' But God would also punish these two nations by a foreign invasion. Then they would know that the God of Israel is the Sovereign Lord of the earth.

2. A prophecy against Edom and Philistia (12-17)

Edom bordered Judah on the southeast; Philistia was on the west coast. The Edomites were descendants of Esau. The Philistines were ancient enemies. These countries took malicious revenge on Judah. In the sight of God, revenge is always wrong. God is the only avenger (Ro 12:19). He would exercise his vengeance against these nations--so that they might know that he is the Lord.

Application: Lord, remove all malice and all grudges from my heart so that I may not be like the pagan nations.
One Word: God is the only avenger