God pronounced his judgment upon Edom. His purpose was that they may know that he is the Lord. God’s judgment is his divine discipline to lead people back to himself and to know God as God.

What was Edom’s crime? When Israel was most vulnerable, Edom (the descendants of Esau) gave into their ancient hostility towards them and slayed God’s people mercilessly. The Edomites gleefully abetted Babylon in killing and deporting the Israelites and destroying the temple. God would repay Edom for their act of genocide and would slay Edom’s people until they no longer existed as a nation. When Edom suffered God’s wrath, they would humbly acknowledge God as God.

Edom was a slave of jealousy, anger, and hatred. They imagined they would get rid of their enemies and possess Israel and Judah. They boasted and rejoiced over annihilating them and dared to revile God. He heard from heaven above and responded with his fierce wrath. Their gloating led to their doom. When they also became desolate, they would know the Lord did this in repayment for their hostility.
Application: Father, thank you for your righteous judgment to lead people to repent.
One Word: God judges those who hate his people so that they might acknowledge him