J. N. Darby.
(Notes and Comments Vol. 4.)
<44004E> 21
As to Edom, there are several points distinctly stated, and, after being made very small, the great judgment falls on the heathen there, and the existence and remembrance of Edom is utterly extinguished. It is stamped with the character of Gentile apostasy, as opposed to Israel, and relentless. It would seem rather that the destruction of Damascus preceded this, and thus the nations, in part at least, found themselves there gathered for destruction.
First, what happens as to Edom is the day of the Lord's vengeance on the heathen, and deliverance of Zion; see Isaiah 34:1-2, 6, 8, also Isaiah 63:4, and 3, context; see also Psalm 83.
Second. It is the day of "all the heathen." For this, and also for the first, see Obadiah 15, and 16, 17; and for the second, see Isaiah 34:2, already cited, also chapter 63.
Third. When the warnings are given of coming judgments (in Jerusalem) Edom treats it with scorn, i.e., when in the midst of sorrow in Jerusalem. The Spirit of God's own testimony is there for the Remnant - the pride of Edom scorns it (Isaiah 21) and is treated with holy judgment and rebuke, yet in mercy. "Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?" says Edom. "The morning cometh" for the faithful, says the answer of faith, "and also the night" for the scorners. "If ye will enquire, enquire ye." The answer of God is here, "Return, come." The answer is magnificent.
Fourth. Edom escapes out of the hand of Antichrist; Daniel 11.
Fifth. The heathen are employed by the Lord to make Edom small; Jeremiah 49:14-15, and Obadiah 1-3.
Sixth. She is found in the confederacy against the Lord's "hidden ones," and thus is ripe for destruction; Psalm 83.
Seventh. She is filled with relentless hatred against the Jews, showing thus her iniquity; Ezekiel 35:5, 11, 12; Obadiah 10-14; Amos 1:11, and Ezekiel 25:12.
Eighth. Israel shall be the means of subduing them, when taken up by the Lord; Obadiah 18; Ezekiel 25:
14, and Isaiah 11.
22 Ninth. The destruction of Edom is total, final, and irretrievable; Ezekiel 25:12-13; chapter 35, all of it, especially verses 9, 14. Obadiah 5, 18, Jeremiah 49:13-18, etc., Isaiah 34:9, et seq., also the absence of passages in Jeremiah 49, like Jeremiah 48:47; Jeremiah 49:39, etc. Obadiah 21; Ezekiel 35; Isaiah 63 and 34, and other passages, show these things result at the end, and at the Lord's coming.