JUDGMENT AGAINST EDOM - AMOS 1:11-15

Big idea

I have had a struggle with a strong emotion to an extent that I felt I could act violently or destructively when I am unjustly treated, betrayed or frustrated . There some senses within me that kicks in self-defense to resist oppression or injustice

Introduction

I have been angered before, I think everyone here have been angered maybe more than me or less.

What is Anger?

It is a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility that arises when someone or something hurts or offends us. According to the Bible, anger is a God-given emotion, not a sin. However, anger can lead to sin if it is not controlled or expressed in a proper way. The Bible warns us not to let anger linger in our hearts or give the devil a foothold. It also advises us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Instead of venting our anger or holding a grudge, we should get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, and be kind and compassionate to one another. We should also be patient, and forgiving, and overlook an offense when possible. The Bible shows us that not all anger is wrong. A righteous anger stems from a zeal for God and his standards. This kind of anger is motivated by love and seeks to correct injustice and wrongdoing. However, we should be careful not to justify our anger as righteous when it is actually selfish or sinful. should we always examine our motives and emotions in the light of God's word and ask for his help to control our anger?

Main point

The Sin of Edom

The sin of Edom: "Because he pursued his brother with the sword and cast off all pity, and his anger tore perpetually, and he kept his wrath forever."

Pursued (main Verb)his brother with a sword

Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (To Pursue)

The basic meaning of this verb is “to pursue after” an enemy with the intent of overtaking and defeating him. In most of its occurrences radap is a military term. It first occurs in Gen. 14:14, where it is reported that Abram mustered his men (אָחֳרֵין, 318), men) and “pursued them [men who took his brother] unto Dan.” A nuance of this verb is “to pursue” a defeated enemy with the intent of killing him: “And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus

Cast off all pity

Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (To Destroy)

This word always expresses complete “destruction” or “annihilation.” While the word is often used to express literal “destruction” of people

His anger tore perpetually

Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament 827 טָרַף

The primary meaning of this root is “to seize a creature with predaciousness, tear the flesh, and consume it.” A similar root, gāzal, q.v. emphasizes “tearing away and gaining possession;” pāraq stresses “partition,” as in tearing apart;” qāraʿ is similar to pāraq and is used primarily for “tearing of garments.”

While the root is employed to convey the primary meaning, the very is predominantly used to illustrate the predatory nature of people who continually conquer and destroy others. The tribes of Benjamin and Gad, respectively, are likened to a ravenous wolf (Gen 49:27) and a lioness (Deut 33:20); the kings of Israel and Judah are viewed as young lions destroying their people (Ezk 19:3, 6), while Assyria and Edom are pictured as ferocious lions in their conquests (Nah 2:12 [H 13]; Amos 1:11)

He kept his wrath forever

Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (To Keep, Watch, Guard)

natsar (נָצַר, 5341), “to watch, to guard, to keep.” Common to both ancient and modern Hebrew, this verb is found also in ancient Ugaritic. It occurs some 60 times in the Hebrew Old Testament. Natsar is found for the first time in the biblical text in Exod. 34:7, where it has the sense of “keeping with faithfulness.” This meaning is usually found when man is the subject: “keeping” the covenant (Deut. 33:9); “keeping” the law (Ps. 105:45 and 10 times in Ps. 119); “keeping” the rules of parents (Prov. 6:20).Natsar is frequently used to express the idea of “guarding” something, such as a vineyard (Isa. 27:3) or a fortification (Nah. 2:1). “To watch” one’s speech is a frequent concern, so advice is given “to watch” one’s mouth (Prov. 13:3), the tongue (Ps. 34:13), and the lips (Ps. 141:3). V 1, p 127 Many references are made to God as the one who “preserves” His people from dangers of all kinds (Deut. 32:10; Ps. 31:23)

The Judgment of God

2. The judgment of God: "I will send fire upon Teman, and it shall devour the strongholds of Bozrah." (v. 12) Teman and Bozrah were two of the main cities of Edom, representing their military and economic strength. God will send the fire, a symbol of his righteous wrath, to destroy their fortresses and their wealth. No one will be able to escape or resist God's punishment.

Send fire upon Teman it shall devour the strongholds of Bozrah

Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words To Eat

This verb is often used figuratively with overtones of destroying something or someone. So the sword, fire, and forest are said to “consume” men. The things “consumed” may include such various things as land (Gen. 3:17), fields (Isa. 1:7), offerings (Deut. 18:1), and a bride’s purchase price (Gen. 31:15). ˒Akal might also connote bearing the results of an action (Isa. 3:10).

The warning for us

The warning for us: "Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment." (v. 13) Edom had crossed the line of God's patience and tolerance. They had committed many sins, but the final one was their cruelty towards their brother nation. God will not overlook or cancel their penalty. This should serve as a warning for us to examine our own hearts and relationships. Do we harbor any bitterness or hatred towards others, especially those who are close to us? Do we seek peace and reconciliation or pursue conflict and revenge? How do we treat those who are different from us or oppose us?

Conclusion

Amos 1:11-15 shows us the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God's judgment. should we always examine our motives and emotions in the light of God's word and ask for his help to control our anger,It also challenges us to repent of our own sins and to seek God's forgiveness and grace. It reminds us that God is a God of justice and mercy, who loves us and calls us to love one another as brothers and sisters.

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt understood this idea and expressed in her Quote “Anger is one letter short of danger”

Galatians 5:22 (ESV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

The contrast of a strong emotion of annoyance, displeasure and hostility is “agape love”. It is a strong positive emotion of regard and affection.

This kind of love has a quality of warm regard for and interest in another. This love is the highest form of love that God has for us but we also called to have it for one another. It is not based on our feelings, attraction or obligation but it is a deliberate choice we make through the help of the Holy Spirit to seek the best for others, even at a cost

God demonstrated it in John 3:16

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus described it in John 15:13

John 15:13 ESV

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.