Daily Devotions
Amos
"I will send a fire upon Teman"
Text: Amos 1:12
THE PUNISHMENT OF EDOM
Solemn words of judgment were spoken against Edom. Teman was used as a reference to the Edomites.
“But I will send a fire upon Teman,
Which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.”
Amos 1:12
1. “I will send a fire”
a) This phrase was used to describe God’s fiery and final judgment.
b) The fiery judgment of God would come upon Hazael, Gaza, Tyre and upon Teman as well.
c) Edom would be destroyed by the Assyrians who invaded in 722 BC resulting in Israel’s fall as well.
2. “The palaces of Bozrah”
a) Bozrah was the capital of Edom.
b) The palaces of Bozrah would be razed by the fire of God’s judgment.
PROPHECIES AGAINST EDOM
The prophets Isaiah and Obadiah prophesied against Edom in no uncertain terms (Isaiah 34:5-7; Obadiah). The reasons for the severe punishment for Edom were clearly stated.
1. The sword of God, bathed in heaven, would be used against Edom (Isaiah 34:5a).
2. Edom was called “the people of My curse” by the Lord (Isaiah 34:5b).
3. Bozrah was specifically mentioned with Edom; a great slaughter would take place (Isaiah 34:6e).
4. The sins of Edom were highlighted:
a) Violence against his brother Israel (Obadiah 10).
b) It was on the side of warring foreigners who fought against Israel (Obadiah 11).
c) Edom rejoiced at the plight of Israel (Obadiah 12a).
d) It spoke against his brother proudly in the day of Israel’s distress (Obadiah 12b).
e) Edom plundered Israel in the aftermath of war (Obadiah 13).
f) It cut off all routes of escape for defeated Israel (Obadiah 14a).
g) It delivered up those who were obviously disadvantaged (Obadiah 14b).
5. Divine retribution pronounced
a) “As you have done, it shall be done to you” (Obadiah 15b).
b) “Your reprisal shall return upon your own head” (Obadiah 15c).
Edom would not be spared from the fiery judgment of the Lord because of its wicked sins!