POST 6: Edom's Vengeance Returns - When Family Betrays Family

 

POST 6: Edom's Vengeance Returns - When Family Betrays Family

Post Title

"When FAMILY Betrays FAMILY! Edom's Judgment Revealed | Part 6 of 10"

Post Description

The story of Edom is one of the most tragic in Scripture—a brother nation that betrayed Israel in their darkest hour. Obadiah 1:15 declares: "As you have done, it will be done to you." In this sixth installment, we explore how Edom's betrayal of their brother nation brought devastating judgment, and what this teaches us about family betrayal and its consequences.

🔑 Key Scripture: Obadiah 1:15, Ezekiel 25:12-14, Psalm 137:7 📖 Theme: The Betrayal of Brotherhood ⚖️ Principle: Family Betrayal Brings Severe Judgment

#Edom #Obadiah #FamilyBetrayal #BiblicalJustice #Brotherhood

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Opening Hook

What happens when a brother betrays a brother? When family turns against family in the moment of greatest need? The story of Edom and Israel is one of the Bible's most heartbreaking accounts of family betrayal—and one of its clearest demonstrations of how such betrayal brings severe judgment. Obadiah 1:15 declares: "As you have done, it will be done to you; your recompense will return upon your own head." Today we explore the tragedy of Edom and the principle of reciprocal judgment for family betrayal.

Main Content

The Brotherhood Background: Esau and Jacob

To understand Edom's betrayal, we must go back to the beginning. Edom descended from Esau, while Israel descended from Jacob. These weren't just neighboring nations—they were brother nations, descended from twin brothers who struggled even in their mother's womb (Genesis 25:22-23).

The relationship between Esau and Jacob was complicated from the start. Jacob deceived Esau to obtain the birthright and blessing. Esau threatened to kill Jacob. They were separated for years. But eventually, they reconciled. Genesis 33 records their emotional reunion, with Esau running to embrace Jacob, both brothers weeping.

This reconciliation should have established peace between their descendants. The nations of Edom and Israel should have been allies, supporting each other as family. But history took a different turn. Edom became Israel's bitter enemy, and their betrayal in Israel's darkest hour brought devastating judgment.

The Prophetic Declaration: Obadiah 1:15

"For the Day of the LORD is near for all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your recompense will return upon your own head."

The entire book of Obadiah—the shortest book in the Old Testament—is dedicated to pronouncing judgment on Edom. This one verse encapsulates the principle: "As you have done, it will be done to you." Edom's actions toward Israel would be reciprocated exactly. The betrayal they committed would be the betrayal they experienced.

Notice the phrase "your recompense will return upon your own head." This isn't external judgment imposed arbitrarily—it's the natural return of Edom's own actions. What they sent out came back to them. The measure they used was measured back to them. The betrayal they committed returned to betray them.

Edom's Specific Betrayals

What exactly did Edom do? Scripture records multiple instances of Edom's betrayal:

1. Refusal of Passage (Numbers 20:14-21): When Israel asked to pass through Edom's territory on their way to the Promised Land, Edom refused and threatened them with military force. This was the first major betrayal—refusing to help family in need.

2. Rejoicing in Israel's Calamity (Psalm 137:7): "Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem, how they said, 'Lay it bare, lay it bare, down to its foundations!'" When Babylon destroyed Jerusalem, Edom didn't just stand by—they celebrated. They cheered Israel's destruction.

3. Active Participation in Destruction (Obadiah 1:11-14): Edom didn't just watch—they participated. They stood aloof when strangers carried off Israel's wealth. They gloated over Israel's misfortune. They boasted in the day of distress. They looted Israel's possessions. They cut off fugitives trying to escape. They handed over survivors to the enemy.

4. Violence and Vengeance (Ezekiel 25:12): "Thus says the Lord YAHUAH: Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah and in so doing incurred grievous guilt." Edom's actions weren't just passive—they were actively vengeful. They took pleasure in Israel's suffering and actively contributed to it.

These weren't the actions of a neutral neighbor—they were the actions of a betraying brother. Edom saw their brother nation in crisis and chose to kick them while they were down. They saw family in need and chose to profit from their suffering. This is the essence of family betrayal.

The Severity of Family Betrayal

Why does Scripture treat Edom's betrayal so seriously? Because family betrayal is uniquely painful and carries unique consequences:

1. Violated Trust: Family relationships are built on inherent trust. When family betrays, it violates the deepest level of trust. Edom and Israel shared blood, history, and covenant. The betrayal was therefore more severe.

2. Exploitation of Vulnerability: Family knows your weaknesses, your struggles, your vulnerabilities. When family betrays, they exploit intimate knowledge. Edom knew Israel's situation, their escape routes, their hiding places. They used this knowledge to harm rather than help.

3. Compounded Pain: Betrayal by strangers hurts. Betrayal by friends hurts more. But betrayal by family hurts most of all. Psalm 55:12-14 captures this: "For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it... But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend."

4. Broken Covenant: Family relationships involve covenant—spoken or unspoken agreements of loyalty, support, and protection. When family betrays, they break sacred covenant. This brings severe consequences because covenant-breaking is serious in Yahuah's eyes.

5. Generational Impact: Family betrayal affects generations. The enmity between Edom and Israel lasted centuries, affecting countless descendants. The consequences of family betrayal ripple through time.

Ezekiel's Prophecy: Ezekiel 25:12-14

"Thus says the Lord YAHUAH: Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah and in so doing incurred grievous guilt, therefore thus says the Lord YAHUAH: I will stretch out my hand against Edom and cut off from it both man and beast. I will make it a wasteland, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. I will take my vengeance on Edom by the hand of my people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to my anger and wrath. Then they will know my vengeance, declares the Lord YAHUAH."

Notice several key elements:

1. The Charge: "Edom acted vengefully"—their betrayal was motivated by vengeance, by old grudges, by the desire to see their brother suffer.

2. The Guilt: "incurred grievous guilt"—family betrayal isn't a minor offense. It's grievous guilt that demands judgment.

3. The Judgment: "I will stretch out my hand"—Yahuah Himself takes action. This isn't just natural consequences—it's divine intervention.

4. The Completeness: "cut off both man and beast... make it a wasteland"—the judgment is thorough and devastating.

5. The Instrument: "by the hand of my people Israel"—ironically, the very people Edom betrayed become the instrument of their judgment.

6. The Purpose: "Then they will know my vengeance"—the judgment serves as a demonstration of Yahuah's justice and His protection of His people.

The Historical Fulfillment

Edom's judgment unfolded exactly as prophesied. The nation that betrayed Israel was itself betrayed and destroyed:

1. Nabatean Conquest: The Nabateans, an Arab people, gradually took over Edom's territory, pushing the Edomites out of their homeland. The betrayers were betrayed by another people group.

2. Forced Assimilation: The Edomites (called Idumeans in later periods) were eventually forced to convert to Judaism and were absorbed into the Jewish population. They lost their distinct identity—the ultimate form of national death.

3. Complete Disappearance: By the time of Christ, Edom as a distinct nation had ceased to exist. The prophecies of complete destruction were fulfilled. Today, there are no Edomites. The nation that betrayed family was completely erased.

4. Herod the Great: Ironically, Herod the Great, who tried to kill baby Yahshua, was an Idumean (Edomite). The ancient enmity between Edom and Israel's Messiah continued, but Herod's dynasty also ended in judgment and destruction.

The historical record confirms the prophetic word: "As you have done, it will be done to you." Edom betrayed and was betrayed. Edom destroyed and was destroyed. Edom disappeared from history, a stark warning about the consequences of family betrayal.

The Principle Applied: Family Betrayal Today

The Edom principle operates in modern contexts of family betrayal:

In Biological Families: When siblings betray each other, when parents betray children or children betray parents, when extended family turns against family, the consequences are severe and often reciprocal. The betrayer often experiences betrayal from other family members or from their own children.

In Church Families: The church is called to be a family (1 Timothy 3:15). When church members betray each other, when leaders betray congregations or congregations betray leaders, the consequences mirror Edom's judgment. Church splits, loss of testimony, and spiritual devastation often follow.

In Business Families: Family businesses that experience betrayal—siblings cheating siblings, parents exploiting children, partners betraying partners—often see the business destroyed and the family fractured. The betrayer typically loses both the business and the family relationships.

In National Families: Nations that share history, culture, or covenant relationships (like NATO allies or commonwealth nations) face severe consequences when they betray each other. The betraying nation often finds itself isolated and vulnerable when it needs allies.

In Spiritual Families: Those who betray their spiritual family—their denomination, their ministry team, their accountability group—often find themselves spiritually isolated and vulnerable. The protection and support they betrayed is no longer available when they need it.

The Betrayers' Camp and Family Dynamics

Applying this to our series theme—people in the betrayers' camp betraying them—we see how family betrayal operates within betrayers' groups:

1. False Family: Betrayers often form alliances that mimic family—"we're in this together," "we're like brothers," "we're family." But these are false families built on betrayal rather than loyalty.

2. Inevitable Betrayal: Just as Edom betrayed Israel despite their family connection, betrayers betray each other despite their professed loyalty. Family language doesn't create family loyalty when the foundation is betrayal.

3. Exploited Intimacy: In the betrayers' camp, the intimacy and knowledge shared among "family" members becomes ammunition for betrayal. They know each other's secrets, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities—and eventually use this knowledge against each other.

4. Compounded Pain: When betrayers betray each other, the pain is compounded because they believed they were "family." The betrayal hurts more because of the professed closeness.

5. No True Refuge: Edom thought they were safe in their mountain fortresses (Obadiah 1:3-4). Similarly, betrayers think they're safe in their alliances. But there's no true refuge in a camp built on betrayal.

The Psychology of Family Betrayal

Why do people betray family? Several factors contribute:

1. Old Grudges: Like Edom remembering Jacob's deception of Esau, family betrayers often nurse old wounds, real or perceived. They wait for opportunities to "settle scores."

2. Jealousy: Edom may have been jealous of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahuah. Family betrayers often act from jealousy of another family member's success, favor, or blessings.

3. Self-Interest: When self-interest conflicts with family loyalty, some choose self-interest. Edom saw an opportunity to profit from Israel's destruction and took it.

4. Dehumanization: Family betrayers often dehumanize their victims, forgetting the shared history and relationship. Edom stopped seeing Israel as brother and saw them only as enemy.

5. Rationalization: Family betrayers rationalize their actions: "They deserve it," "They did it first," "I'm just protecting myself." Edom likely rationalized their betrayal by remembering Jacob's deception of Esau.

The Warning to Family Betrayers

For those who have betrayed or are considering betraying family, Edom's story carries urgent warnings:

1. Yahuah Takes It Personally: Yahuah specifically addresses family betrayal. He doesn't overlook it or minimize it. Ezekiel 25:12 says Edom "incurred grievous guilt." Family betrayal is serious sin.

2. The Judgment is Severe: Edom wasn't just judged—they were erased from history. Family betrayal brings proportionally severe consequences.

3. The Judgment is Certain: Every prophecy against Edom was fulfilled. The judgment may be delayed, but it's certain. "As you have done, it will be done to you."

4. Reconciliation is Possible Before Judgment: Esau and Jacob reconciled. Edom could have maintained that reconciliation. There's always opportunity for repentance before judgment falls.

5. The Consequences Affect Generations: Edom's betrayal affected their descendants for centuries until the nation ceased to exist. Family betrayal has generational consequences.

The Path to Healing Family Betrayal

Is there hope for families torn by betrayal? Yes, but it requires specific steps:

1. Acknowledgment: The betrayer must acknowledge the betrayal fully, without minimizing or justifying. "I betrayed you. I was wrong. There's no excuse."

2. Genuine Remorse: Like Esau weeping at his reunion with Jacob, there must be genuine emotional remorse, not just intellectual acknowledgment.

3. Restitution: Where possible, make restitution. Restore what was taken. Repair what was broken. Zacchaeus's fourfold repayment (Luke 19:8) is a model.

4. Time and Consistency: Rebuilding trust takes time and consistent demonstration of changed behavior. One apology isn't enough—there must be sustained transformation.

5. Forgiveness: The betrayed must choose to forgive, not because the betrayer deserves it, but because unforgiveness destroys the one who holds it. Joseph forgave his brothers (Genesis 50:20).

6. New Covenant: Sometimes families need to establish new terms of relationship, new boundaries, new expectations. The old relationship may be irreparable, but a new one can be built.

7. Divine Intervention: Ultimately, healing family betrayal requires Yahuah's intervention. Only He can heal the deep wounds of family betrayal and restore broken relationships.

The Hope for the Betrayed Family Member

For those who have been betrayed by family, Edom's story offers several comforts:

1. Yahuah Sees: Yahuah saw Edom's betrayal of Israel. He sees your family's betrayal of you. Nothing is hidden from Him.

2. Yahuah Cares: Yahuah didn't ignore Edom's betrayal. He addressed it specifically and severely. He cares about family betrayal and will address it.

3. Yahuah Judges: "As you have done, it will be done to you." Your family betrayer will face consequences. You don't need to execute judgment—Yahuah will handle it.

4. Yahuah Protects: Despite Edom's betrayal, Yahuah preserved Israel. Despite family betrayal, Yahuah will preserve you. You may be wounded, but you won't be destroyed.

5. Yahuah Restores: While Edom was erased, Israel was restored. Yahuah's people survive and thrive despite family betrayal. You will too.

6. You're Not Alone: Family betrayal is one of the most isolating experiences. But you're not alone. Yahuah is with you, and He understands family betrayal (Yahshua was betrayed by Judas, one of His closest disciples).

The Ultimate Family Betrayal and Redemption

The ultimate family betrayal was Judas betraying Yahshua. Judas was part of Yahshua' inner circle, His chosen twelve, His spiritual family. Yet Judas betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver.

But even this betrayal was used by Yahuah for redemption. Through Yahshua' death—precipitated by Judas's betrayal—salvation came to the world. Yahuah took the worst family betrayal in history and used it for the greatest good in history.

This gives us hope: Yahuah can redeem even family betrayal. He can bring good from the worst betrayal. He can use the pain for purpose. Romans 8:28 promises: "And we know that for those who love Yahuah all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Key Takeaways

1. Family betrayal is uniquely severe: Edom's betrayal of Israel brought complete destruction
2. "As you have done, it will be done to you": Obadiah 1:15 establishes the reciprocal principle
3. Yahuah takes family betrayal personally: He addresses it specifically and judges it severely
4. Historical fulfillment confirms the principle: Edom was completely erased from history
5. Betrayers' camps have false family dynamics: Professed loyalty doesn't create real loyalty
6. Healing requires acknowledgment and restitution: But it's possible with Yahuah's help
7. Yahuah sees, cares, and will judge: Betrayed family members can trust Yahuah's justice

Reflection Questions

1. Have you experienced family betrayal? How has it affected you?
2. Have you betrayed family? What steps do you need to take toward reconciliation?
3. Are you in a "false family" of betrayers? Do you need to leave?
4. How can you trust Yahuah's justice when family has betrayed you?

Scripture Memory Verse

"As you have done, it will be done to you; your recompense will return upon your own head." - Obadiah 1:15

Call to Action

If you've betrayed family, hear Edom's warning: the judgment is severe and certain. Repent now. Seek reconciliation while there's time. Don't let old grudges, jealousy, or self-interest destroy your family relationships. And if you've been betrayed by family, take heart: Yahuah sees, Yahuah cares, and Yahuah will judge. Trust His justice and focus on your own healing. You're not alone, and you will survive this.

Closing Prayer

"Yahuah, heal the wounds of family betrayal. For those who have betrayed family, grant them the courage to repent and seek reconciliation. For those who have been betrayed by family, grant them Your comfort, Your justice, and Your healing. Help us remember that You are the ultimate family, and in You we find the loyalty, love, and acceptance that earthly families sometimes fail to provide. In Yahshua' name, Amen."