Obadiah 1:11 (KJV)

What does Obadiah 1:11 mean?

Obadiah 1:11 describes a time when outsiders invaded Jerusalem, and Edom did nothing to help but instead acted just like those attacking the city. The verse points out that Edom stood by passively, making them as guilty as the invaders themselves.

In this verse, the prophet Obadiah is speaking to the people of Edom about their behavior during a crisis for Jerusalem. Strangers and foreigners came in, captured the city’s strength, and divided its goods, while Edom watched and did not intervene. The verse stresses that standing by in such a moment was the same as participating in the wrongdoing.

The Hebrew behind Obadiah 1:11

• strangers (זָרִים, zarim): This word refers to outsiders or foreigners, emphasizing that those attacking Jerusalem were not its own people, but those from outside.
• forces (חַיִל, chayil): Often means strength, wealth, or army. Here, it likely refers to the military or leading people of Jerusalem being taken captive, highlighting the loss of the city’s core strength.
• cast lots (וְעַל־יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם יַדּוּ גוֹרָל, v’al Yerushalayim yadu goral): “Casting lots” was a way to divide up possessions or territory, showing that the attackers were treating Jerusalem like spoils to be shared out.
• one (אֶחָד, echad): The word for “one” underlines that Edom was counted as just another among the attackers, not separate or innocent.

Why Obadiah 1:11 matters

• Obadiah 1:11 clarifies that failing to act against wrongdoing, especially when one has ties to the victim, is seen as sharing in the guilt.
• The verse highlights Edom’s betrayal of Jerusalem, which was especially serious because Edom and Israel were related nations.
• This verse sets up the main theme of Obadiah: that God holds nations accountable not just for direct actions, but also for their response to the suffering of others.