Obadiah 1:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Once more, he lists the transgressions of the Idumeans, illustrating their cruelty and lack of compassion. The manner of his address suggests that God is speaking to them during a moment of their own suffering and condemning their sins. The term “despise” signifies the act of mocking and taking pleasure in the hardships of brothers, delighting in the misfortunes of others, even though Holy Scripture declares that it is unlawful to laugh at those in distress (Sir 7:11). In saying, “Let not thou rejoice,” he reiterates the offenses of the Idumeans, revealing their mercilessness, particularly towards their brethren. He warns them not to hasten, like the Assyrians, to the city's gates, not to offer aid as brothers would, but instead to bring devastation.

You shall not show disdain on the day of your brother's misfortune, nor celebrate the downfall of the children of Judah during their destruction, nor speak haughtily in times of distress, nor enter into the gates of my people at the moment of their demise. This conveys the same message: due to his wrongdoing against his brother Jacob, the man will ultimately perish on the mountain of Esau, overshadowed by eternal disgrace. In such a time, he must refrain from the actions he previously exhibited against his brother—namely, he should not scoff or show scorn when witnessing his brother’s captivity, nor take pleasure in the suffering of the descendants of Judah. The two tribes that held Jerusalem, called Judah, aside from the Levites, were taken captive by the Chaldeans.

Lord, fulfill Your ministry and protect the gift You have bestowed even upon one who has turned away from You. For I realize that I am unworthy of the title of bishop, having previously surrendered myself to the ways of this world. Yet, by Your grace, I am who I am, and indeed I am the least among all bishops, the lowest in worthiness. However, as I have taken on responsibilities for the honor of Your holy Church, I ask that You nurture these fruits and prevent him whom You have chosen for the priesthood from perishing in his state of being lost. The first lesson I learned was to hold deep compassion for those who sin, in line with Scripture: “I ought not to rejoice over the sons of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor widen my mouth in the day of calamity” (Abd. 1:12).

You must not look down upon your brother’s misfortune during the time of others. The Prophet refers to this time as one of judgment, yet he instructs you not to hold in contempt, in line with the customary understanding of the term. Some may express it as having disregarded a person, meaning to abandon him to face adversity without compassion, even feeling joy at his suffering. This is further illustrated by the subsequent statement: Let not the people of Judah celebrate during the time of their downfall. When you witness their distress, refrain from pride as though you are spared from similar hardships.