The Divine Lamp

1:6-8 ORACLES AGAINST PHILISTIA

For info on Philistia click here. Be sure to click on the map to enlarge.

1:9-10 ORACLE AGAINST TYRE

The covenant of brotherhood is a reference to the pact both David and Solomon had with King Hiram of Tyre, which established a “brotherhood” among them. Hiram supplied both men and materials to David for the building of his palace (2 Sam 5:11-12). He later supplied men and materials to Solomon for the building of the Jerusalem Temple (1 Kings 5:15-32). In both these passages the Biblical language of covenant (love, brother) is used. During the time of king Jehu of Israel Tyre failed to support Israel in its troubles with Aram. Tyre is said to have delivered up a whole people to Edom inasmuch as their failure to help Israel led to the exile of many Israelites from Gilead by Aram. For more on Tyre click here.

1:11-12 ORACLE AGAINST EDOM

He pursued his brother with the sword: According to the book of Genesis, Esau was the father of the Edomites. He was also the elder twin brother of Jacob, (also called Israel) who is the father of the twelve tribes. In Genesis 27:27:39-40, Isaac, the father of the twins, prophesied that Esau would live by the sword, be subject to his younger brother, but eventually free himself. Israel gained control over Edom during the reign of David and held onto that control till the time of Jehoram (2 Kings 8:20-22). Archaeologist have discovered a whole string of forts on the border between Edom and the holy land, suggesting tht conflict between the brother-peoples was not rare.

he cast off all pity: A poor translation. The Hebrew phrase refers to the killing of women: “he destroyed wombs.”

his anger tore perpetually: The Hebrew word for “tore” refers to a lion eating, emphasising the bitterness of the anger.

he kept his wrath forever: Literally, “his wrath watched forever.” Like a lion which, when guarding its kill will attack at the slightest provocation.

For more on Edom click here.

1:13-15 ORACLE AGAINST AMMON

For more on Ammon click here.

2:1-3 ORACLE AGAINST MOAB

For info on Moab click here.

2:4-5 ORACLE AGAINST JUDAH

Judah has been led astray by lies, a common biblical term for idol.

Given the length of the oracle against Israel I will treat of it in another post.