EDOM AND THE PRIDE OF NATIONS
Introduction:
Background on Edom:
The Edomites were a rough and tough group of mountain people. They lived in the desert-mountain region of Mt. Seir, reaching from south of the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Arabah. They carved great protective fortresses in the rock mountains and canyons. One of their principle cities was Sela (Hebrew), or Petra (Greek), which simply meant "The Rock" and was carved out of the side of the mountains. The rose-red, orange and yellow mountain wall made Petra a colorful stronghold.
1.) EDOM TRUSTED HER FORTIFICATIONS (v. 3-4)
Nestled in the cliffs high above the plains they likened them-selves to the eagle which made its next in the heights of the mountains. They thought their city was impregnable and that they could never be brought down.
2.) EDOM TRUSTED IN HER TREASURES (v. 5-6)
At this time Edom was the center of caravan routes from south to north and east to west. The caves in Petra were used as storehouses for merchandise.
3.) EDOM TRUSTED IN HER ALLIES AND FRIENDS (v.7)
Edom trusted her confederates and peace treaties but God warns they would deceive her and turn against her.
4.) EDOM TRUSTED IN HER WISDOM AND WISE MEN (v.8)
The Edomites were known for their wisdom and cunning. But the time was to come when such would be destroyed among them and they could not be counted on for deliverance.
5.) EDOM TRUSTED IN HER "MIGHTY MEN" (warriors v. 9)
Edom trusted that her mighty army of strong warriors would be able to defend her against any and every foe. But when God was ready to bring her down it didn't matter what size army or how brave they were.
CONCLUSION: No human effort can save the guilty nation from God's destructive power. Rock fortresses, impregnable mountains, narrow mountain gorges, dependable allies and proud warriors cannot avail. When the Lord has decreed a nations' humiliation nothing will change that except repentance.
We must remember that our hope is in God. Prov. 16:18; 29:23.