Edom - the matter of vengeance A peculiar day is approaching, a day which is set aside for vengeance. It is a day which is appointed by the Lord – the mighty One of Israel, even “the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion”. In that day, in those days, Jerusalem will become a burdensome stone for many nations. Among these many nations, there are a handful which have been projected before the others as object lessons and as stern warnings. One of these follows Israel and its history as an older, but not so benevolent, brother. Old narratives invite us examine actions and reactions at the very beginning of the formation of two peoples – Israel and Edom. Jacob, a man loved by the Lord, “was a quiet man, dwelling in tents”. “Esau was a skilful hunter, a man of the field.” The perplexing divide between the two men and their destiny as national entities was Esau’s outright rejection of his rights of birth and the preeminence and primacy to follow. For a bowl of lentils – “thus Esau despised his birth-right”. Father Isaac knew the Lord as well as the purposed destiny of his two sons, and he described in precise words – as blessings – to them both. Esau was to continue to live as a hunter and to begin to “live by the sword”. The day of vengeance, described by prophet Isaiah – and others, will be brought in on the many nations as they all choose to take sides with Edom in its perennial bitterness, its hatred and animosity directed against that which is covered by the redemptive purposes of the Lord. The dynamics and the driving force which manifest against the Jewish people, are to be defined in plain terms as resentment, rejection and rebellion – all rooted in man’s disposition towards iniquity. At the center post stands the tiny nation, called Edom – to the south of the Dead Sea, in that day when “the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations” – Isa 34. And we may again ask why… Another prophet, Ezekiel, brings us food for thought as he describes the state of affairs and the reason for the coming judgment: “I have spoken against… all Edom, who have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all their heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey.” This piece land is to be recognized as the Lord’s, Juda – today’s West Bank, the great city – Jerusalem, His foot stool. Contenders engage in armed struggle for that which is set aside for eternal purposes – Joel speaks plainly “They have divided my land, and they have cast lots for my people…” Esau became an Ishmaelite by marrying two daughters of the man, who among the many Arab tribes and by their prophet is regarded as a spiritual head and fountain – Ishmael. By doing so, Esau becomes one of the originators of that which is to be regarded as perennial opposition to the priestly and redemptive choosing of the Lord. Ishmael is, in the religion of the desert peoples, set forth as a replacement of the very blood line established and set forth according to eternal counsel. And Esau identifies himself with the families and tribes of the desert, among whom a hatred of the nation of God’s choosing is thoroughly nourished. For this reason a day of vengeance will come - even “the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion”. Lars Widerberg Reading: Isa 1:24, Isa 34:8, Zech 12:3, Rom 9:13, Gen 25:27, Gen 25:34, Gen 27:40, Eze 36:5, Joel 3:2-3, 1 Petr 1:20
Posted on: Fri, 25 Jul 2014 12:26:49 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015