Introduction to Obadiah 1:10
Obadiah 1:10 pronounces a divine judgment on Edom, emphasizing its violence against Jacob (Israel) as the reason for its shame and permanent destruction. This verse contains a causative construction (מֵחֲמַ֛ס אָחִ֥יךָ יַעֲקֹ֖ב, “Because of the violence against your brother Jacob”) and a passive verb form (וְנִכְרַ֖תָּ, “You shall be cut off”), highlighting both the reason and the consequence of Edom’s judgment.
This study will analyze the grammatical function of causative constructions, the passive verb’s role in divine judgment, and the theological implications of Edom’s permanent downfall.
מֵחֲמַ֛ס אָחִ֥יךָ יַעֲקֹ֖ב תְּכַסְּךָ֣ בוּשָׁ֑ה וְנִכְרַ֖תָּ לְעֹולָֽם׃
Analysis of Key Words/Phrases
1. מֵחֲמַ֛ס אָחִ֥יךָ יַעֲקֹ֖ב (meḥamas aḥikha Ya’aqov)
– Root: חָמָס (“violence, injustice”)
– Translation: “Because of the violence against your brother Jacob”
– Function: Causative phrase introducing the reason for Edom’s punishment.
2. תְּכַסְּךָ֣ בוּשָׁ֑ה (tekhas’kha bushah)
– Root: כָּסָה (“to cover”), בּוּשׁ (“to be ashamed”)
– Form: Piel imperfect 3rd feminine singular + 2nd masculine singular suffix
– Translation: “Shame shall cover you”
– Function: Metaphor for disgrace, reflecting Edom’s humiliation.
3. וְנִכְרַ֖תָּ לְעֹולָֽם (venikhrata le’olam)
– Root: כָּרַת (“to cut off, destroy”)
– Form: Nifal perfect 2nd masculine singular
– Translation: “And you shall be cut off forever”
– Function: Passive voice indicating divine judgment leading to eternal destruction.
Explanation of Grammatical Function
The Causative Construction מֵחֲמַ֛ס (“Because of the violence”)
– מִן + noun (מֵחֲמַס) introduces a causal relationship.
– Implicates Edom → Edom’s past aggression against Jacob directly leads to its judgment.
The Metaphor תְּכַסְּךָ֣ בוּשָׁ֑ה (“Shame Shall Cover You”)
– בּוּשׁ (“shame”) → Represents humiliation and divine disgrace.
– כָּסָה (“to cover”) → Used metaphorically for overwhelming disgrace (cf. Psalm 35:26).
The Passive Judgment in וְנִכְרַ֖תָּ (“You Shall Be Cut Off”)
– Nifal verb (וְנִכְרַ֖תָּ) → Expresses a passive divine action.
– Imperfect aspect → Certainty of future judgment.
– לְעֹולָֽם (“forever”) → Highlights the permanence of Edom’s fate.
Theological Implications of Edom’s Judgment
1. Moral Retribution
– Edom’s violence against Jacob leads to divine justice.
2. The Consequence of Betrayal
– Edom and Israel were kin nations, making Edom’s hostility especially grievous.
3. The Permanence of Divine Judgment
– וְנִכְרַ֖תָּ לְעֹולָֽם → Suggests irreversible destruction, echoing prophetic warnings (e.g., Malachi 1:4).
The Role of Causative Construction in Divine Judgment
Obadiah 1:10 employs a causative structure to link Edom’s sins to its punishment, emphasizing divine justice. The passive voice in וְנִכְרַ֖תָּ highlights Edom’s powerlessness before YHWH’s decree, reinforcing the theme of inescapable judgment.
Thus, this verse serves as both a warning and a theological assertion: betrayal and violence bring irreversible consequences.
