What does Obadiah 1:14 mean?
"Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress." - Obadiah 1:14

The verse Obadiah 1:14 in the King James Version of the Bible reads as follows:
"Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress."
This verse is part of the book of Obadiah, which is the shortest book in the Old Testament, consisting of only 21 verses. The book of Obadiah is a prophecy concerning the judgment of Edom, a nation that was a constant adversary of Israel. The verse is directed at the Edomites, warning them of the consequences of their actions.
The context of this verse is the judgment of Edom by God. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, who became the father of the Israelites. Throughout their history, the Edomites had a contentious relationship with the Israelites, often acting as adversaries and taking advantage of Israel's misfortunes.
In this verse, the prophet Obadiah condemns the Edomites for their role in the destruction of Jerusalem. They not only failed to help their fellow Israelites but actively participated in their downfall. The Edomites are chastised for their cruelty and lack of compassion, as they took advantage of the vulnerable Israelites and betrayed them in their time of need.
The theme of this verse is the consequences of betrayal and lack of compassion. The Edomites are held accountable for their actions and are warned that they will face judgment for their betrayal of their brethren. The verse serves as a reminder that God sees the actions of individuals and nations, and that they will be held accountable for their treatment of others.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the imagery of the crossway and the day of distress. The crossway represents a place of decision and choice, where the Edomites made the conscious decision to betray their fellow Israelites. The day of distress represents a time of hardship and suffering, during which the Edomites failed to show mercy and compassion.
Overall, Obadiah 1:14 is a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and the consequences of betrayal. It serves as a warning to all to treat others with kindness and mercy, as our actions will ultimately be judged by a higher power. This verse also highlights the theme of divine justice, as the Edomites are ultimately held accountable for their actions. It is a sobering reminder of the importance of empathy and the severe repercussions of betrayal.
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Obadiah 1:14 Artwork
Obadiah 1:14 - "Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress."
"Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress." - Obadiah 1:14
Obadiah 1:4
1 Kings 18:3 - "And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:"
Obadiah 1:1 - "The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle."
Obadiah 1:4 – "Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down."
Obadiah 1:4 – "Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down."
1 Chronicles 12:9 - "Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,"
"And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:" - 1 Kings 18:3
1 Chronicles 27:19 - "Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:"
"Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD." - Obadiah 1:4
Obadiah 1:4 - "Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD."
Obadiah 1:6 - "How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!"
1 Kings 18:16 - "So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah."
Obadiah 1:17 - "¶ But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions."
Obadiah 1:2 - "Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised."
Obadiah 1:21 - "And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S."
1 Chronicles 3:21 - "And the sons of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah: the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shechaniah."
Obadiah 1:4 – "Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down."
Obadiah 1:4 – "Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down."
Obadiah 1:8 - "Shall I not in that day, saith the LORD, even destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau?"
1 Chronicles 7:3 - "And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men."
Obadiah 1:10 - "¶ For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever."
"Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third," - 1 Chronicles 12:9
1 Chronicles 9:16 - "And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites."
1 Chronicles 9:44 - "And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these were the sons of Azel."
Obadiah 1:9 - "And thy mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter."
1 Chronicles 8:38 - "And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel."
Obadiah 1:19 - "And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and they of the plain the Philistines: and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria: and Benjamin shall possess Gilead."
1 Kings 18:6 - "So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself."