This chapter is a prophecy against Mount Seir (part of Edom) for their perpetual grudge against God’s people (and also for their lack of help in Israel’s time of need).
” ‘…Behold, I am against you, Mount Seir, and I will stretch out my hand against you, and I will make you a desolation… I will lay your cities waste… and you shall know that I am the Lord. Because you cherished perpetual enmity and gave over the people of Israel to the power of the sword at the time of their calamity… therefore, as I live, declares the Lord God, I will prepare you for blood, and blood shall pursue you; because you did not hate bloodshed…’ ” (v2-6 abr)
Mount Seir / Edom, are descendants of Esau, Jacob’s / Israel’s bitter brother. They held a grudge for over one thousand years, and God judged them for it.
Have we ever stood by and done nothing when someone needs help, possibly because we have a bias / grudge against the one(s) in need? I ashamedly have… If we have, that makes us human, though it also makes us sinners.
Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse us of any grudges or unforgiveness in our hearts. Disdain like this can lead to bitterness, which is a root of many kinds of evil (including extreme evils such as genocide). If we have a bias / grudge against anyone, and leave it unresolved, we’re opening the door for future sin, and we’re not loving our neighbor(s) as Jesus does.
Father God, our Compassionate Lord and Everlasting Creator, You have made us all in Your image, and given us all equal value. Spirit please open our eyes to any unrighteous thoughts we hold against our peers, and help us to humbly love them as Jesus does. Please forgive our sin, and help us to forgive others, releasing any grudges and healing any past hurt that we’re harboring. Please keep us sober-minded, so we may focus on loving as Jesus does, freely and generously, without reserve. May we glorify our Father in Heaven by our words and works, obeying His moral will, every remaining day. In the name of Jesus our Redeemer we praise You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training