A. Judgment Against Surrounding Nations (25:1-17)

The first three nations cited for judgment had one common trait, and that was their distant relationship to Israel. The Ammonites and the Moabites were descendants of Lot, the nephew of Abraham (Ge 19:30-38), while the Edomites were descendants of Esau, brother of Jacob and grandson of Abraham. Judgment against them would be harsh because they, although relatives, had often been antagonistic against Israel. The Ammonites had rejoiced sadistically when the temple was desecrated and the people of Judah were taken into exile (v.3). According to Ob 11-13 the Edomites had acted the same way. Certainly a blood tie includes a greater responsibility than that felt for other human beings.

The traditional antagonism between the Philistines and Israel that led to establishment of the monarchy under Saul had continued until late in the history of Israel. Even though they had been subdued by David, they continued to act in vengeance and with hostility. Now their time had come and they would be destroyed by the Babylonians.