Who will bring me into the strong city? Who will lead me to Edom? Is it not You, O God, who cast us off? And You, O God, who did not go out with our armies? Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies. (Psalm 108:10-13)

For many long years, the enemies of God’s people have been a constant thorn in the side if not outright oppressors and tyrannical lords. As Scripture records, there have even been those times when God allowed the neighboring nations — the same nations listed in this psalm, the most prominent of which is Edom — to be a rod of correction when Israel strayed from the Lord. That said, these are the nations who exploited Israel’s calamity when the Lord “cast us off” — something that did not escape the attention of Israel’s God. Therefore He has said to them, “You should not have gazed on the day of your brother in the day of his captivity; nor should you have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction” (Obadiah 1:12).

In the above verses, David specifically addresses the issue of Edom because, by and large, the descendants of Esau have been Israel’s primary antagonist from the moment he and his brother, Jacob, were born. Furthermore, the Bible makes it clear that Edom will be the primary opposition at the end of days. Though his heel has often been on the neck of Jacob, God declared through prophecy that the younger, Jacob, will rule over the older, Esau. When the Messiah returns to rule the nations with a rod of iron, He will conquer all of Israel’s enemies including those whose hatred for Israel has been ancient. Thus He says to Edom, “I will make you perpetually desolate, and your cities shall be uninhabited; then you shall know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 35:9).

When the Messiah returns, it will not be as a meek and humble lamb; it will be as a roaring lion, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. In that day, He will overturn the nations and subject all peoples to His rulership. As for those who have shed the blood of His people,  especially those regarded as Edom, He will exact vengeance upon them. It is written, “I have trodden them in My anger, and trampled them in My fury … For the day of vengeance is in My heart, and the year of My redeemed has come” (Isaiah 63:3-4).

All who have served God, at one time or another and to one degree or another, have been victimized and oppressed by those with power and influence, or just a vindictive spirit. Among those experiences, there have most likely been those times when God allowed it in order to perfect something in us that needed attention. It might be that you continue to feel that “Edom” has its foot on your neck and is intent to destroy you — hang on. The day is coming that the One who has allowed trials to touch your life will come and lead you into the stronghold that has withstood you all these years. By His power, we shall prevail and do valiantly because He will tread down our enemies.    

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill