v1-6: Words against Ammon.

v1: Molech, or Milcham, the god of the Ammonites. As in 48.19-24, the Gentile nation had taken possession of Jewish towns. These were cities east of the Jordan, previously occupied by Gad.

v2: Israel shall once more occupy those towns, driving out the Ammonites.

v3: Mourning and sorrow, as in 48.36-38.

v4: Ammon had fruitful land, which generated wealth; in these things she trusted; see 48.7.

v5: The judgment planned would fall upon Ammon, driving them all away into exile. Historical records indicate that Ammon was defeated by Nebuchadnezzar.

v6: Like Moab, 48.47, there was mercy to follow.

v7-22: Words against Edom.

v7: Edom had a reputation as being very wise, see Obad 8.

v8-10: Severe judgment, as in v13; see Obad 5-6..

v11: Judgment tempered by mercy; God Himself would protect their widows and orphans. He will chose to have mercy on some, Rom 9.15.

v12-13: God’s fairness demanded that He judge Edom.

v14: God’s judgment was brought on nations through military means, here at the hands of Babylon.

v15-16: Edom’s self-reliance and complacency were no defence against the impending attack; self-reliance is close to self-deception.

v17-18: Edom’s destruction will be a testimony to God’s power; likened to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, leaving the land uninhabitable..

v19-22: God’s power cannot be resisted.

v23-27: Words against Damascus. Ben-Hadad was the renowned leader of Syria during the time of Elijah and Elisha. He was guilty of cruelly attacking Israel. But his past strength and victories were now gone, as God pronounced judgment upon his nation.

The descriptions are of a people dismayed and disheartened even before the attacking army reached their walls.

v28-29: Words against Kedar and Hazor.

v28: Like Egypt, these nations would be attacked by Nebuchadnezzar.

v29: There is reference to the tents of Kedar (Song 1.5) for they were a nomadic people.

v30: Although Nebuchadnezzar had devised a plan to destroy these nations, the ultimate command had come from God. The Most High rules in the kingdoms of men.

v31-32: A wealthy nation, dwelling securely; Judg 18.27; but such security cannot last.

v33: No mercy for Hazor as her land will be desolate.

v34-39: The final nation addressed here; Elam.

This message seems to have been given at an earlier time; perhaps their defeat preceded that of Judah.

Elam had some strength, which would be useless against the oncoming Babylonian army. The people would be scattered to the four winds.

But, in the future, Elam will enjoy restoration.

Each nation trusted in something apart from the Lord. The day had come for judgment, and God used Nebuchadnezzar and his army as his instrument of judgment.