The nations of Ammon, Moab and Edom to the east of Judah, and Philistia to the west, were constant adversaries to Judah, and now they take delight in the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. We live in a world today where so many hate Christians and take delight when Christians fall.

There is a warning though from this chapter, that these nations who opposed God’s people will face God’s judgment for their attitude to His people, and some would even face extinction as a result (v7). We should not lose heart when people attack us, it is they who need to fear God.

The biggest problem the people of God faced from these nations was not their ridicule and attacks but instead taking on their practices and false gods. These nations caused God’s people to compromise, and that above everything else was why they were not in trouble. We too need to be very careful that we’re faithful in following the lord and not follow the ways of the world around us, which are so contrary to God’s will.

This passage should also remind us of the importance of treating those who belong to the Lord with great respect and kindness. Jesus at the judgement will speak of how we have treated His people (Matt. 25 v40).