עובדיה, פרק א׳, פסוק י״ג

A nation's downfall is painful, but the agony is magnified when family members join the enemy. The rebuke directed at Edom centers on their active participation in Israel's collapse, highlighting the bitter betrayal rooted in their close kinship. During the destruction of the Second Temple, foreign empires led the assault on Jerusalem. However, instead of standing apart, the people of Edom joined the invaders, marching through the city gates to conquer and loot [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. This behavior was especially jarring because Edom had historically lived under the rule of Judah, making their sudden joy at Israel's profound sadness and disaster deeply painful [אבן עזרא, שטיינזלץ, מצודת ציון].

It is expected that foreign nations might gather to witness a collapse, but as a brother nation, Edom never should have stood by to watch the disaster unfold [רד״ק, צאינה וראינה]. The primary approach among commentators is that Edom watched with malicious joy [שטיינזלץ, צאינה וראינה]. Their steady gaze was not passive; it was a deliberate choice meant to increase Israel's shame and humiliation during their lowest moment [מצודת דוד]. Alternatively, some suggest that Edom focused on the tragedy specifically to highlight Israel's sins and condemn them further [מלבי״ם].

Beyond merely watching, Edom is strictly warned against reaching out to take Israel's wealth and property [מצודת ציון, שטיינזלץ]. Though the warning is brief, the clear intent is a demand that they hold back their hands entirely, refraining from plundering and stealing Israel's assets on the day of their tragedy.