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I. AS A SIN AGAINST THE CREATOR. The truth of this will appear from —

1. The constitution of the human soul.

(1)  The existence of social love.

(2)  The instinctive condemnation of cruel acts.

(3)  Innate craving for social approbation.

2. The common relation of all to God. He is the Father of all men.

3. The common interest of Christ in the race.

4. The universal teaching of the Bible. The man who injures his fellow-creature is a rebel against the government of the universe.

II. AS PERPETUATED AGAINST A BROTHER (vers. 10, 11). Why specially offensive?

1. Because the obligation to love is stronger.

2. Because the chief human institution is outraged.

3. Because the tenderest human loves are wounded.

III. AS WORKING IN VARIOUS FORMS FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.

1. Some forms are —

(1)  The lack of sympathy when Judah was in distress.

(2)  Positive rejoicing when Judah was in distress.

(3)  Participation in the work of their enemies.

2. Omniscience observes it in all its forms. God's eye was on the Edomites. Sin, in all its operations, is evermore under the eye of Omniscience. If we realise it, it will —

(1)  Stimulate to great and spiritual activity.

(2)  Restrain from the commission of sin.

(3)  Excite the desire for pardon.

(4)  Brace the soul in the performance of duty.

3. A just and terrible retribution awaits it in all its forms. Retribution is a settled law in the material universe.

(Homilist.)

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KJV: For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.

WEB: For the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame will cover you, and you will be cut off forever.