4:21, 22 O daughter of Edom. This is one of Israel’s historic enemies. Her enmity was the more scandalous because of an ancient affinity of blood; Edom was another name for Jacob’s brother, Esau (Gen. 25:30). But the nation of Edom will also fall in its turn (Obad. and Jer. 49:7–22).

The punishment of your iniquity . . . is accomplished. That is, “Your guilt will end.” Because of God’s mercy and compassion the guilt of His people will be ended, and they, in contrast to Edom, will be delivered. See Is. 40:2 and Jer. 49:7–22.