Once upon a time, at the time of the children of Ammon and of Israel, the Lord Jehovah rose a question to His people. He asked, “Hath Israel no sons? Hath he no heir?” He wondered why Malcam, the Ammonite deity, possessed Gad and his people dwelt in the cities of Israel. The Lord declared that the time would come when He would raise an alarm of war against Rabbah, the capital of the children of Ammon, turning it into a desolate heap and burning her daughters with fire. Then, Israel would possess the very people who oppressed them.

The mourning amongst the Ammonites was eminent; Heshbon cried out as Ai was laid waste, and the daughters of Rabbah wore sackcloth, weeping and running among the fences as Malcam was taken into captivity along with his priests and princes. Their faith in their treasures was useless; they who gloried in the valleys, the backsliding daughters, were filled with fear as the Lord struck them from all sides. Yet, their return was guaranteed as well, Jehovah promised to bring back the Ammonite children from captivity.

Then, a message was declared about Edom by Jehovah of hosts. He questioned the absence of wisdom in Teman, wondered if their counsel had perished. The inhabitants of Dedan were cautioned to flee, to hide in the depths as the calamity of Esau, their progenitor, was near. No secrets could remain hidden as the Lord vowed to make Esau bare, to uncover his hidden corners, leaving his descendants and allies vulnerable.

Despite the destruction, Jehovah also promised protection to the fatherless and the widows, advising them to trust in Him. Meanwhile, He solemnly swore that Bozrah, the capital of Edom, would become a wasted land. An ambassador was dispatched among nations to unite against the increasingly desolate city. Edom’s pride in its fortresses deceived it, leading to its downfall as the Lord promised to bring them down from their lofty heights.

The story turned to the city of Damascus, which found itself in despair, filled with fear at the evil tidings. Unable to contain the sorrow and anxiety, the city crumbled as a woman in travail. Yet, God promised to bring a revival, to kindle a fire within its walls. But until then, the young men of Damascus fell in its streets, and the men of war were silenced under the banner of Jehovah’s commands.

In the kingdoms of Kedar and Hazor, King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon advanced with intentions of destruction. The people scattered, terror became their constant companion from all sides. Hazor became a desolate dwelling-place, forsaken for all eternity.

In the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah, the prophecy reached Elam. The Lord predicted the breaking of Elam’s might, the scatter of its people, and the loss of its king and princes. But hope existed even for Elam; in the latter days, the captivity of Elam would be reversed, as decreed by the Lord Jehovah. The tale of these prophesies serves as a testament of divine judgement, punishment, and mercy. While these cities grappled with their fate, they were also shown God’s promise of restoration, signifying His love and justice for His people.