The Lord compares the invaders of Edom to grape-gatherers and thieves. Even grape-gatherers and thieves leave something behind when they are done. But when the Lord is done with Edom he will have stripped Edom bare.
There will be no hiding place for anyone in Edom; everyone will be destroyed. The mention of children
and brothers
(verse 10) refers to those who are related to Edom by blood such as the Horites and Simeonites. Neighbours
refers to those with no blood ties.1 The point being that none will escape the destruction that is coming. There is also no promise of restoration for Edom, and he is no more.
Once again, the Babylonians are the Lord’s instrument in bringing this destruction on Edom. In 553 BC Babylon invaded Edom and the resulting destruction marked the eventual end of Edom as a nation.2
9 If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave gleanings? If thieves came by night, would they not destroy only enough for themselves?