Charles Ellicott Commentary Amos 1:11

"Thus saith Jehovah: For three transgressions of Edom, yea, for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever:" — Amos 1:11 (ASV)

CURSE ON EDOM.

Edom.—Compare the prophecy of Obadiah and Isaiah 34:5. See also the Dictionary of the Bible, article “Edom.” All through their history Edom sided with the enemies of Israel. (Compare 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Samuel 8:14; Psalms 60:9; and 2 Chronicles 21:8–10.)

Cast Off.—It would be better to render stifled. In the following clause, read: And his indignation rent continually, and his wrath lurked ever on the watch. But a different punctuation of the Hebrew original yields a different meaning: As for his wrath, he has kept it for ever. (almost as in the English Version). This corresponds closely with Jeremiah 3:5.