Short and Sweet
Obadiah
Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament. As you can see, it is only 21 verses.
The book begins with a brief title – “The vision of Obadiah,” 1a. The introduction is also brief, 1b., - “The Sovereign LORD” is sending Obadiah, a prophet, to the remnant of people still living in Jerusalem with a message concerning the nation of Edom.
The message of the LORD that Obadiah has been commissioned to deliver is a message of divine judgment against Edom. Specifically, the LORD is stirring up the nations to go to war against Edom.
Thematically, the book is structured around why divine judgment is justified and the consequences of God’s judgment upon nations and individuals who choose disobedience to and independence from God. For Edom, and those whom they represent, Obadiah is a warning to repent or suffer the consequences of an angry God. For the remnant of Judah, and those whom they represent, Obadiah is a lesson of trust in the promises of a faithful and loving God.
As we read through the book, look for the reason divine judgment against Edom is pronounced and for what the LORD is going to do, vv.1-4; look for descriptions of how God’s judgment will be total destruction for Edom, vv.5-10; look for the attitudes and actions of Edom that God could not ignore, vv.11-14; and, finally, look for the extension of God’s action against Edom as a day of human history to the future of all nations and people on the Day of the Lord, vv.15-21.
The book begins with a brief title – “The vision of Obadiah,” 1a. The introduction is also brief, 1b., - “The Sovereign LORD” is sending Obadiah, a prophet, to the remnant of people still living in Jerusalem with a message concerning the nation of Edom.
The message of the LORD that Obadiah has been commissioned to deliver is a message of divine judgment against Edom. Specifically, the LORD is stirring up the nations to go to war against Edom.
Thematically, the book is structured around why divine judgment is justified and the consequences of God’s judgment upon nations and individuals who choose disobedience to and independence from God. For Edom, and those whom they represent, Obadiah is a warning to repent or suffer the consequences of an angry God. For the remnant of Judah, and those whom they represent, Obadiah is a lesson of trust in the promises of a faithful and loving God.
As we read through the book, look for the reason divine judgment against Edom is pronounced and for what the LORD is going to do, vv.1-4; look for descriptions of how God’s judgment will be total destruction for Edom, vv.5-10; look for the attitudes and actions of Edom that God could not ignore, vv.11-14; and, finally, look for the extension of God’s action against Edom as a day of human history to the future of all nations and people on the Day of the Lord, vv.15-21.
The Message of Divine Judgment, vv.2-4
- God’s action is certain – “I will make you,” v.2. The verb is grammatically referred to as the “prophetic perfect.” That is, nothing can change what God has determined to do.
- Edom’s problem is pride – “the pride of your heart,” v.3. Pride is deceitful and leads to self-sufficiency. Edom is an excellent illustration of Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Edom’s false sense of security was based on its location. They lived in the mountains – “in the clefts of the rocks,” “a home on the heights.” That is, they thought that they were ‘out of sight’ and ‘out of reach.’ Notice their boast: “Who can bring me down to the ground?”
- God’s answer to Edom’s boast – “I will bring you down,” v.4
The Message of Total Destruction, vv.5-10
- God’s judgment is beyond normal expectation, “Oh, what a disaster awaits you,” v.5. In comparison with what thieves and robbers and grape pickers normally do, that is, leave something behind, God’s judgment will be total destruction – “Esau will be ransacked, his hidden treasures pillaged,” v.6.
- Edom is completely unaware and without understanding of what is about to happen – vv. 7-9. When a foreign army is at their gate they will not be supported by their supposed allies and friends; no one will have any answers to why this is happening; and Edom’s military might will be shattered to the point that the whole population is decimated. The progression of thought in these verses is meant to emphasize the fact that under God’s judgment, the descendants of Esau will cease to exist. The day of Edom’s destruction is a historical day. They, like so many nations, have ceased to exist. The day of Esau’s destruction is eschatological. There is a day coming when every nation, past-present-future, will face God’s judgment.
- God’s judgment is reciprocal to the wrongs done to His people – v.10.
CONNECTION CARD
- Every day this week my first thoughts will focus on the sovereignty of God and see how this habit changes my opinions on things happening in the world.