survey of the Bible The Book of Obadiah

General Overview while many prophets foretold of judgment on nations besides Israel and Judah, Obadiah is dedicated to God’s judgment upon Edom Edom descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob, so it was a brother nation to Israel and Judah however, Edom sought to complicate the Jewish nations, often aiding their enemies (Num. 20:14-21)(2 Chron. 28:17) Obadiah likely concerns destruction of Jerusalem and captivity under Babylonians (v. 10-14)(Ps. 137:7)

Themes of Obadiah material protections cannot save from God Edomites lived in in and among the mountains, even dwelling in elaborate cliff-dwellings (v.2-4)

Petra (modern-day Jordan)

Petra (modern-day Jordan)

Themes of Obadiah material protections cannot save from God Edomites lived in in and among the mountains, even dwelling in elaborate cliff-dwellings (v.2-4) yet God would bring them to utter desolation due to their pride and selfishness (v. 5-9) God’s people would be vindicated while other peoples would be utterly destroyed, there would always be a remnant of promise of victory in the Jews, culminating in Christ (v. 17-21)

Importance to Christians do not place trust in earthly things no lasting power, and certainly no spiritual benefit, to the accumulation of material things (Mt. 6:19-21)(Rev. 3:17-18) we may lose out on our blessing (Heb. 12:15-17) God expects mercy and justice not just that we don’t do evil to one another, but we must have a heart to do good (James 4:10-17) (Mt. 25:41-46)

Conclusion the short book of Obadiah reminds us which side of God’s wrath we want to be on He jealously protects His people and reserves the strictest punishment for those who would provide a cause of stumbling to them but upon the faithful and humble, He promises great blessings, above all, eternal life and peace are we allied with God and His people, or do we seek our own will against God’s