Obadiah

OBADIAH

Introduction to Obadiah: “Obadiah” means “servant or worshiper of Yahweh.” Not much is known about this prophet and the time of his writing. It may have been anytime from 586 to 850 B.C. He most likely lived in the southern part of Judah and gave God’s words to those people. Obadiah seemed very concerned about the attitude of the Edomites after Jerusalem was destroyed. Most authorities see Edom as typical of all the forces arrayed against Israel and Yahweh. Some also see Edom as a type of the flesh (worldly proud and selfish) and Obadiah as a prophecy of its eventual destruction.

Chapter 1 (the only chapter) – Judgments against Edom, especially if they gloat over the destruction of Jerusalem. Edom was the nation that had grown out of the descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob. It was a proud nation and long-time enemy of Israel. Because they dwelt in a lofty, well-fortified region, highlighted by Mt. Seir, they thought they were invincible. They had the same attitude as the “Titanic boast” that claimed even God could not sink her. But God said He would find them no matter where they were, and He did. After their destruction, hundreds of years later there was a trace of Edomites still living but they became known as Idumeans. Herod the Great was one of them (little wonder that He went after baby Jesus). In the end, Edom would not prevail over Israel. This also could be a foretaste of how Christ’s Kingdom will eventually rule over all kingdoms as those kingdoms crumble and disappear forever while Christ’s alone remains forever. 🙂

Application for Today: INVEST YOUR TIME AND EFFORT IN THE KINGDOM THAT WILL LAST FOREVER.