obadiah

God’s prophetic word against Edom was revealed to Obadiah and recorded within this Old Testament book. Several oracles against Edom are recorded within the Old Testament; Obadiah is one of these prophecies. God chose certain people to speak through who are referred to as a ‘prophet.’ A prophet communicates a message with divine authority. “Thus says the Lord” (v. 1) expresses the divine inspiration of the message to follow. Obadiah’s message can be broken down into three parts: God’s judgment of Edom (1-14), God’s judgment on the nations (15-16), and the restoration of Israel (17-21). The judgment of Edom can be further broken down into Edom’s punishment (v.1-9), and then Edom’s crime (v.10-14).

Before unwrapping the prophecy against the Edomites (the house of Esau) and the Israelites (the house of Jacob) it is important to remember the story of Jacob and Esau. Esau and Jacob were twins of Isaac and Rebekah. Esau was born first and thus held the birthright. However, Jacob stole Isaac’s blessing from Esau who was subsequently destined to wander the land. Esau finally settled in a land referred to as Edom. The descendents of Jacob and Esau were continual enemies as foretold before their birth (Gen 25:23). After the Israelites were miraculous delivered from slavery in Egypt they inquired permission to pass through the land of the Edomites, which was refused by the Edomites. The animosity between the two houses continued throughout the generations. Israel was commanded to be kind to Edom (Dt 23:7-8). The intriguing history of Edom continues. Edom sat back and applauded the Babylonians as they conquered Jerusalem in 586BC. The most likely time this book was written is around the reign of Jehoram of Judah between 848-841BC.

The prophet brings word of God’s divine judgment: “Behold, I will make you small among the nations; You are greatly despised” (v. 2). Why is this nation despised? Obadiah makes mention of one reason at the beginning of the proclamation: “The arrogance of your heart has deceived you” (v. 3). Edom was known for their sages and books of wisdom. Even the capital of Edom, Petra, exemplified their arrogance. The city was situated in a mountainous region (v. 3-4) and was difficult to penetrate. It encouraged a feeling of self-sufficiency within the Edomites because they felt they could defend themselves and didn’t have to rely upon God for protection. But this would not stop God. “Though you build high like the eagle, Though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the Lord” (v. 4). And even though Edom was home to many wise men, the wisdom of these men could not discern a plot of dissention amongst their allies. God used their feeling of security to reveal his ultimate superiority and sufficiency. The Edomites felt safe and secure both physically and intellectually. But their wisdom couldn’t detect the men who would deceive and overpower them. The pride of the Edomites was to be demolished as God wiped away all sources of false arrogance.

Edom faces judgment, not only for pride, but also because of the way they treated Israel. “Because of violence to your brother, Jacob, You will be covered with shame, and you will be cut off forever” (v. 10). Edom served as an ally with Babylon when Jerusalem was destroyed. Edom didn’t help their relative and rejoiced in their downfall as described in verses ten to fourteen. The Edomites also captured fugitives from Jerusalem and handed them over to the Babylonians. “Remember, O Lord, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. They said, “Tear it down, tear it down, right to its very foundation!” (Ps. 137:7). The role of each nation is reversed during this prophecy. In the day of the Lord the mountain of Esau will be destroyed while Israel is restored. What Edom did to Israel in pride and arrogance will be returned unto them.

Just as Edom will be judged for what they did to the house of Jacob, so will other nations be judged on the day of the Lord. “For the day of the Lord draws near on all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head” (v. 15). For all nations who trust in their own intellect and power rather than obeying and trusting in God will face God’s judgment. Edom is an example to other nations of God’s judgment.

The rest of the book describes how the house of Jacob, the people whom Edom rejoices over their capture, will be restored. The “House of Esau will be as stubble,” but the house of Jacob will “posses their possessions” and a remnant will remain upon Mount Zion’s holy hill (v. 17, 18). The house of Esau’s land is divided up amongst other nations in verses 19 and 20. What is important to note from these specific depictions is how the land promised to Jacob in Genesis 28:14 is restored to the descendents of Jacob reaffirming the Abrahamic covenant. The last line in this verse establishes God’s authority throughout the land: “And the kingdom will be the Lord’s” (v. 21b). In the day of the Lord, God’s kingdom will reign forever.