The book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, consisting of only 21 verses. Yet in this brief prophetic book, we find critical details about an ancient nation called Edom and its relationship to God’s chosen people, Israel.
Obadiah 1:1 introduces the prophecy as concerning “Edom.” Verse 8 gives us a bit more information, indicating that this message is for “Esau,” who is specifically called “the land of Edom.” So Edom is a land, but it’s clearly connected to a person – Esau.
To understand the identity of Edom, we have to go back to the Old Testament origins of the nation. Esau and Jacob were twin brothers, the sons of Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 25:19-26). Esau was the firstborn and would customarily have received a double portion of inheritance and the leadership of the family after Isaac. However, Jacob tricked his brother into trading away his birthright (Genesis 25:29-34). Later, through deception, Jacob received Esau’s blessing from their father too (Genesis 27:1-40). This led to great animosity between the brothers.
After Jacob fled from Esau’s anger, Esau settled in the hill country of Seir (Genesis 32:3, 33:14-16). Seir was located south of the Dead Sea in the region later known as Edom. Genesis 36 chronicles Esau’s descendants and records, “These are the chiefs of Edom (that is, Esau, the father of Edom)” (Genesis 36:43). So the Edomites were the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s estranged brother.
Centuries later, after the Exodus from Egypt, the Israelites requested passage through Edom on their way to Canaan. But the king of Edom refused (Numbers 20:14-21). This began a pattern of confrontation between Israel and Edom. King David eventually subjected Edom to serve Israel (2 Samuel 8:13-14). Later, Edom rebelled against King Solomon (1 Kings 11:14-22). After that, Edom’s relationship with Israel see-sawed between conflict and submission.
Several prophets, including Jeremiah (Lamentations 4:21-22), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 25:12-14), Amos (Amos 1:11-12), and others, prophesied judgments against Edom for their anger and violence against Israel. Obadiah echoes these prophecies but provides more details about God’s case against them.
We learn in Obadiah 8-14 of the charges God brings against Edom:
- They were prideful and arrogant, believing their dwellings were impregnable (v. 3-4).
- They rejoiced when foreigners carried off Israel’s wealth and stood aloof when Israel was attacked (v. 11-12).
- They captured or killed fleeing Israelites (v. 14).
- They cut down fugitives attempting to escape (v. 14).
In summary, Edom represents Esau’s godless descendants who opposed Israel at critical moments, lacked compassion, and at times, inflicted violence against Jacob’s offspring. Their pride led them to forget that both Israel and Edom belonged to Abraham’s family. God judged Edom for this longstanding bitterness, jealousy, and cruelty toward their kinsmen.
Yet Obadiah ends with hope and restoration. Verses 17-21 declare that despite Edom’s sins, deliverance will come to God’s people and the kingdom will be the Lord’s. Edom is a picture of humanity’s rebellion against God’s rule and the end result of godlessness left unchecked. But ultimately, the prophecy gives us confidence that evil will be judged and righteousness will triumph.
Key lessons we can take away from Obadiah’s brief glimpse into Edom’s history:
- God cares how we treat others, even those outside our immediate family or circle.
- Pride and arrogance against God will be judged.
- Trusting in our own strength and wisdom versus the Lord’s leads to downfall.
- Evil actions have consequences both now and eternally.
- God remembers how we treat His chosen people.
- Ultimately, God’s purpose and kingdom will prevail over all.
Studying Obadiah and the story of Edom reminds us of these timeless truths. Though brief, this small prophet offers much to instruct and warn us today.
In 9 verses, Obadiah encapsulates centuries of conflict between two nations descended from twin brothers. This brief snapshot offers vital insights into God’s perspective on pride, compassion, trust, justice, family, and His sovereign plan. As with all Scripture, this short book speaks volumes when we listen closely.
The complex relationship between Israel and Edom provides the backdrop for Obadiah’s prophecy. To summarize:
– Edom represents the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s twin brother.
– Hostility arose between the brothers from the time Jacob deceived Esau out of his birthright.
– Esau’s descendants (Edom) settled south of Israel and often opposed them.
– Israel and Edom had a long, troubled history spanning hundreds of years.
– Several OT prophets foretold Edom’s judgment for violence against Israel.
– Obadiah echoes these warnings but provides more explanation of Edom’s specific sins.
– God judged their pride, cruelty, indifference, and active opposition to Israel.
– Ultimately Obadiah ends with hope in God’s future restoration of His people.
Key themes in Obadiah regarding Edom include:
- God cares how we treat others.
- Pride and arrogance will be judged.
- Trusting in self versus God leads to downfall.
- Evil actions have consequences now and eternally.
- Hurting God’s people brings His judgment.
- God’s kingdom will prevail over all.
Though brief, Obadiah offers profound truths through its glimpse into this troubled biblical relationship. It serves as a warning and reminder of God’s perspective on justice, compassion, family, and His sovereign plan.
Edom’s hostility toward Israel went back generations, to the conflict between twin brothers Jacob and Esau. Yet Obadiah shows God’s interest was far broader than just two individuals or tribes. His compassion and sense of justice encompassed nations descended from those patriarchs centuries later. And His plan stretched beyond temporary earthly kingdoms to the eternal establishment of His righteous kingdom.
This brief prophetic book contains layers of insight relevant today, including:
- Actions have far-reaching consequences, beyond our lifetimes even.
- Evil presently seeming unchecked will face judgment.
- No one is exempt from God’s standards of justice and mercy.
- Pride precedes a fall, while humility aligns us with truth.
- Hurting others always hurts us; healing others heals us.
- God remembers history perfectly; we easily forget or distort it.
- God patiently works out His purpose beyond human timelines.
- The wise align their plans with God’s ultimate plan.
Obadiah reminds us God sees a much bigger picture than we do. He doesn’t overlook persistent rebellion or cruelty, especially toward His children. No temporary success justifies injuring others. But God mercifully redeems those who humbly align with His heart and purpose.
This brief, often overlooked prophetic book contains a wealth of insight, revealing God’s character and priorities. It serves as a warning to all who oppose His people and plan. And it offers hope that His righteous kingdom shall certainly prevail.