Obadiah
The Doom of Edom This prophecy is directed specifically against the nation of Edom, who were long-time enemies of Israel. Some interpreters also see Edom as a symbol for all the enemies of God’s people, and others connect it to later enemies such as Rome. The message assures Israel that, although Edom may seem powerful now, God will bring them down, and ultimately the enemies of God’s people will face judgment. v. 1: The prophecy begins with a declaration of war against Edom. Obadiah has received a message (or “rumor”) from the Lord, announcing that God is raising up other nations to attack Edom. God uses messengers to stir up these nations, saying, “Arise, and let us rise up against her in battle.” It is God’s decision and decree that Edom, who has harmed His people, will now be judged. This shows that God is in control and can use even other nations to carry out His justice. v. 2: God says, “Behold, I have made you small among the nations; you are greatly despised.” Edom’s former pride and influence will be brought low. The nation that once seemed important will become insignificant and looked down upon by others. This is the result of their arrogance and opposition to God’s people. v. 3: Edom had confidence in their natural defenses—living in the rocky cliffs and high places—but their pride deceived them. They thought no one could bring them down. But God warns that even if they seem safe, He can humble them. Their pride will not protect them from God’s judgment. v. 4: God says that even if Edom soars as high as an eagle, or builds their home among the stars, He will bring them down. No matter how high or secure they feel, they cannot escape God’s power. This is a warning that pride and self-confidence apart from God lead to destruction. v. 5: God compares Edom’s coming ruin to a robbery or a grape harvest. Normally, thieves take only what they want, and grape pickers leave a few grapes behind. But Edom’s destruction will be so complete that nothing will be left; it will be total. This shows the seriousness of God’s judgment. v. 6: God says, “How Esau has been ransacked!” (Esau is another name for Edom.) All their hidden treasures and valuables will be searched out and taken away. What they trusted in for security will be lost. v. 7: Even Edom’s allies and friends will betray them. The nations they thought they could count on will turn against them, deceive them, and help to destroy them. Edom’s wisdom and alliances will do them no good in the end. v. 8: God asks, “Will I not in that day destroy the wise men out of Edom?” Edom was known for its wise men and counselors, but God will take away their wisdom. They will be left in confusion, unable to save themselves by their own knowledge or plans. v. 9: Edom’s mighty warriors will lose their courage, and everyone in the land will be cut off in battle. Even the strongest people will not be able to stand against God’s judgment. This is the final outcome for those who trust in themselves and oppose God’s people. The Guilt of Edom This section explains why Edom will be completely ruined. Many things were wrong in Edom, but there is one main reason for their punishment. The Lord accuses Edom of violence against their brother Jacob. Because of this violence, Edom will be covered in shame and cut off forever . God cares deeply about how people treat each other, especially when it comes to His people. Hurting others, especially our own relatives or God's people, is a serious sin. Edom's hatred for Israel—God’s chosen people—was like high treason against God Himself. As a result, Edom will receive a shameful and lasting punishment. v. 11: Judah and Jerusalem were attacked and suffered greatly. Foreign armies entered Jerusalem, took captives, and divided the city’s riches. During this time, Edom did not help their brothers. Instead, they stood by and watched, doing nothing to help. In fact, Edom was like the priest and Levite in the story of the wounded man; they saw the suffering but did not help (Luke 10:31-32 a). v. 12: Edom should not have looked at their brother’s troubles with joy or satisfaction. The day of Israel’s calamity should have moved them to compassion, not laughter or scorn. Edom rejoiced over the destruction of Judah and spoke proudly, making fun of Israel’s pain. This pride and pleasure in another’s suffering is wrong, especially when it is against God’s people . v. 13: Edom’s sin grew worse. They went into the city after it was conquered and took part in stealing the wealth of Jerusalem. Even if they did not help destroy the city, they took advantage of Israel’s suffering by helping themselves to what was left. By doing this, Edom became just as guilty as those who attacked Jerusalem. v. 14: Edom did even more harm. When Jewish people tried to escape, Edom blocked their way. Some they killed, while others they captured and handed over to the enemy. Edom could have helped these refugees, but instead, they betrayed them. This cruelty is especially shocking because these people were defenseless and needed mercy. Edom acted as if they were the enemy, showing no care for their suffering neighbors . v. 15: God warns that judgment is coming soon to all nations, not just Israel. The Lord will punish those who hurt His people. The cup of suffering that Israel drank will be passed to the nations who rejoiced at their downfall. No one should feel safe when others are punished, because their own time may come . v. 16: Edom and the other nations will also suffer as they made Israel suffer. Just as Israel drank the cup of God’s anger, so will their enemies. God is fair. What Edom did to others will be done to them. In the end, Israel will recover, but Edom and other enemies will be completely destroyed and forgotten (Obadiah 1:16; Jeremiah 25:29 b; Jeremiah 49:12; Isaiah 51:22-23 c). Promises to Israel and Judah After God warns about the destruction of the church’s enemies, He gives promises of hope and salvation for His people. These promises were partly fulfilled when the Jews returned from Babylon, but they point forward to the greater salvation brought by Jesus Christ. God’s plan is to save and bless His people, even when it seems like their enemies are winning.v. 17: There will be deliverance on Mount Zion, God’s holy hill. A remnant of Israel will escape and be saved there . This is not just about the old city, but also about the gospel church. Jesus said, Salvation is of the Jews (John 4:22 d). God saves people through faith in Christ. Those who come to Him will find rescue from sin and death. But those who stay far from God will be left to perish.Where there is salvation, there will also be holiness. God wants His people to be holy, set apart for Him. Holiness prepares us for deliverance. When God saves us, He also changes us to love and obey Him. Holiness is a sign that God is working in us, and it is a promise of eternal life. In the gospel church, there will be holy people, holy worship, and the Holy Spirit. Where there is holiness, there is true deliverance.God’s salvation and holiness will spread. The house of Jacob will possess their possessions. This means God’s people will grow and take back what was lost. The gospel will go out to all nations, and many people will join God’s family. When people believe in Jesus, they give themselves and all they have to Him. The church will keep growing until Christ’s kingdom fills the earth (Revelation 21:24 e). v. 18: The house of Jacob will be like a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame. The house of Esau will be like stubble, easily burned up. God’s people will overcome their enemies, not by violence, but by the power of the gospel. The message of Christ changes hearts and destroys evil. Those who fight against God’s people will be defeated, just as fire burns up straw (Malachi 4:1; Jeremiah 5:14 f). The gospel is powerful—it saves those who believe and judges those who refuse. v. 19-20: God’s people will spread out and take possession of new lands. After returning from captivity, the Israelites will not only get back their own land but also gain land from their neighbors. This is a picture of how the church grows when more people come to faith in Christ. The true riches are not land or money, but new people joining God’s family. The gospel will reach far places, and many will become part of God’s people. This is not done by force, but by preaching and the work of the Holy Spirit (Genesis 12:5 g). – v. 21: The kingdom will belong to the Lord. Saviors will come to Mount Zion—these are the preachers and leaders God sends to help His people. They will save and protect God’s people, and judge the enemies of God, like the mountain of Esau. The gospel message saves those who believe and judges those who do not (Mark 16:16 h). God will always protect His church, and in the end, Christ will rule over all. The kingdoms of the world will become His, and He will reign forever.
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