Obd 15-18 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Obad 1:15-18: 1:15-18 The law of retribution ( lex talionis ) is that we harvest what we plant. Edom’s treachery, compounded by her pride, would be more than returned when the cup of vengeance came around to her lips. Justice would bring deliverance for Israel and punishment for Edom (see also Jer 49:7-22 ; Ezek 32:29 ; Mal 1:2-5 ). 1:15 The day is near when I, the Lord , will judge (literally the day of the Lord is near ): Although the day of the Lord was sometimes a temporal event (e.g., the forthcoming destruction of Edom; Joel’s locust plague, Joel 1:15 ), in its final form that day encompasses God’s final retribution on all godless nations . • As you have done: For those who experience judgment, their evil deeds shape their punishment.

a1:15-18►

bJer 49:7-22►

cEzek 32:29►

dMal 1:2-5►

e1:15►

fJoel 1:15►

g1:17►

hJer 40:11-12►

iGen 12:1-7►

jMal 1:4-5►

k1:18►

‏ Obadiah 15-18

Summary for Obad 1:15-18: 1:15-18 ^a The law of retribution (lex talionis) is that we harvest what we plant. Edom’s treachery, compounded by her pride, would be more than returned when the cup of vengeance came around to her lips. Justice would bring deliverance for Israel and punishment for Edom (see also Jer 49:7-22 ^b; Ezek 32:29 ^c; Mal 1:2-5 ^d). 1:15 ^e The day is near when I, the Lord, will judge (literally the day of the Lord is near): Although the day of the Lord was sometimes a temporal event (e.g., the forthcoming destruction of Edom; Joel’s locust plague, Joel 1:15 ^f), in its final form that day encompasses God’s final retribution on all godless nations.

• As you have done: For those who experience judgment, their evil deeds shape their punishment.
1:17 ^g Jerusalem would become a refuge for those who escape. A remnant of Judah remained in Jerusalem (see Jer 40:11-12 ^h). The Lord’s mountain of refuge sharply contrasts with Edom’s failed cliff fortresses.

• their inheritance: The land God gave to Abraham (Gen 12:1-7 ⁱ) would be returned to his descendants in perpetuity.

• the people of Israel: This promise of a return for the people of Judah but not for the Edomites was picked up by the prophet Malachi (Mal 1:4-5 ^j).
1:18 ^k The principle of retribution is expressed in the vivid image of a raging fire burning Edom to extinction. Edomite cities were burned by Babylonian king Nabonidus in 553 BC.