The Book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, yet it provides valuable insights into God’s judgment on the nation of Edom for their pride and hostility toward God’s people. Here are some key questions to consider when studying Obadiah:
Who was Obadiah?
Very little is known about Obadiah himself. His name means “servant of the Lord.” He is not the same Obadiah mentioned in 1 Kings 18 who was a servant of King Ahab. Beyond his name, nothing definitive is known about the author of this prophetic book.
When was Obadiah written?
The date of composition is uncertain. Many scholars believe Obadiah is one of the earliest written prophecies, dating to the 9th century BC during the reign of King Jehoram of Judah (see 2 Kings 8:16-24). Others date the book later, after the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BC. Ultimately, the date does not impact the message.
Why was God’s judgment pronounced on Edom?
The Edomites were descendants of Esau and had a long history of conflict with Israel (descended from Jacob). Obadiah condemned Edom for gloating over Judah’s misfortunes when Jerusalem was attacked and destroyed by foreign invaders (see Obadiah 1:11-14). Edom failed to help their kinsmen in need. Their pride and lack of compassion invoked God’s wrath.
What sins of Edom does Obadiah highlight?
Obadiah focused on several key sins of Edom which led to God’s judgment:
- Pride – They became arrogant and felt indestructible in their mountain strongholds (Obadiah 1:3-4).
- Violence – They were cruel toward their brother nation Judah (Obadiah 1:10).
- Indifference – They rejoiced over the misfortunes of Judah rather than helping (Obadiah 1:12-14).
- Betrayal – The Edomites cut down fugitives trying to escape from the Babylonian invaders (Obadiah 1:14).
How did God punish Edom?
Obadiah prophesied that Edom would be completely destroyed because of their sins against Judah. This came to pass when Edom was conquered by the Nabataeans in the 4th century BC. God humbled Edom because of their pride (see Obadiah 1:2-4). Their punishment matched their crime. Ultimately, they drank the cup of God’s wrath which they had poured out for their brothers (Obadiah 1:15-16).
What lessons can we learn from Obadiah?
Here are some key lessons to take away from this short but meaningful prophetic book:
- God judges the sins of pride and indifference to the suffering of others.
- No nation is indestructible – only God’s kingdom endures forever.
- Helping others in need pleases God, especially fellow believers.
- Betrayal and treachery ultimately reap negative consequences.
- Justice may not come immediately, but God does punish the proud and cruel.
How was Edom’s judgment a reversal of fortune?
Edom felt secure in their rocky strongholds carved out of the mountains and did not believe any army could displace them (see Obadiah 1:3-4). But God promised to bring Edom down from their lofty heights and humble them greatly. Though they soared like the eagle, God would drag them down (Obadiah 1:4). Their pride preceded their great fall.
How does Obadiah’s prophecy relate to other nations?
Though aimed specifically at Edom, Obadiah’s prophecy contains principles that apply to all nations. Those who sin against God’s people will face consequences. No nation should glory in the misfortunes of others or fail to aid them in times of distress. God honors compassion while resisting the proud. All nations are accountable to God’s standards.
Why did hostility exist between Edom and Israel?
Several factors contributed to ongoing tension between Edom and Israel:
- Ancient rivalry – Conflict between brothers Jacob and Esau established discord early on between these nations.
- Territory dispute – Edom rejected Israel’s request to pass through their land after the Exodus (Numbers 20:14-21).
- Idolatry – Edom’s false gods opposed the God of Israel.
- Alliances – Edom allied with other nations who attacked Israel.
This bred distrust and hatred which passed from generation to generation.
Did Edom help Babylon conquer Judah?
Obadiah contains no clear evidence that Edom formed a military alliance with Babylon against Judah. However, when Babylon attacked Jerusalem, Edom did nothing to intervene and prevent the destruction of their kinsmen. Even worse, some Edomites used the invasion as an opportunity to loot fleeing survivors and assassinate those trying to escape (Obadiah 1:11-14). At the very least, Edom was complicit through indifferent passivity.
How does Obadiah depict Edom’s pride?
Obadiah uses vivid imagery to capture Edom’s arrogant pride which precipitated their downfall:
- “Who can bring me down to the ground?” (Obadiah 1:3) – They felt invincible.
- “Though you soar aloft like the eagle…” (Obadiah 1:4) – They had soaring self-confidence.
- “The pride of your heart has deceived you” (Obadiah 1:3) – They were blinded by arrogance.
- “I will bring you down” (Obadiah 1:4) – They would be humbled.
Pride and downfall often go hand in hand in Scripture. God opposes the proud (James 4:6).
Why did God judge Edom so severely?
Several factors help explain the severity of God’s judgment on Edom:
- Their close relation to Israel as descendants of Abraham invoked greater accountability.
- Their pride, self-sufficiency, and arrogance provoked God’s wrath.
- Their cruelty and betrayal toward Judah during invasion was inexcusable.
- Indifference to a brother nation’s suffering showed lack of compassion.
- Years of hostility toward Israel exacerbated their guilt.
Edom persisted in sin and hardness of heart, necessitating stern discipline. Their judgment matched their crimes.
How was justice served in Edom’s punishment?
There was a just symmetry between Edom’s sins and their punishment from God:
- Pride led to humiliation.
- Cruelty led to destruction.
- Indifference led to abandonment in their time of need.
- Betrayal led to conquest by enemies.
- Prosperity led to barrenness and ruin.
Edom was served the same cup of judgment they poured out on Judah. God’s justice was poetically enacted through Edom’s reversal of fortunes.
What prophetic functions did Obadiah serve?
As a prophetic book, Obadiah served several key functions:
- Warning – Edom was warned their sins would bring God’s judgment.
- Rebuke – Obadiah confronted Edom’s pride, cruelty and betrayal.
- Judgment – God’s punishment on Edom was justly proclaimed.
- Comfort – Obadiah assured Judah that Edom would be punished.
God’s prophets boldly declare His standards, warn of consequences, and comfort His people.
What is the book’s key theme?
The overriding theme is the destruction of arrogant Edom because of their violence and indifference toward Judah. Their pride led to a great fall. God humbles the proud and cruel while elevating the humble. Justice was served.
How does Obadiah portray God’s sovereignty?
Obadiah highlights God’s supreme authority in several ways:
- He summons nations to battle and destroys the proud (Obadiah 1:1).
- Nothing is hidden from God’s omniscience (Obadiah 1:6).
- He repays each nation according to their deeds (Obadiah 1:15).
- His purposes stand firm – no nation can thwart them (Obadiah 1:4).
The book reveals God’s unmatched power and knowledge governing all nations and events.
What literary features does Obadiah contain?
Though brief, Obadiah skillfully employs several literary devices:
- Imagery – Vivid descriptions of soaring eagles humbled (Obadiah 1:4).
- Metaphors – Edom will be drunk and destroyed (Obadiah 1:16).
- Irony – What Edom did to others was done to them.
- Contrasts – The proud are abased, the cruel punished.
These creative techniques engrain the message deeply in readers’ minds.
How does Obadiah portray God’s justice?
Obadiah shows God’s justice in several ways:
- Judah’s tormentors will not go unpunished.
- Indifference to a neighbor’s pain invokes discipline.
- Edom’s punishment fits their cruelty toward Judah.
- God avenges His people and rights all wrongs.
- Nations reap consequences for their deeds, good or bad.
The book offers comfort that justice prevails, if not immediately, then ultimately. None evade God’s fair decree.
What caused Edom’s downfall as foretold?
Bible scholars cite several contributing factors in Edom’s ultimate demise:
- Loss of crucial trade routes – Their economy was strangled.
- Pressure from Nabataean nomads – These enemies gradually encroached.
- Invasion by Arab tribes – Edom’s lands were overrun.
- Natural disasters – Earthquakes devastated cities.
- God’s judgment – Their sins sealed their fate.
Edom dwindled from prosperity to obscurity. God’s word through Obadiah was fulfilled.
How is God’s compassion shown in Obadiah?
Though judgment is prominent, God’s compassion emerges in Obadiah as well:
- He feels sorrow over Edom’s sins and Judah’s suffering.
- He acts to punish the cruel and defend the helpless.
- He patiently gave Edom centuries to repent before acting.
- His discipline aims to teach, redeem and restore.
God’s compassion remains even in judgment intended to spur repentance and growth.
What relevance does Obadiah have today?
Here are some key contemporary applications from Obadiah:
- Avoid pride and arrogance which lead to downfall.
- Refrain from gloating over those who struggle.
- Nations still reap what they sow through foreign policies.
- Indifference to injustice invokes God’s displeasure.
- God still judges cruelty, especially toward His people.
Obadiah offers timeless principles for national accountability, justice and brotherhood. Its message remains potently relevant now.
How does Obadiah offer hope to God’s people?
Though judgment fills Obadiah, hope emerges in knowing:
- God sees and cares about injustice against them.
- No enemy escapes God’s fair retribution.
- All proud oppressors eventually face humiliation.
- God’s purposes stand firm, despite appearances.
- Compassion and justice ultimately prevail.
Obadiah reassures God’s people He remains sovereign and committed to righting all wrongs.
In summary, though brief, the book of Obadiah offers a powerful depiction of God’s justice and compassion toward prideful nations who oppose His people. Its prophetic warning remains relevant for all who would exalt themselves while exploiting or harming others. Obadiah offers hope that God’s purposes stand firm and no injustice goes unaddressed by the Judge of all nations.
