INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF OBADIAH
INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF OBADIAH
Obadiah means “servant of the Lord” or “worshipper of the Lord”. He was from Judah, and was called to tell of God’s judgment against the nation of Edom. Two accepted dates for this prophecy are between 853 BC and 941 BC when King Jehoram and Jerusalem were attacked by the Philistine/Arab coalition (2 Chron 21:16) or 586 BC when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians (2 Kings 25:2; 2 Chron 25:36).
Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament. Obadiah is written the form of a poetic dirge. Because of their treachery and pride, Edom stood condemned and would be destroyed. The prophecy shows that God judges those who have harmed his people and responds towards anyone who harms his children. It also tells of God’s desire for his kingdom to spread throughout the land. God wants his people to experience deliverance and the peace of the Kingdom of God. There are two mega themes in the book: justice and pride.
The book can be divided into three parts:
Part 1: An announcement that disaster was coming to Edom (1-9).
Part 2: The reasons for their destruction (10-14)
Part 3: Judgment will fall on all who harm the people of God, but there will be deliverance for those who belong to God. (15-21)
Wednesday, August 27
DELIVERANCE ON MOUNT ZION
Obadiah 1:1-21
“Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the Lord’s.” (21)
First, Edom’s pride deceived her to her reality (1-9). The Edomites were confident that their capital was safe from invasion while their army raided at will. They gloated over Jerusalem’s suffering, helping themselves to spoils. They returned fugitives. All this occurred even though Israel and Edom had common ancestors. They would be destroyed. When we take refuge in our own strength, holding onto false pride, there will be consequences.
Second, God would deliver and restore his people (17-21). When God dwells in the midst of his people, they are a burning fire. The Edomites would be stubble that fire consumes. Deliverers will govern the mountains of Esau. In God, they would experience complete victory, taste freedom, peace and justice. Anyone can dwell in this kingdom, even Edomites who repented of their sins and put their faith and trust in God. Yes, even those.
Lord, thank you for delivering me. I long to dwell in your presence in your kingdom, face to face. May the kingdom of God grow in peoples’ hearts across our nation.
ONE WORD: God will bring victory to his people
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