Obadiah

Background

• Obadiah means “servant of the Lord”• Verses 1-16 prophesy the destruction of Edom• Verses 17-21 foretell the restoration of Israel• Edomites are descendants of Esau• An invasion of Jerusalem is mentioned and

may refer to the Arabians (848-844 B.C.; 2 Chron. 21:8-10, 16-17) or the destruction of Jerusalem (584 B.C.)

History of Edom

• Jacob and Esau struggled in the womb – Genesis 25:22-26

• Jacob bought the birthright, showing Esau’s worldliness and lack of respect for God – Genesis 25:27-34; Hebrews 12:16– Conflict developed but was later resolved –

Genesis 27, 32-33

• Edomites were not to be abhorred or land taken – Deuteronomy 23:7; 2:5-8

• Edom would not allow Israel to pass through on wilderness journey – Numbers 20:14-21

Edom Brought Down by Pride

• God’s messenger sent to stir up the nations against Edom because of false pride – Proverbs 11:2; 16:18; 30:29-33

• Edom called Seir because of mountain range she trusted in more than God– God would see to it that Edom’s hidden things

would be taken– Allies would withhold support– Trade partners would lay a trap for her– Wise men’s counsel would fail and mighty be

made helpless

Defeated Because of Treatment of Brother, Israel

• Instead of feeling sympathy, Edom joined in Israel’s oppression – Proverbs 17:5; Job 31:28-29; 1 Corinthians 13:6– Joined in the looting – verse 13– Prevented refugees from fleeing to safety – verse

14; Amos 1:6-9

• The day of the Lord, or judgment, would fall on Edom as God came in the form of her enemies and she would reap as she had sown

Restoration of Israel

• God planned to establish his kingdom in Zion as a refuge – Luke 1:33

• God’s redeemed and united people would destroy Edom

• As Israel would become the victor, Edom would become the conquered

• God’s people would be triumphant