T he only good news that we ought to know and remember is that Jesus Christ had already won the war against sin and death. He has made it possible for us to join Him in the afterlife. All we need now to do is accept Him as He is. God is alive today and it may be sometimes be difficult to see this. The world and its demonic nature has still made it look like that only worldly things matter and that the ultimate goal of each one is to achieve their own personal happiness. This is the biggest lie of all, that we should do all to make us happy. Individual happiness at the expense of someone else is the biggest deception of all. The truth is, our lives are never really about us. It is ultimately about God and about others. It is about how you can provide and give joy even at our own expense. This is the model of ultimate and genuine love that Jesus shown us at the cross. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s frie...
The Book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, consisting of only one chapter with 21 verses. It is a prophetic book primarily focused on the judgment of Edom for their role in the destruction of Jerusalem.
Summary:
Obadiah's prophecy begins with a declaration of God's judgment against Edom. The Edomites, descendants of Esau, were brothers to the Israelites, descendants of Jacob. Despite this familial tie, Edom consistently showed hostility towards Judah, particularly during times of distress. Obadiah condemns Edom's pride and their malicious actions when foreign invaders attacked Jerusalem.
The prophecy details Edom's specific offenses:
Pride (verses 3-4): Edom dwelt in fortified strongholds in the clefts of the rock (Petra), which made them feel secure and elevated. Obadiah proclaims that despite their lofty position, God will bring them down. "The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, 'Who can bring me down to the ground?' Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down," declares the Lord.
Violence against their brother Jacob (verses 10-14): When Jerusalem was attacked and its people carried into exile, Edom stood by and watched, rejoicing in Judah's misfortune. Even worse, they actively participated in the plundering, cut off fugitives, and handed over survivors to the enemy. "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, shame will cover you, and you will be destroyed forever." (verse 10). "On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them." (verse 11). "You should not have gloated over your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoiced over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boasted in the day of their trouble." (verse 12).
The Day of the Lord (verses 15-21): Obadiah declares that "the day of the Lord is near for all nations." (verse 15). Edom's judgment will serve as a precursor and example of God's judgment on all who oppose Him and His people. While Edom will be completely destroyed, "on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and Jacob will possess his inheritance." (verse 17). The prophecy concludes with a promise of restoration for Israel, who will ultimately possess the land of their enemies, including Edom, and establish God's kingdom. "Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the Lord's." (verse 21).
Notable Quotes and Verses:
"The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, 'Who can bring me down to the ground?'" (verse 3)
"Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down," declares the Lord. (verse 4)
"Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, shame will cover you, and you will be destroyed forever." (verse 10)
"On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them." (verse 11)
"As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head." (verse 15)
"But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and Jacob will possess his inheritance." (verse 17)
"Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the Lord's." (verse 21)
Historical Facts about how the Book Came to Be:
The exact date of Obadiah's prophecy is debated among scholars, but the most widely accepted view places it shortly after the destruction of Jerusalem by foreign invaders. There are two main periods considered:
During the reign of Jehoram (c. 848-841 BC): This period saw an invasion of Judah by Philistines and Arabs, during which Edom revolted against Judah (2 Chronicles 21:8-10) and potentially participated in the raid on Jerusalem.
After the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians (586 BC): This is the most popular view. The prophet Jeremiah also condemns Edom for their actions during this event (Lamentations 4:21-22, Ezekiel 25:12-14, Ezekiel 35). Obadiah's vivid description of the sacking of Jerusalem and Edom's gleeful participation fits well with the Babylonian destruction.
The name "Obadiah" means "servant of Yahweh" or "worshiper of Yahweh." Nothing is known about the prophet himself beyond his name. He is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, and his origins remain a mystery.
The book's brevity and singular focus suggest it was a specific oracle delivered to address a particular historical event and provide divine judgment against Edom. It also served to reassure the suffering people of Judah that God would ultimately vindicate them and punish their enemies, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations. The prophecy's fulfillment against Edom, which eventually ceased to exist as a distinct nation, serves as a powerful testament to God's justice.