Obadiah

Notes from Bible Study with Pastor Terry Gray

Obadiah

- Name means servant of the Lord

- This is a common name: There are 12 men in the Old Testament named Obadiah

- Very little is known about Prophet Obadiah

- His vision concerns the nation of Edom

Edom

- Southeast of Israel proper, Judea, and even the Dead Sea

- Located in modern day Jordan

- City of Petra is in Edom

Petra

This is a highly elevated city of fortress. The only way to get there is through a narrow path that stretches about a mile long. The Edomites were very proud of this city, because of its geographical superiority. They claimed they needed only 20 men to defend it against an army of men, since only a number of men can make it through that narrow path at a time. They therefore boasted they would never be taken down.

Edomites and Israelites

Edomites and Israelites never got along, and this foul relationship began in the womb (Genesis 25:23-26). Jacob (Father of Israelites) cheated Esau (father of Edomites) his birthright and his blessing. Esau wasn't too bright, and Jacob was cunning. The two did were not close brothers, to say the least.

Fast forward to Obadiah's time, whenever Israel is in trouble, Edomites would gloat and take joy in it. Edomites are always there when Israelites are down to kick them and make sure they stay down.

Zechariah 2:8

For this is what the LORD Almighty says: "After he was honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you--for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye.

This passages makes it clear that Israelites are the apple of God's eye. Woe to whoever takes advantage of God's chosen people.

The Book of Obadiah is God's judgment on Edom.

Obadiah 1:2-4

Edom was proud of at least 4 things:

1. Petra: Their fortress city--"Nobody can take us over"

2. Wealth: They were raiders who hid their looted wealth in the caves of Petra

3. Alliances: They chose allies wisely and have many allies

4. Army: They were proud of their wise and mighty men

Based on the above 4 factors, the Edomites were convinced that they were above all other people.

Unfortunately, God does not take much favor in proud men. Even worse for the Edomites, God takes less favor in proud men who bullies the Israelites.

Obadiah 1:5-7

Whatever the Edomites were proud of, God exposed that pride and showed how easy it was to take it all away.

Obadiah 1:10-14

God judged Edom for its pride but also because of how it treated his bother, Israel. Not only did he take advantage of Jacob, he helped others take Jacob down. He pillaged his brother's cities after they were overtaken by enemies.

Edom gloated over Israel's misfortunes and rejoiced in the suffering of his enemies. They boasted and pillaged. Any advantage they could take, they took.

Proverbs 17:5

He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.

God's heart breaks when we sin against him. This may be a hard concept to understand, but I have a personal experience that I could relate to.

When I was 6 or 7 years old, my mom told me that she doesn't like to punish me very much. I asked her why, and she said that because her heart aches every time she punishes me. She doesn't like making me feel bad, but she has to discipline me.

I've never forgotten that conversation. Every time I misbehaved, I'd feel horrible--not because I got in trouble but because I know that I'm making my mom feel miserable. This definitely made me think twice before purposely heading into trouble.

Because of such a heart, Jesus never sought revenge against His enemies. Actually, in the eyes of Jesus, no one was His enemies. Every one of us is His child. He just wants to keep us safe. Hence, when we misbehave, He lovingly disciplines. We break His heart when we sin against Him. And that is the heart we should have when we treat other people. We should not gloat and boast when other people are down. We should help them back on their feet.

Romans 12:14

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

The thing I find so amazing about Christ is that He showed us how to do everything, even the really, REALLY hard things--things like loving those who persecute us. Jesus is not the kind of leader who told us to go do something super ideal and fails to do it himself. Jesus not only showed us, He exhibited perfection in His being.

When we love, when we have the heart of a parent, we simply don't have room for hate. When our children misbehaves, we don't think of ways to hurt them or to get them back. Instead, we try to figure out what the problem is and help them become better people. That is the heart we should have toward those who hurt us, because when we can only think of the hate, that hate only eats us away, hurts us, and provides a way for Satan to come in.

Genesis 12:3

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all people on earth will be blessed through you.

Edom has come against Israel, the apple of God's eye. Things are not going to end well for Edom.

Obadiah 1:15-16

The act of drinking symbolizes receiving judgment (e.g., drink from the cup of wrath). Edom will be judged for everything they have done against Israel.

Inspiration: God makes it pretty clear that Israelites are a special group of people. God never backs down from His promises. Nations now taking advantage of Israel, think twice.

Obadiah 1:17-21

At the end of days, everything will be restored in Israel. Israel will be back in its land, under the rule of Jesus.

Take-home message:

1. Pride is the beginning of the fall

2. God is sovereign over all nations

3. God has plans for Israel that have yet been fulfilled (Replacement Theology is hypocrisy)

4. God is just

5. God is patient: Edom was given a long time to repent. All nations are given a long time to repent before God's judgment is pronounced.