INTRODUCTION TO OBADIAHObadiah was a common OT name (1Ki 18:3; 1Chr 3:21, 7:3; 8:38; 9:16, etc...) which means 'servant of the LORD.' The mention of Edom's involvement in Jerusalem's destruction (11-14) mirror Ezekiel 35 and are similar to Jeremiah 49:7-22, suggesting Obadiah was probably prophesied at the same time (perhaps the 'we' in verse 1). His vision is the LORD's message of doom about Edom. Edom was a name given to the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob and first son of Isaac (Ge 25:30). The Edomites occupied Mount Seir (Dt 2:12), a well-watered area south of the Dead Sea (9; Teman means 'south'). The capital was Petra or Sela (footnote verse 3), an impregnable fortress city carved into the face of a cliff. Edom or Esau's descendants appear as enemies of God's people: Esau plotted the murder of Jacob (Ge 27:41). After the exodus from Egypt and 40 years of wandering in the desert, as Moses was leading the people to the land, Edom refused to let them pass through (Num 20:14-21). They were often at war with the kings of Israel and Judah. Obadiah's vision concerns the Edomites' actions when Babylon was destroying Jerusalem (586 BCE)(11-14; Ps 137:7). The theme of the vision is God who destroys the proud and delivers the humble. As enemies gloat and gain power in the world, we must not lose hope. We need to trust in the closing promise: 'And the kingdom will be the LORD's.'
'AND THE KINGDOM WILL BE THE LORD'S'
1. "The pride of your heart has deceived you" (1-14)
Edom's "home on the heights" made them feel secure and impenetrable. They soared like eagles over all the tumult below. But their pride deceived them. The LORD would remove all they trusted in. Why? When Babylon destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BCE the Edomites stood aloof, gloated, helped themselves to plunder, and even caught fugitives fleeing the city and handed over survivors.
2. "The day of the LORD is near" (15-21)
The day of the LORD is coming when all will be judged: "as you have done, it will be done to you." The humble and weak, God's people in exile, will be lifted up and restored. All nations, including the mountains of Esau, will be governed. The kingdom will be the LORD's. Jesus announced: "The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news (Mk 1:35)!"
Application: Father, you reign overall. Help me trust in your plan and do my part in your kingdom work, knowing you oppose the proud and lift the humble.
One Word: God's will be done