The Prophet Obadiah

Some books of the Bible are not popular or read very much because they either seem long and boring (2 Chronicles) or the content is kind of uncomfortable to read - let alone talk about (Leviticus). Most would probably say Leviticus is the most unpopular. But it turns out that the least popular or least read Bible book is actually Obadiah. Sadly, most Christians aren’t familiar with Obadiah and, even though it’s short, have probably never even read it. It is, in fact, the shortest book of the Old Testament and the fourth shortest book in the entire Bible. But just because it is short does not mean it is insignificant. It is one of three O.T. prophecies that exclusively address nations other than Israel. Jonah and Nahum addressed Ninevah, while Obadiah addressed Edom. So, let’s find out what Yehowah has to say through this prophet.

Background:

Name: Obadiah, (o-bad-yaw') Hebrew for “servant of YHWH”

Scripture Location: fourth of the Latter Prophets between Amos and Jonah

Date: likely a contemporary of Jeremiah

Backstory:

Jacob and Esau eventually reconciled (Gen 33:4) but their descendants became bitter enemies (2 Kings 8:22) even though they were blood relatives. Esau’s people became Edom (Gen 36:8) and Jacob’s became Israel (Gen 32:28; 35:9). Israel centered on Mt. Zion and Edom centered on Mt. Seir (Deut 2:5). They both had a mountain but only one was God’s chosen people (Gen 21:12).

Vs 1-3.

No matter how wise and safe they think they are, Yehowah will smite Edom.

Vs 4-9.

They will be betrayed and pillaged. Yehowah will destroy them. Jer 49:7–22

Vs 10-14.

Edom will be destroyed because they:

a. Declined Israel passage to Canaan with force. Num 20:20–21 b. Repeatedly helped Israel’s enemies. 1 Ki 11:14, 2 Ki 8:20-22; 2 Chron 28:16-18 c. Cheered and helped Babylon attack & loot Jerusalem. Ps 137:7-8

Both Scripture and history prove that our God YHWH is slow to anger but He will not be mocked. And once His anger is aroused, judgment is sure to follow.

So then, if Edom is done for, why do we, as Christ followers today, bother to study this shortest of OT prophecies? We’ll talk about that next time!

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”… “Yehowah is slow to anger but great in power; He will not leave the guilty unpunished… It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God…. “You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” … “The Lord is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Galatians 6:7; Nahum 1:3; Hebrews 10:31; Jonah 4:2; 2 Peter 3:9

We saw previously that Obadyaw (Obadiah) may be the shortest book of the Old Testament but short doesn’t mean insignificant. Three O.T. prophecies exclusively address nations other than Israel and this one, addresses Edom. We also learned that even though Jacob and Esau eventually reconciled, their descendants became the bitterest of enemies. Over the years, Edom did some horrible things to their blood relatives – Israel! We finished last time by asking why, as modern New Testament believers in Christ, do we bother to study this little prophecy that isn’t even addressed to Israel or the church. So, let’s find out what YeHoWaH is saying to us, as modern-day, American Christians, through His prophet Obadyaw.

The previous part of the text taught us that:

Vs 1-3. No matter how wise and safe they think they are, YeHoWaH will smite

Edom. Vs 4-9. They will be betrayed and pillaged. Yehowah will destroy them.

Vs 10-14. Edom will be destroyed because they: a. Declined Israel passage to Canaan with force. b. Repeatedly helped Israel’s enemies. and c. Cheered and helped Babylon attack & loot Jerusalem.

The rest of the story:

Vs 15-16. The Day of the LORD is coming. Nations will receive what they deserve, as they have done to others and become as though they never existed.

Deuteronomy 32: 34-35,43; Joel 2:1,11,31; Jer 49:12

Vs 18. Israel will consume Edom – no survivors.

Vs. 9; Hebrews 12:16; Malachi 1:3;Jer 49:13,18; Ez 25:12-14

Vs 17, 19-20. Israel will be restored in the land from the Exile, and will occupy the Land from end to end. Isaiah 11:11-12; Jer 30:3; Ez 37:21-22

Vs 21. YeHoWaH will rule the nations, including Edom, from Mt. Zion.

Isaiah 31:4,8; 51:11; Rev 11:15

So why should we as American Christians consider Obadyaw’s prophecy?

Once founded on Biblical principles, America has become a pagan nation, doing the same things YeHoWaH condemned Edom and empires of the past for:

sexual abominations, murdering unborn babies, and now slowly turning against His chosen people.

Listen! Israel is back in the land! The delusion our Lord Jesus spoke of is here. The last days are upon us! The time is short! America and the Church and would do well to heed Obadyaw’s warning! Repentance and submission to the Lordship of Messiah Jesus is the only solution!

It’s time to get serious with God!

“The day of YeHoWaH is near for all nations.” … “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”…“The time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?”… “Behold, now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation.”

It’s time to get serious with God! Amen!

Obadiah 15; Rev 11:15; 1 Peter 4:17; 2 Cor 6:2