The Book of Obadiah
Introduction
- Looking at Obadiah this morning
- The shortest book of the Bible
- Much we could learn from this book
- Much expository teaching
- Good to have a big picture view of this book
- Context:
- We don't know much about Obadiah other than his name and that he is a prophet
- Obadiah means 'servant of the Lord'
- He has been called to prophesy to the people of Edom and Judah
- The prophecy was likely delivered after the destruction of Jerusalem ≈ 586 BC
- The first 16 verses - speaking to Edom
- The last 5 verse - the vindication of God's people
- It's main message is aimed at those who have turned their back on God - rebuke and judgment
Judgement is pronounced against Edom
- Obadiah was called by the Lord - v1
- Called to deliver a message/prophesy
- God speaking to the people of Edom through Obadiah v2-16
- A strong rebuke to the nation - v3a
- The Edomites were the enemies of Israel
- The descendants of Esau
- Explanation of Esau vs Jacob
- Example of sibling problems
- The rivalry even from birth had turned into being enemies
- The Edomites blocked their passage through the promised land - Num 20:14-20
- The Lord speaks of the destruction of Edom
- The Lord declares to Edom the root cause of their impending doom
- Pride v3-4
- There is nothing in this world that exists beyond God's authority
- The Edomites built their houses in the rocks and felt secure
- God reminds them there is no place of escape from the living God
- v5 - the ruin coming to the Edomites will be total
- Example
- It will be a righteous act of judgment
- v6-7 – there is no-one they can turn to
- They had not relied on the living God
- Ps 118 - "it is better to take refuge in the Lord"
- Infact their comrades would rise up against them - v1
- v8-9 – their wisdom cannot save them
- Prov 8
- Prov 16:18
- The Edomites were a proud and arrogant nation
- Gen 25:23
- A harsh message from the Lord
- Remember that the prophecy was delivered sometime after the nation of Israel was taken captive
- The city and Temple of the Lord in ruins
- v10-14
- The Edomites did not help Judah
- The Edomites betrayed Judah and turned against them
- They had seen who low Judah were brought, yet they were full of pride
- Our society takes great pleasure in the fall of people
- Edom took great pleasure in the destruction of Judah
- Active violence
- The prophecy of Gen 25:23 was fulfilled
- Jacob was not perfect but Esau despised him
- Edom were more concerned with their own worth rather than help Israel
- Now they were to reap the rewards of their shameful behaviour
- Edom should have learnt from the judgment that Judah received
- God will not let this sin go unpunished
- v16
- This is a preview of God's great judgment upon this world
- God's justice will be achieved
- The nation that delights in the suffering of God's people will not last
- The Edomites typify rebellion against God
Hope for those in Zion
- A significant change v17-21
- There will be great hope for all those found in Zion
- They knew what it was like to be in judgment
- Salvation promised to those who hold out
- v17-18
- The promise made to Abraham would not be frustrated
- We can see the fulfillment of these promises
- This promise is to all
- We are not the remnants of Judah or know any Edomites
- We can apply these words to our lives
- Gal 3:28-29
- Rom 4:13
- The descendants of Abraham will inherit the world
- Not a geographical but an eternal possession
- The kingdom shall be the Lord's
- Ps 22:27-28
- There is great hope for those in Zion
- Personal example
- That which belongs to God is never lost
Applications
- God is Sovereign
- Dan 7:9
- He turns the courses of nations according to His own will
- No matter how chaotic our lives get - God is always in control
- Pride is deceptive
- v3
- It makes us think we are worthy of our own praise
- It distorts all aspects of our lives
- It challenges the sovereignty of God
- God hates pride - v4
- Do you recognise the pride in your life?
- Proud individuals/nations will reap what they sow
- God will not be our Shepherd
- There will come a day of judgment - it is only those who are covered in the blood of the Lamb who will find their names written in the Book of Life
- God has made a way of escape and salvation
- v17
- Those who have turned from pride to the living God will have a home
- Our salvation has been secured [in Jesus]
- Recognise the great hole in your life
- Do no try to secure your own salvation
- Call out on the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour
- Christians are those who have thrown themselves on the grace of God
- The promise of grace
- The path to eternal life is the Lord Jesus Christ