The Book of Obadiah delivers a compelling message about God’s judgment on Edom and the vindication of His people.
Obadiah clearly shows that God’s wrath and judgment came upon Edom for mistreating a “brother” nation. It highlights the theme of divine judgment against Edom, a nation descended from Esau, who is emblematic of pride and enmity against Israel.
This judgment reveals how deeply ingrained sins can be uncovered, suggesting that the hidden things of the heart will ultimately be exposed.
Obadiah has significant parallels to our world today.
The family lines of both Israel and Edom go back to a common ancestor – Isaac. Esau (Edom) was the brother of Jacob (Israel). This made Edom’s sin against Israel all the worse.
Some sins become worse depending on whom we sin against. It is sin to treat someone else badly; it is worse to treat a brother or sister in Jesus badly. It is sin to speak harshly to anyone; it is worse to speak harshly to your husband or wife. 1
When strangers attacked Judah (Israel) and entered its gates, Edom did nothing but rejoice. Sometimes doing nothing is a great sin. The sin of doing nothing is the sin that “will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).
Edom’s sin started with doing nothing. Then progressed to pride over Judah’s distress and worse.
All in all, Edom treated God’s people terribly when distress and calamity came upon them. For all this, God’s judgment was coming upon them.
Beyond Doing NothingFirst, they did nothing and they rejoiced in Judah’s distress and calamity. They gloated. The final progression of Edom’s sin was worst of all. They took advantage of their vulnerable state and they joined in the violence against God’s people.
When they encountered people from Judah fleeing southward from the attacking army, they killed them or gave them over to the enemy as prisoners.
Are we guilty of the same – or worse – when we see others in distress or calamity? If so, God sees it as sin, and He must deal with it in our lives.
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In conclusion, consider the Daily Bread email message sent on 11/29/2024 which says:
- treat someone else badly,
- to treat a brother or sister in Jesus badly,
- to speak harshly to anyone,
- and it is worse to speak harshly to your husband or wife.
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Cited References:
- David Guzik, Commentary on Obadiah, (Enduring Word, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/obadiah/