©2003 Pastor Tom Miles

Edom stands judged, and her doom is certain, because of her pride in rejoicing over the misfortunes that befell Jerusalem.

Obadiah penned this little book around 840 B.C.  In this book we find prophesies of the coming judgment of Edom. The Edomites rejoiced when Jerusalem was invaded.  They actually took part in the plunder of the city.  It is believed this invasion refers to the Philistines and Arabians invading during Jehoram’s reign sometime around 847 B.C. (2nd Chronicles 21:8-17).  It is believed the invasion happened very quickly after the revolt of the Edomites against King Jehoram.  This would explain their rejoicing over the fall off Jerusalem.

Obadiah though presents the anger of God towards Edom for their great joy in the fall of Jerusalem.  The destruction Edom is promised and the deliverance of Israel is foretold.  This book also brings into remembrance the feud between Esau and Jacob.  Esau of course is the father of the Edomites and Jacob the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.  Even though Jacob and his brother Esau reconciled their differences it seems the descendants of the two continued feuding.

Outline

The judgment of Edom
I. The destruction will come upon Edom (1-9)
II. The reason for the judgment: rejoicing during the troubles of Judah (10-14)
 
The day of the Lord
I. The judgment upon Edom and other nations (15-16)
II. The prophecies that concern Israel (17-21)
A. Israel's hope for salvation (17-18)
B. The destruction for Edom (18)
C. The borders of Israel increased (19-21)

Verse one begins saying the vision of Obadiah!  Who is Obadiah? The name means servant of Jehovah or worshipper of the Lord.  Other than that all we know is 12 men in the Old Testament had this name!  We do not know much more about this prophet.  He continues though to say “we” meaning him and the other prophets have heard something  a rumor, but this is a different type of rumor for it is not from the lips of gossip but from God!  Obadiah says he is first sent by God and then by the king and the nations who are subject to the king.  And this message he brings is one that declares war not peace.  He says, arise and go into battle.  And in verse two Obadiah says that they are a small people  as compared to other nations Edom is small and also no matter what they were before  no matter what their status was before they are now a despised people!  Verse three says the Edomites were a proud people.  They were a rough and ready group of people willing to take chances.  They lived in the mountainous country and were able to display they strength in a way that exaggerated it.  They were able to make people think they were stronger than they actually were.  In verse four though Obadiah says God in heaven would bring them down.  He says that nothing will be able to help them against the forces of God when He comes against them.  In verse five he says even if thieves by day would have robbed them they would not have taken everything.  He goes on saying that even robbers in the darkness of night would not have taken all they would have left some behind taking only till they had enough.  But with God coming down upon them nothing will be left.  Even if the fruit from the vines were gleaned some would have been left behind but when God comes through nothing will be left.

Verse six reiterates the terrible devastation that will happen to Edom.  Esau the father of this people, looked to this people for his future but all will be taken and devastated by the hand of God when He comes forth.  And in verse seven Obadiah tells how even those thought to be friendly towards Edom will deceive them.  And there will be no understanding of how this happens  it will just happen.  The Lord says in verse eight that “in that day” will He not “even destroy” all those wise men famed for their knowledge in Edom.  The mount of Esau refers to Idumea, which was a mountainous region.  Verse nine says that even the might men of Idumea will become puzzled and not understand what is happening nor will they with all their strength be able to resist it.

And now beginning with verse 10 we see the sin of Esau being brought to attention, which is remindful of Cain and Abel.  Because of Esau’s sin against his brother Jacob he will be cut off and shamed.  Jacob is more than just a brother to Esau.  Jacob and Esau were twins.  Shame would cover his people forever  Idumea, as a nation, a great and mighty nation would be now cut off forever and devastated.  Verse 11 to 14 says that during the misery of Jacob, during his hours of need and want you came against him with hostility instead of sympathy.  You continuously watched and longed for his destruction instead of his success.  Lots were cast for Jerusalem and all this you were just as much a part of as any!  You Edom stood by and watched as Jerusalem was invaded, and then you rejoiced over her invasion and then you actually took part in the pillage of the city and if this were not enough you actually helped blockade the people from leaving the city for safety.  You Edom entered as an enemy against God!
 
Beginning now with verse 15 to 16 we see the time for destruction is at hand.  The day of the Lord (Joel chapter 1, 2, and 3) is in reference here to Christ’s second coming and the judgments on all nations.  Edom’s punishment, does not have to wait till future events though, it is going to happen now.  In the day of the Lord the fulfillment of punishment will take place and the just reward for the deeds carried out by the Edomites will fall upon them.  And now in verse 17 we find some will escape from mount Zion.  This literally refers to the Jews or the Gospel of Christ and the Church.  There will be deliverance for a remnant.  And in verse 18 it says that the house of Jacob will be kindled as a fire and Joseph as a flame, but Esau as stubble and all trace of the Edomites will be gone forever they will be devoured by the flame.  And then as it says in 19 they, the Jews living in the southern parts of the land of Canaan, will after their victory over the nation of Edom possess the land!  And the Jews living in the plain lands will find their borders increasing to possess the Philistines land.  And the Jews will again possess all the lands once possessed by the ten tribes.  And Benjamin will possess Gilead.  This is more land than they had ever possessed.  And in verse 20 to 21 we see that the ones held captive and the lands taken by force will be returned to the captives and the captives set free.  Christ and His apostles and other servants of the Gospel are set free to deliver the Gospel of Christ to all lands and God, the God of Israel, will be worshipped, exalted, and obeyed because it is the will of God!

Father, help us to go forth in the name of Jesus to possess the land for YOU and not for self.  Help us to never become selfish and self-pleasing desiring our glory above Yours and others.  Help us to be humble and mostly help us to hear Your voice before destruction comes to us in Jesus name amen.
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Living Vine Ministries
Pastor Thomas Miles
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