The Warning in Obadiah

By Dean Collins

If you have ever tried a read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year plan, then you know that the 17 books that make up the major and minor prophets can feel burdensome at times. While there are many important messages in the books of prophecy, it is easy to get lost in some of the historical details and to adjust to the various styles of writing of each prophet. I will admit that when I get to the book of Obadiah, I usually smile and enjoy the shortest book of the Old Testament. With just 21 verses, it is the shortest book in the entire Bible!

Don’t let the shortness of Obadiah fool you into thinking that there isn’t important truth to learn from this prophet! In fact, as I read through this little book a couple times today, it struck me that this is extremely relevant for us today.   

First, this little book speaks to the challenges of family conflict. To set up the ongoing family conflict that is referenced by Obadiah, we must review some biblical history. God made a promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s lineage. Abraham and Sarah had one son, Issac. Issac and Rebecca had twins, named Jacob and Esau, and the family conflict exploded when Jacob tricked his father and stole Esau’s blessing.

 We know that after a number of years, the twins met and things seemed to be resolved. However, we know from scripture that as time passed, the 12 tribes of Jacob and the sons of Esau came into conflict again. Esau was nicknamed Edom, and God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. The Edomites are the decedents of Edom. The Edomites refused passage to Israel. Israel, under King Saul, attacked the Edomites, and King David reigned over them, which resulted in rebellion from the Edomites. When we get to Obadiah, the prophet condemns Edom because instead of aiding Israel when they were attacked by Babylon, they laughed and cheered at their demise. This behavior brought God’s judgment on Edom. Unresolved family conflict can harm relationships for generations.

Second, Obadiah reminds us that God doesn’t like those who think they are better than another:

“The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?” Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord.” Verses 4-9 remind us that no one can outsmart or out-maneuver God’s judgement. God is just, and there are consequences for our actions. 

Third, we see that Edom was also punished because they didn’t act to help their brother in need. They faced judgement not just for what they did do but also for what they didn’t do. This is especially relevant for followers of Jesus. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 25? In as much as we didn’t help those in need, we didn’t help Jesus. 

“On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. But do not gloat over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune; do not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their ruin; do not boast in the day of distress. Do not enter the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; do not gloat over his disaster in the day of his calamity; do not loot his wealth in the day of his calamity. Do not stand at the crossroads to cut off his fugitives; do not hand over his survivors in the day of distress.” 

The last thing to remember is that Obadiah warned that the there is a day of the Lord that is coming for all nations. Every nation in the world will experience the day of the Lord. The apostle Paul was determined to obey the instructions of Jesus to take the gospel to all the world so that everyone would come to experience the grace and mercy of the Lord when he returns in glory to renew and restore all that is broken in the world. Ultimately, Paul reminds us in Philippians 2 that when Jesus returns, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Father, we are convicted by the book of Obadiah because we have stood by when others were in pain. We have perpetuated conflict instead of working to resolve it. We have failed to help those in need. Forgive us. Lord, fill our hearts with love and compassion for those who do not know what Jesus has done for them. Grant us the love and courage to share the good news with those near and far. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Your Time with God’s Word
Obadiah 1:1-21; Philippians 2:9-11 ESV

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