Obadiah Introduction

OBADIAH (SERVENT OF YAHWEH

There is at least twelve people name Obadiah in the Bible. Smiths Bible Dictionary 

The book itself does not include much information about Obadiah, nor the date and place of the book being written 

The book of Obadiah is about Edom’s judgment and Israel’s restoration

According to Mark Rooker: “The book of Obadiah is a condemnation of Edom for her evil treatment of Judah during the time of Judah’s greatest crisis, the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonian empire.” 

In this morning’s study I will go into detail on who are these Edomites and what Obadiah is all about

The main purpose of this prophecy of Obadiah is to reveal to us the events that must take place for this world, Yahweh's creation, to become established as the Lord's Kingdom

Note: For the most part, throughout this study, “Esau” and “Edom” refer to the descendants of Esau. Likewise, ‘Jacob’ refers to the descendants of Jacob (i.e. Israel) 

Obadiah means “Servant of Yahweh”. As a servant of Yahweh our desire is to work for Him and also to be pleasing to Him. This is really where it begins for each of us. Yahweh is not going to teach us, illuminate Biblical texts for us, or give us insight if we are not interested in serving Him or doing His work  

The very fact that this book consists of only one chapter should alert us to its importance. If it was unimportant, Yahweh would not have preserved it, and it would have disappeared long ago. Its length also simplifies our task of discovering its message. Like all the Bible books, this one has a message that is vital for us today as well as for its original reader’s centuries ago

1.       This is the shortest book in the Old Testament with 21 verses 

2.       About Edom

1.       It is a country located on the southeastern shore of the Dead Sea 

2.       Sometimes it is also called Seir as indicated in Genesis 32:3; 36:20–21, 30; Numbers 24:18 

3.       The father of the Edomites was Esau and the battle between Israel and Edom goes back to their forefathers who were twin brothers Esau and Jacob in whom they were already fighting in the womb as seen in Genesis 25:21-27

4.       When the Hebrews headed towards the Promise Land Edom refused them travel through their territory (Numbers 20:14–21, Judges 11:17–18)

5.       At one point David controlled Edom (2 Samuel 8:13-14, 1 Kings 11:15-18) but two centuries later they threw off Judah’s control during the reign of Jehoram (2 Kings 8:20-22) 

6.       Later Edomites raided Judah and took captives during the reign of Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:17) 

7.       The worst act of Edom against Israel was participating with the Babylonians with the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem

1.       “Remember, O Lord, against the sons of Edom The day of Jerusalem, Who said, “Raze it, raze it To its very foundation.”” (Psalm 137:7)

3.       Edom’s sin

1.       Pride

1.       They have pride in their defensive capital makes them think no one can invade and defeat them (3-4)

2.       They have pride in their renowned wise men (8)

3.       They have pride in their mighty warriors (9)

2.       Violence towards Israel: ““Because of violence to your brother Jacob, You will be covered with shame, And you will be cut off forever.” (10)

Join me as we go Chapter by Chapter, Verse by Verse, Unraveling the Words of Yahweh!

Have any questions? Feel free to email me; keitner2024@outlook.com