OBADIAH

God Judges Jacob’s Twin

Or

“The Rest of the Story”

...This is the _smallest__ Old Testament book.  Perhaps it is the oldest of all the writings of the prophets.

...The subject of this book is _judgment__.  Edom, the children of Esau, was located in a mountain region

    Southeast of the Dead Sea. Petra was the capital. Remember Ps. 137 when God was asked to judge Edom...

...There was sharp rivalry between the two nations... so this is like a _family__ dispute.

TWO OBSERVATIONS AS WE SEE GOD’S HAND OF JUDGMENT UPON A PEOPLE.

I.    GOD’S JUDGMENT FALLS UPON _ESAU___  (EDOM).  (vv 1-16)

            A. Obadiah tells us that it is _God__ who calls the nations to go against Edom. (v 1)

            B. It is the Lord God who causes nations to rise and fall. (v 2)

            C. Obadiah tells us that Edom’s destruction would be complete.  She stood so __proud___.

                        1. Her _power__ would be destroyed. (vv 3-4)

                                    a. Edom thought she could not be defeated.

                                    b. With 200-250 feet high canyon walls it seemed so!

                                    c. But this gave her a false sense of security.

                                    d. Yet, the Lord would bring her down! (v 4)

                        2. Edom’s __wealth___ would be plundered. (vv 5-6)

                        3. Edom’s friends would betray her. (v 7)

                        4. Edom’s false __wisdom___ would end. (vv 8-9)

            D. Obadiah gives us the reasons for this judgment. (vv 10-16)

                  ...It was lacking concern for God and His people and work.

                        1. This opposition was seen in Edom __helping__ Judah’s enemies. (v 10)

                        2. The specific charges are given. (vv 11-16)

                                    a. She cheered the _enemies___ on... rejoiced over Judah’s fall.

                                    b. Edom entered Jerusalem and looted...and caught those who escaped and gave them

                                        over to the enemies.

            E. Therefore, The Day of the Lord was near. (vv 15-16)

II.   THE LORD WILL BRING FINAL VICTORY FOR JACOB, BUT NOT FOR EDOM. (vv 17-21)

            A. Judah is promised restoration. (v 17)

            B. Edom would no longer __exist___! (v 18)

            C. The Lord would rule in this coming kingdom. (v 21)

LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES:

1. Remember that God has designed your family.

2. Pride is a great sin.

3. Your security is only ever in the Lord.

4. God always has a future for His people.

5. Never rejoice when others have their troubles.

6. Today God’s judgment is being delayed. Today is a day of grace so that more may be saved.