Yesterday we examined the historic background of the book of Obadiah, today we’ll take a detailed look at the book itself.

Destruction of Edom, .1-.9. By this time in history, the nation Edom had been displaced from its green fields to a nearly impregnable hill country located in modern day Jordan. Edom prided herself in her great wealth (obtained by trading, looting, and iron and copper mining), and in her nearly impregnable geographic position. The hill country was a series of natural canyon lands, with a narrow entrance at both ends. Travelers had to pass through the canyon single file almost until they reached the city itself. This made fortification a simple matter. In response to Edom’s question, “Who can bring me down?” the Lord responds, “I will.”

Edom had wealth of all kinds. Aside from monetary wealth (of which she had plenty), she also had many solid alliances with neighboring countries, and possessed wise men and great soldiers. To debase her great wealth, the Lord promised that thieves would steal “…only as much as they want,” and that the tradesmen and neighbors would humiliate her by leaving behind scraps of food for her to eat. Nothing would be left. Rather, everything, including her treasures (probably hidden in caves) and even her land would be taken.

Finally, following her humiliation, her loss of physical wealth, her mighty men of wisdom and war would also fall under the sword of the Living God. All of this God promised to do because of Edom’s refusal to assist Israel in its time of dismay.

What a false hope pride gives unbelievers who try to find security in their own strength apart from God.

Edom’s Crimes, .10-.14. She did not assist her brother Israel when neighboring countries invaded. Instead, Edom stood aloof, unwilling to lift a finger. Later, Edom would even cast lots to determine which invaders would ransack which parts of the country. This is reminiscent of Jesus’ words “Whatever you have done to the least of these, you have done to me,” and the words of John, “He who claims to love God yet hates his brother is a liar.” God firmly upholds throughout history that we are our brother’s keeper. (Incidentally, on a national scale, this truth has interesting ramifications for foreign policy.)

Edom’s sinful attitudes lead to sinful actions. Following the plundering of Israel, Edomites came down from the hillsides to gloat over the survivors, loot what wealth was left, kill any who attempted escape, and to hand the rest over to the invaders as prisoners.

God’s judgment on Israel’s enemies, .15-.16. God’s judgments on Edom corresponded to her crimes. Edom looted Jerusalem, so she would be looted; Edom killed Judean fugitives, so she would be slaughtered; she handed over survivors to the enemy, so Edom’s allies would turn on her; Edom rejoiced of Israel’s losses, so she would be covered in shame and destroyed. Interestingly, all this took place about 5 B.C. when the Nabeteans, worshipers of gods and goddesses of fertility and the celestial bodies, arrive and built an alliance with Edom, which had become a major trade route by this time. Once the Nabeteans gained the trust of the Edomites, they suggested a party be held in Edom’s capital city Teman (named after Esau’s grandson) to celebrate the alliance. Once inside the city gates, the Nabeteans quickly killed the national guard, plundered the city, then chased most all the Edomites out the county. The fugitives fled to southern Judah, where they became known as Idumea, and would eventually join the Macabees in their revolt against Rome and be wiped out completely. The few Edomites who remained with the Nabeteans blended in. The Nabeteans then built up the canyon cities and filled it with stone carvings of amazing skill. Their capital city is now an archeological site of great interest known today as Petra in modern day Jordan.

God kept his promise to Obadiah and fulfilled the prophecy of justice on Edom. It may have taken 850 years, but God’s judgment is inevitable. “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises, as some think of slowness.” The coming of Jesus Christ will happen, maybe today, maybe 850 years from now, but rest assured God will keep his promise.

God’s blessings on the people of Israel, .17-.21.
   A. Israel’s deliverance, .17-.18
   B. Israel’s delineation of territories, .19-.20
   C. Yahweh's kingdom established, .21

For those who trust Jesus Christ as their savior, the future holds immense hope. For those who do not trust God, the future is one of judgment. God will establish His kingdom with His people, and the rest will be banished forever. That’s a promise.