Daily Devotions
Obadiah
INTRODUCTION
Text: Obadiah
THE SHORTEST OLD TESTAMENT BOOK
Obadiah is the shortest book in the Minor Prophets, in fact, in the Old Testament. Nevertheless, its value must not be discounted!
THE EARLY BEGINNINGS
Edom was the other name for Esau, who was the twin brother of Jacob (Genesis 25). A prophecy concerning the twins was given by the Lord to Rebekah, their mother.
“Two nations are in your womb,
Two peoples shall be separated from your body;
One people shall be stronger than the other,
And the older shall serve the younger.”
Genesis 25:23
THE RISE AND FALL OF EDOM
The ancient prophecy declared that Esau (Edom) would one day be a kingdom. And it did become a strong kingdom for a time. Genesis 36 was written to describe the genealogy of Edom or Esau.
1. Kings and Chieftains
They existed long before Israel became a kingdom! From the earliest days, there was conflict between Esau and Jacob. Esau went away to found Mount Seir. Esau was described as the father of the Edomites (Genesis 36:43).
2. Refusal to help Israel
When the children of Israel left Egypt for Canaan, they wanted to pass through the land of Edom. The Edomites refused to give any assistance to the children of Israel (Numbers 20:14-20).
3. In the days of King David
Edom became subject to King David. Edom had to pay tribute to Israel (1 Chronicles 18:11). Edom was mentioned alongside Moab, Ammon and the Philistines. These were the kingdoms David subdued when he reigned over Israel.
THE DESTRUCTION OF EDOM
Obadiah prophesied the destruction of Edom as a nation. Their sins were highlighted as arrogance and great cruelty. These are sobering and vital lessons that must be learned!
OTHER PROPHETIC REFERENCES
There were scattered references to Edom which we must read. The downfall of Edom was also prophesied by Jeremiah the prophet (Jeremiah 49) and the prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 25:12-14). Both prophets proclaimed the judgment of the Lord against Edom!
READING OBADIAH
The lessons found in the short book of Obadiah are still relevant. Let us read Obadiah humbly and soberly. May we grow in both knowledge and wisdom as we read this portion of the Scriptures.
“More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.”
Psalm 19:10-11