There are good reasons for studying the prophecy of Obadiah. The hateful conduct of the Edomites toward their close relatives, Israel, is not pleasing to God. Avoiding the mistakes of the Edomites can help ensure the quality of our own service to God. In addition, noting the prophecies that have been fulfilled will help us gain confidence in the future fulfillment of prophecy.
Against Edom
This shortest book of the Old Testament presents a vigorous prophecy against Edom. Because of Edom’s pride, hatred and continued opposition to Israel, God determined to destroy the nation. Obadiah declares the Edomites, descendants of Esau (cf. Gen. 36:1), would disappear and Israel would claim their territory. Although much of the prophecy has been fulfilled, the complete fulfillment can only take place when the kingdom of God is established on earth.
History of Edom
The territory of Edom referred to in the prophecy lies south of the Dead Sea and extends to the Gulf of Aqabah. When Jacob returned from Haran, Esau and his family already occupied this land (Gen. 32:4). Later, his descendants became the dukes who ruled Edom long before Israel left Egypt. In fact, about the time Jacob and his family relocated in Egypt, Esau’s descendants had already become a powerful nation (Gen. 42:5; 45:12). For a while it seemed the descendants of Esau had received the greater blessing.
In Egypt, circumstances did not go so well for Jacob’s posterity. The children of Israel, as predicted, became slaves to Pharaoh (Gen. 15:13). Thankfully, God had assured the patriarch Abraham better times were to come. His seed would come out of Egypt with great substance (Gen. 15:14). Furthermore, Isaac’s blessing of Jacob assured Israel would be “lord over thy brethren” (Gen. 27:28,29). The success enjoyed by Esau’s descendants would be onerous but short-lived (Psa. 94:3-5).
Esau verses Israel
Before they were born, Jacob and Esau were in conflict (Gen. 25:22,23). Although Esau willingly gave up his birthright for a meal, Jacob and Rebekah resorted to deception to receive Isaac’s blessing on Jacob. The denial of Isaac’s blessing so enraged Esau he thought to murder his brother after his father’s death (Gen. 27:41). Rebekah’s wise suggestion that Jacob escape to the city of Haran thwarted Esau, although hostility between the brothers was prolonged by Esau’s descendants. Scripture speaks of many skirmishes between the two seeds.
When Jacob’s heirs left Egypt, Edom refused the weary Israelites permission to travel through its land (Num. 20:14-21). Later, Saul and
David did battle with the Edomites; David smiting 18,000 and conquering the people. Jehoshaphat, Jehoram and Amaziah also engaged Edom in battle (II Chron. 20:2,10; 21:8-10; 25:11-12). During the reign of Ahaz, Edomites invaded Judah and carried away captives (II Chron. 28:17). And when Jerusalem was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, the Edomites cheered them on (Psa. 137:7).
Obadiah’s identity uncertain
Although not identified in the prophecy, some speculate Obadiah may have been the prophet Jehoshaphat sent to teach throughout Judah (II Chron. 17:7). If this is the case, the invasion of Jerusalem by the Philistines and Arabs during Jehoram’s reign (II Chron. 21:16,17) corresponds with verse 11 of Obadiah. If a later prophet is in mind, the attack on Jerusalem may be that of Nebuchadnezzar in Psalm 137.
The opening section
Obadiah’s prophecy has four sections: prediction (vs. 1-9), provocations (10-14), consequences (15-18) and restoration (19-20).
In the KJV, this first section is written in the past tense; this is altered in other versions. For example, “Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen…” (1:2) is rendered “will make you” in the RSV, NKJV, NIV, etc. The past tense is actually not a mistranslation; since God’s actions are absolutely certain, prophecies of the future frequently use the past tense. This is commonly termed the “prophetic past” in Bible commentaries.
Edom’s pride was one reason he must be destroyed. He had said in his heart, “Who shall bring me down to the ground?” (v. 3), not realizing God would give the answer. Pride makes us “an abomination to the LORD” (Prov. 16:5). As James tell us: “…God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (Jam. 4:6). Esau (Edom) had not shown a humble attitude toward their brothers; eventually God would no longer tolerate it.
Obadiah prophesies God’s destruction would be complete. While thieves might take only what they wanted and gleaners might leave some grapes, the destruction of Edom would be total (v. 5). History shows how this was accomplished.
After Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem, Edom was humbled by the Arabs, Nabataeans and subjugated by the Maccabees. In the Maccabbean period, the remaining Edomites were forced to convert to Judaism and disappeared as a separate people. Figuratively speaking, Edomites still remain in the land in the person of nations which hate Israel.
The provocations
Many reasons for Edom’s demise are given in verses 10-14. They can be read with Galatians 5:19-21 (the works of the flesh) in mind. Violence, strife (v. 10), apathy, lack of concern (v. 11), pride, wrath, hatred (v. 12), theft, greed (v. 13) and betrayal (v. 14) are specifically mentioned. Edom’s perpetual hostility to God’s people spelled its doom.
While Edom acted out its grievances against Israel, the Lord’s people were forbidden to abhor or meddle with Edom (Deut. 23:7; 2:5), While Edom might forget the brotherly connection, God did not.
Consequences
The consequence of Edom’s hatred would be severe. No traces of Edom were to be left and Israel was to be given its territory. Yet other nations are also condemned. Obadiah declares: “For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen” (v. 15).
Restoration
The Messianic nature of the prophecy is apparent in the last verses: “…And the kingdom shall be the LORD’s” (v.21). While Obadiah’s prophecy is bad news for the nations and people who defy the living God, there is good news for the nation of Israel and the Lord’s disciples. The promises to Abraham will be fulfilled and the earth will be full of God’s glory. Other scriptures fill in the details but we can be sure that Obadiah was looking forward to the Lord’s return. Let us then heed the words of this prophet that our fate might not be Edom’s fate.
Other prophecies
Obadiah’s prophecy is not the only one concerning Edom. Jeremiah has a similar message (Jer. 49:7-22; Lam. 4:21,22) with many points in common with Obadiah. Ezekiel also spoke of Edom in a series of prophecies concerning Israel’s neighbors (Ezek. 25:12-14). Isaiah, Joel and Amos also have prophecies regarding Edom (Isa. 34:5-17; 63:1-6; Joel 3:19; Amos 1:11,12).
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