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Obadiah

Obadiah: A Tiny Book with a Big Message

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, but don’t let its size fool you! It contains an important message about God’s justice and the consequences of pride.

The Story

Obadiah is a prophet who delivers a message from God to the nation of Edom. Edom was a neighbouring country of Israel, and they were descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. The Edomites had a history of conflict with Israel, and they often took advantage of Israel’s misfortunes.

In Obadiah’s time, Jerusalem had been attacked and the people of Judah were suffering. Instead of helping their relatives, the Edomites gloated over their suffering and even helped the attackers. This made God very angry.

God’s Message

God tells Obadiah to warn Edom that their pride and cruelty will not go unpunished. They will face destruction and humiliation because of their actions. Even though Edom feels secure in their mountain fortress, God will bring them down.

But the message doesn’t end with judgment. Obadiah also prophesies that one day, the kingdom of God will be established and God’s people will be restored.

Why is this Important?

Obadiah teaches us that God cares about justice and will not tolerate those who mistreat others. It also reminds us that pride can lead to destruction. Even if we feel strong and secure, we should never forget that God is in control.

Questions for Reflection

  1. Why were the Edomites being punished?
  2. What does this story teach us about God’s justice?
  3. How does pride affect our relationships with others?
  4. What can we learn from the Edomites’ mistakes?
  5. How does this story give us hope for the future?

Remember, even though Obadiah is a short book, it contains valuable lessons that can help us live better lives today. It reminds us to be kind to others, to avoid pride, and to trust in God’s justice.

The prophet Obadiah warned the proud people of Edom about the impending judgment coming upon them.

The first part denounces the destruction of Edom, dwelling upon the injuries they inflicted upon the Jews. The second foretells the restoration of the Jews, and the latter glories of the church.

Matthew Henry
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