Intro to Obadiah

Monday articles usually cover the New Testament Reading for the week. However, in the coming weeks we will be running through the minor prophets while staying in the book of Acts. So, for a short period of time, I will be covering the Old Testament books on Mondays in addition to Fridays. Don’t worry, we will have what I am calling “Droplets from Acts” at the beginning of each article.

Droplets from Acts

11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 

Acts 14:11-15 

You will recall in chapter 12 the pride of Herod was the reason for God’s execution of him. It is possible that that event was still lingering in these men’s hearts and minds and they are quick to correct the gross misunderstanding. Today, we face very similar temptations in our lives to receive glory and honor and praise for ourselves. May God humble us and may the Spirit convict us during those times to recognize that God alone is worthy of all praise and honor. May we be quick to remove ourselves as idols and to point others away from idolatry and towards the true, living God who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them; even if that means correcting ourselves.

Intro to Obadiah

“The vision of Obadiah…” 

Obadiah 1 

Depending on the translation that you use, Obadiah will be about as long as some of the longer articles in this blog. It is only 21 verses long with 604 words in the ESV translation if my count is accurate and so what can really be said in an article that is just as long as the book itself? Let’s start with the author. This book finds its name after the author of the book identified in verse 1, Obadiah (which name means “servant of Yahweh”). Other than that, there really is not much information on who he is and the circumstances surrounding his vision and writing. There is no chronological information about the kings who were ruling at the time, which is something we typically read in the other prophetic writings. Likewise, we generally read something like “Hosea, son of Beeri”, “Joel, son of Pethuel”, or “Micah of Elkosh” which help us to identify a familial line or location. But in the case for this book, all we read is “The vision of Obadiah” (vs 1). The only real historical fact that we have is that it involved the Edomites, the neighbors in some way, but even that fact is not enough for us to know what specific event is being alluded to.

For example, if the invasion of Jerusalem in the 11th verse is a reference to the Babylonian invasion which the Edomites did join in on, then a date after 586 BC is likely the case. However, it is possible that it could be a reference to previous invasion during the reign of King Jehoram as recorded in 2 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 21. Or possibly during Absalom’s treasonous act or Shishak’s invasion or the Philistine-Arabian one, we are not quite sure, however the Babylonian invasion seems to be the likeliest candidate based on the descriptions in verses 11-14. While we are left to speculate as to the who and the when, the what and why are clearer. Obadiah’s vision is a prophetic word from God against the nation of Edom for their participation in Israel’s downfall. The day of judgment is coming and the picture given is one of complete and total destruction (vs 18). And while Edom is a major recipient of God’s judgment, they are not the only ones who will reap what they had sown. In verses 15-16, it seems suggested that all the nations will be judged and only the Lord’s kingdom will be the one which will stand.

The lesson that we learn in this book is not necessarily that we should not mess with Israel as some will attempt to make the case for. Rather, it is a great display and affirmation of the sovereignty of God. None of the wicked will escape the judgment of God. His justice will be complete because He is all powerful. And this ought to bring hope to the poor and oppressed knowing that none can escape God’s judgment and that there will be a day when all of His people will be gathered to His mountain and delivered from their enemies. We, of course, know that this comes from Jesus Christ and through none other. May the lamb who was slain reap the reward that is due to him.

Grace and Peace,
Alex Galvez

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