Chronological Bible Study – July 1
There is a short introduction available for the book of Obadiah. You can read it here.
Key Themes
The book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, consisting of a single chapter that focuses on the judgment of Edom, a nation closely related to Israel. Obadiah’s prophecy addresses the reasons for Edom’s downfall and also offers a broader message about God’s justice and the restoration of His people. The key themes include:
- Divine Judgment on Edom: The central theme of Obadiah is the announcement of God’s judgment against Edom for its pride, violence, and betrayal of Israel. Edom is condemned for rejoicing over Judah’s misfortunes and participating in their downfall. This theme highlights the principle that God holds nations accountable for their actions, particularly how they treat others, and that no nation can escape divine justice.
- The Consequences of Pride: Obadiah specifically condemns Edom’s pride, which led them to believe they were invincible because of their fortified cities and strategic location. The prophecy warns that pride leads to downfall and that self-reliance apart from God is ultimately futile. This theme underscores the dangers of arrogance and the inevitability of judgment for those who exalt themselves above others.
- The Day of the Lord: The book of Obadiah introduces the concept of the "Day of the Lord" as a time when God will bring justice not only upon Edom but upon all nations. This theme emphasizes the universality of God’s judgment and the idea that the Day of the Lord will bring accountability and retribution to all who oppose God and His people.
- Restoration and Deliverance for Israel: Despite the focus on Edom’s judgment, Obadiah also contains a message of hope for Israel. The prophecy foretells that Israel will be restored, and the exiles will return to possess their land. This theme highlights God’s commitment to His people and His promise to restore them after a period of suffering and judgment.
- God’s Sovereignty Over the Nations: Obadiah affirms God’s sovereignty over all nations, including Edom and Israel. The prophecy makes it clear that God is in control of history and that He will execute justice according to His divine will. This theme reinforces the idea that no nation, regardless of its power or position, is beyond God’s reach.
The book of Obadiah is a concise but powerful statement about divine justice, the consequences of pride, and the assurance of God’s ultimate sovereignty. It serves as a warning to those who act with arrogance and violence against others, while also offering hope for the future restoration of God’s people. Through its brief yet impactful message, Obadiah reminds readers of the importance of humility, justice, and trust in God’s overarching plan.
Obadiah 1
In verse 1, the vision of Obadiah came from the Lord saying a messenger had been sent among the nations to rise up and prepare for battle against Edom.
In verses 2-4, Edom was to be made small and despised among nations. Their pride had deceived them into believing that no one could bring them down. Living high in the clefts of the rocks, they felt secure from attack.
In verses 5-7, the Lord described Esau’s disaster as being complete. Not like a thief who steals only a little or harvesters who leave some grapes behind for the poor. In Esau’s case, nothing would be left. They would be stripped of their treasures by their own allies, and they won’t even see the deception coming.
In verses 8-9, the Lord says on that day (the day of judgment), He will destroy the wise men of Edom, including those who seek refuge on Mount Esau. The warriors of Teman will also be cut off.
Note: Teman was Edom’s capital. It was named for Esau’s grandson (Genesis 36:10-11). The reference here though is to the entire nation.
In verses 10-14, Obadiah describes the reason from the judgment is Edom’s violent treatment of Judah (Jacob).
Note: The reference to “your brother Jacob” is a reminder that Esau and Jacob were brothers (sons of Isaac).
On the day that Judah fell, the Edomites were like those who had destroyed Judah. Obadiah warned them not to treat their brothers in Judah badly with eight “do nots.” Do not…
- Gloat over their misfortune.
- Rejoice over their ruin.
- Boast in the day of their distress.
- Enter their gates during their calamity.
- Gloat over this disaster.
- Loot their wealth.
- Cut off their fugitives trying to escape.
- Hand over their survivors to their enemies.
In verses 15-16, Obadiah declares the Day of the Lord (judgment) is near for all nations (not just Edom). What they have done to the people of God will be done to them. Their deeds will be returned upon their heads.
They drank in Jerusalem (my holy mountain) celebrating the fall of Jerusalem. Now all nations will drink the cup of God’s judgment. None of those who oppose God’s people will escape.
In verses 17-18, in that day, there will be a remnant who survive in Mount Zion (Jerusalem), and it will be holy. The people of Jacob and Joseph will be restored, but the house of Esau will be stubble (stubble is what is left after harvesting grain). The stubble will be burned, and there will be no survivors in Esau.
In verses 19-21, Obadiah describes the kingdom of the Lord: the people of Negeb will inherit Edom; Shephelah will inherit Philistia, Ephraim, and Samaria; Benjamin will inherit Gilead; exiles will inherit Canaan, and exiles from Jerusalem will inherit Negeb. Saviors will rule over the land of Esau, and the Lord will rule over the entire kingdom.
All the notes for the book of Obadiah have been compiled into a single pdf document. You can download it by clicking here.
Psalm 82
In verse 1, Asaph describes God as judging an assembly of judges. The word ‘god’ (ʾĕlōhm) is used to describe the authorities in Israel.
In verses 2-8 Asaph warns the judges of Israel to do their jobs well; to be just, protecting the fatherless, poor, and the needy. The warning to these judges is that if they do not do their jobs well they will perish.
Psalm 83
Psalm 83 is a lament over the danger that Israel faced from her enemies.
In verses 1-8, Asaph describes Israel’s enemies planning to come against God’s people from all directions.
In verses 9-18, Asaph prays that God will intervene and protect Israel from her enemies. He recalls past victories led by the Lord, praying that the Lord will conquer these enemies as well. Asaph prays again that their enemies be put to shame and perish in disgrace so that they will know that the Lord is Most High over all the earth.