Today’s passage: Obadiah 1-9
Helpful thoughts:
- General info:
- Obadiah’s name means, “The Lord’s servant”.
- This book of prophecy was written after the Babylonian conquest of Judah and Jerusalem. The Edomites (Descendants of Esau the brother of Jacob) had helped Babylon to round up those who were fleeing and even went so far as to take up residence in some of the abandoned villages.
- The first 14 verses will consist of messages to the people of Edom.
- The final 7 verses will be addressed to the nations and to Israel.
- The Edomites lived south and east of the dead sea, high above sea level and in rocky and mountainous terrain. They felt well protected, but their natural surroundings would not be too great for God to overcome.
- God promises to Edom:
- Their produce will be plundered.
- Their wealth will be taken.
- Their allies will turn against them.
- Their wise men and warriors alike will be slaughtered.
Questions to consider:
- What were the Edomites trusting in for their safety? Did they seem to be worried about any outside threats?
- Who did God say was going to bring Edom down?
- What can we learn about God from this passage that we don’t often hear people talk or sing about?