Obadiah 1:1–4, 10–17

Explore the Bible 
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

Compassion for Lost People

Obadiah 1:1–4, 10–17

Check Your Arrogance (1–4)

Edom was the land of Esau, Jacob’s brother. Just as there was enmity between the brothers in their lives, there was strife between these two nations throughout their history. Edom rejoiced whenever Israel or Judah were attacked by their enemies. Such behavior angered the Lord who determined to bring judgment upon this small nation.

The land of Edom was located to the south of Israel in a mountainous region which made the Edomites feel safe in their strongholds. However this form of pride, as with all forms of pride, was offensive to God, who swore to break down their strongholds. We can rejoice that God is a God of justice who brings down the prideful, especially the enemies of God’s people. 

But we need not look at others to see pride. Pride is a struggle for most people, Christian or non-Christian. God says that pride comes before the fall (Prov. 16:18) and when we become prideful it means we are focusing on something other than God. We can think too much of ourselves because we compare ourselves to those around us. However, our measuring rod is Christ, who was perfect. 

When we compare ourselves to Christ we immediately see our fallenness, brokenness and wickedness. It should fill us with repentance and encourage us to show mercy to others. We cannot save ourselves and we cannot forgive our own sins. We depend upon God our Savior for this and since we cannot save ourselves, we need to recognize that there is no room for us to boast (Eph. 2:8–9) or become prideful. 

Show Mercy and Grace (10–14)

When Judah was attacked Edom rejoiced. God confronted them for their attitude toward their “brother” Jacob. Instead of rejoicing they should have mourned. This is a good lesson for us because it is easy for us to delight in the downfall of our enemies but Jesus tells us to love our enemies and bless those who curse us (Matt. 5:43–48). We should have a sense of sorrow toward those who oppose us and desire to see them come to know God personally through Christ. Christians above all other people should be filled with mercy and compassion for others because we recognize the mercy and compassion God has shown us by sending Christ to die for us to pay for a debt that we could not.  

Expect Retribution (15–16)

Because of Edom’s wretched behavior and attitudes, God was going to punish them. God shows mercy and compassion to all people (Matt. 5:45; Acts 17:27) but many people refuse to listen or see God’s provisions. The Edomites, who were so opposed to God’s people, would have to face the wrath of God. This prophecy of Obadiah would be fulfilled by 100 B.C. when their kingdom was finally destroyed and lost to history. 

God’s prophecies will come true. This is evident throughout the Bible but it also means those prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled will be fulfilled. We can have a confidence that God’s Word is true. We should heed the warnings and admonitions in the Bible because we can be sure that God will do what He has promised.

Live in Hope (17)

While Edom would be destroyed, God would provide for His people. This was true in history, as Edom was wiped out and Israel lived on, even if only the form of a remnant at times. When the day of the Lord comes all of God’s people will be brought up into His presence while His enemies, those who do not place their trust in Christ, will face eternal punishment and separation from God. If we truly love others as we are commanded to do, we should tell them about Christ and live in a way that is consistent with His teachings so they can see that we have been impacted by Christ.