The Words of Obadiah

Obidiah is the shortest of the prophetic books of the Bible. The name means Servant of Jah. As with other books by the minor prophets, there are themes of judgment and restoration for God's chosen people. Historical references indicate the book was written during the year 607 BCE when Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem.

The main thrust of the prophet's ministry, reflected in the themes of his book, is the ultimate victory of the people of God if they maintain their faith. Edom is used as an example of failure to manifest love toward one's neighbor in times of need, (Obadiah 1:1-17) and the eventual victory of Israel is declared in a vision of the future. (Obadiah 1:18-21)

Edom had a close relationship with Israel through Esau, son of Isaac, who sold his birthright to his brother Jacob for a bowl of lentil stew. Yet the Edomites rejoiced at the destruction of the Israelites and did not offer help. "You ought not watch the sight in the day of your brother, in the day of his misfortune; and you ought not rejoice at the sons of Judah in the days of their perishing; and you ought not maintain a big mouth in the day of their distress." (Obadiah 1:12) Are we sometimes guilty of rejoicing when someone we dislike seems to be "getting what he deserves"? Is that a view our forgiving God would want us to cultivate?

Clearly that is not the attitude we should have. Obadiah goes on to say, "For the day of Jehovah against all the nations is near. In the way that you have done, it will be done to you. Your sort of treatment will return upon your own head." (Obadiah 1:15) Jesus spoke a similar warning for us to heed in today's world. "Stop judging that you may not be judged; for with what judgment you are judging you will be judged; and with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you." (Matthew 7:1,2) If we call upon these words, we will be less likely to take joy in the calamity others face, even though we may feel that person has wronged us personally or wronged mankind as a whole. Jehovah measures our words and thoughts against his perfect scale of justice.But there is a promise for those who stay with Jehovah. Obadiah comforts us with these words: "And in Mount Zion is where those escaping will prove to be..." (Obadiah 1:17) Mount Zion is a name given to the heavenly Jerusalem, God's special place. Loyal followers of Christ always find refuge there during good times and bad. That is why Christ promises He is never far off from those who follow Him.