Obadiah 1:1-9 slowly and repeatedly.
Main content of the text: Edom, the descendants of Esau, lived on Mount Seir. God declares judgment through Obadiah on Edom, which had become arrogant in its fortress-like terrain.
Verse 1 God leads the international situation and determines the fate of the nation. Edom must have thought that he could decide his own fate. Or, they may have thought that powerful countries like Babylon were leading the world situation and were watching their opinions. But all decisions belong to God. Due to God’s decision, Edom’s allies turned into enemies (verse 7), and its once strong security suddenly became jeopardized. The safety of not only the nation but also families, churches, and individuals depends on God. Who will you rely on and who will you look out for? The only one we must fear and rely on is God. Who do you rely on and who do you look out for these days?
Verses 2-4 God breaks the power of the proud. Edom, as its name suggests, ‘crack in the rock’ or ‘high place,’ was located in the mountainous region east of the Arabah, reaching an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level. Living in an impregnable natural fortress, they fell into the conceit of being invincible, and that pride led to violence against the people of Judah (verse 10). So God decided to break them and bring them down to the ground. In the face of God’s attack, the advantageous terrain, wisdom (verse 8), and bravery (verse 9) that they boasted about are of no use. We must be careful of arrogance when we have power, whether it is physical strength, academic ability, wealth, or power. Especially if you use your power to harm a powerless person, God will break that power.
Verses 5, 6, 8, 9 God returns the evil deeds he has committed. Edom was plundered by the invaders until there was nothing left, and even the wise men and warriors they boasted about were wiped out. This is because they handed over to Babylon the remnants of Judah who had barely escaped the sword of Babylon (verse 14). Their annihilation was God’s retribution for plotting the annihilation of Judah.
What lesson does God give me?
Verse 7 If you do not know God, you cannot have true wisdom. Edom made his country wealthy through his own wisdom, and through his excellent diplomacy skills, he formed alliances with many countries and sought diplomatic stability. But in the face of God’s judgment, his accomplishments, built by his own wisdom, were shattered. Fearing God and preparing for God’s judgment are true wisdom (Proverbs 9:10; Matthew 25:1-13).
Community Prayer – Lord, whether we are rich or poor, whether we are high or low, help us to humbly fear You.
Prayer for the Nations – There is currently the largest number of displaced people in history, approximately 110 million people worldwide. Let us pray that the scattered refugees will not lose hope and will experience the grace of God who helps them in their time of need.
