Personal Reading & Reflection on Obadiah

Obadiah (meaning “servant of the Lord”) carried out his prophetic

ministry probably after the invasion of Jerusalem at the hands of

Babylonians in 586 BC (verse 1). Little else was known about him.

Although Judah’s fall was deserved punishment, her surrounding

nations cruelly added salt to the open wounds. Edom was a small

kingdom that was Israel’s ancient enemy. During Jerusalem’s fall,

Edom was accused of gloating over Judah’s misfortune, doing violence

to their fugitives and looting their wealth (verse 10-14).

The prophet began his condemnation on Edom by announcing God’s

threat to make Edom “small and despised”. The kingdom was located

“in the clefts of the rock” (verse 3) so the inhabitants felt proud and

invulnerable to attacks. But the Lord promised that His arm of justice

would reach them even if they set their “nest among the stars” (v 3-4).

If thieves steal at night, they would leave something behind. But in

Edom’s case, God announced that nothing would be left for Edom on

their day of reckoning. In contrast with Judah, no surviving remnant

was promised for Edom (verse 9, 18). Those who were allied to Edom

would betray and overpower them (verse 7). Even their leaders and

“wise men” would be destroyed leaving the mighty men open to

slaughter (verse 8-9).

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The “day of the Lord” was employed as a time of eschatological

judgment for all nations. What Edom had done for others will be done

for them (verse 15). They will drink in judgment and became as if “they

have never existed” (verse 16). But there will be hope for Israel. One

day, Israel will survive and their possessions restored. Mount Zion will

be holy once again after the desecration that happened after God’s

glory left. The nation would be like a flame while Edom will be burnt

and consumed (verse 15 – 17). This is corroborated in history during

the time of Maccabees (168 – 63 BC) when Judas Maccabaeus defeated

the Idumeans. Eventually they lost their national identity and

autonomy after submitting to circumcision and Jewish laws under John

Hyrcanus. Obadiah also predicted the eventual occupation of their

territories by the exiles of Jerusalem. He saw in these events the

progress of the kingdom of God.

Edom’s arrogance in taking advantage of Israel’s fall would be

punished. And Obadiah’s message serves as a warning to Israel

against all manners of narrow nationalism. He reminded the people

that Yahweh is still Lord over the nations in light of Jerusalem’s

humiliating defeat by the Babylonians. He is not only judge of Israel

only but Judge over other nations as well. What Israel did as a nation

would also be done to them: “Your dealings will return on your own

head” (v 15). He also made some remarkable predictions on how Edom

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would eventually be occupied even though we may not be able to

ascertain some details about their fulfillment.

How shall we apply these teachings in our Malaysian context? As a small minority with

little political clout, the church needs to understand afresh the sovereignty of God over

the affairs of nations. He is also a righteous Lord who would not tolerate arrogance and

parochialism. When we meet someone who suffers even under the just retribution of

God, we should not take advantage of it in glee. It is through selfless service that the

kingdom of God would be established on earth as it is in heaven.