Obadiah

Obadiah


Explain the historical background and purpose of the prophet: This prophet was chosen by God to warn Edom (who dealt unfairly with the nation of Israel for centuries) of her doom. Edom was the nation founded by Esau, the twin brother of Jacob. God has a lot to say to Edom because, hardest for anyone is to deal with pride, and the desire to see vengeance for wrongs committed. But God is the avenger, not us! Obadiah is relatively unknown and it is mostly likely he wrote this book at the time of Jerusalem’s fall to Babylon between 605-586. Psalm 137 certainly could confirm this: "Oh Lord, remember what the Edomites did on the day the armies of Babylon captured Jerusalem , , ," God did remember.

What does the book show you about the nature and character of God? I like the way SourceView answers this question: "God obviously has a lot to say about treachery!" And the book answers the questions: "What did the Edomites do? What did others do? What does God say He will do?" We see clearly that God does not forget and in His way and time, He will make it right.

What does the book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind? While God is judging a nation at a certain time and place, again there is the theme of "The Day of the Lord that comes through. A day in which "Jerusalem will become a refuge for those who escape; it will be a holy place. And the people of Israel will come back to reclaim their inheritance." Verse 17. Wow . . .