Obadiah: Poetic Justice
Lessons From Obadiah
- Pride goes before a fall
- Pride blinds one to his own mistakes
- Mistreatment of others may reap temporary victories, but it will eventually be repaid
- Improper attitudes toward your brother will bring destruction
- One cannot passively stand by while another is being oppressed
- God will accept the penitent
- As one sows, so will he also reap
Purpose:
To show that God judges those who have harmed His people Author: Obadiah. Very little is know about this man, whose name means "servant (or worshiper) of the LORD." Original Audience: The Edomites and the Jews in Judah (the southern kingdom) |
Date Written:
Possibly during the reign of Jehoram in Judah, 855-841 B.C., or possibly during Jeremiah's ministry, 627-586 B.C. Setting: Historically, Edom had constantly harassed the Jews. Prior to the time this book was written, theyhad participated in attacks against Judah. Given the dates above, this prophecy came after the division of Israel into the northern and southern kingdoms and before the conquering of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 B.C. |
Key Verse:
"The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your evil deeds will return upon your won head" (verse 15). Key People: The Edomites Key Places: Edom, Jerusalem Key Themes: Justice, Pride |
Special Features:
The book of Obadiah uses vigorous poetic language and is written in the form of a dirge of doom. |
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