June 4, 2014 (Wednesday)
The Book of Obadiah is the shortest book of the Bible, with only 17 verses. Obadiah was a contemporary of Jeremiah, and some of Obadiah’s verses appear also in Jeremiah. The prophecy is a pronouncement of doom upon Edom, a nation of descendants of Esau south of the Dead Sea. They condoned Babylon’s sack of Jerusalem and even assisted Israel’s enemies. The other prophets had a message of forgiveness that was possible if those being judged would repent; Obadiah offers no hope but promises total annihilation of the Edomites. The deed had been done. Now they must pay the price. The descendants of Esau had assisted the enemies of Jacob’s descendants (brother Esau against brother Jacob). They would be destroyed. The prophecy was fulfilled; today there are no Edomites anywhere on earth.
Obadiah – Devotional thoughts
Obadiah predicted the destruction of Edom. God is always ready to forgive, but sin has its consequences which almost always means certain punishment. One may abandon sinful habits and find forgiveness, but his physical body may still suffer the consequences, even though he has been forgiven.
The phrase, “The Day of the Lord,” is mentioned by eight of the prophets and two New Testament writers. For the Christian, it will be a day of fulfilled hopes and dreams as Christ returns to claim his own. For others, it will be a day of judgment.