Obadiah

1.       First Impressions

Obadiah is written about the judgment to come on Edom.  There are debated views on when Obadiah was written of which the three notions put forward in the Source view bible are between 849 & 841 B.C, 732- 716 B.C or 605- 586 B.C.  I would agree with the last date since it was shortly before the judgment came on Edom through the Babylonians in 581 B.C.  I think that although the book is about Edom it could possibly have been written to the people of Judah as well in order to assure them that God is justly judging not only their nation but all the surrounding nations according to His perfect timing and will and that they will experience blessing and restoration (Obadiah 1:17-21). The Edomites (decedents of Esau ) had for a long time not supported their relatives the Israelites but rather fought and committed crimes against them and in Obadiah we see God bring judgment on them for these sins.

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Although the text doesn’t plainly state this we can see throughout the message of Obadiah that God opposes the proud! God is just in punishing Edom for their sins and He keeps his words promised to Israel that He will ‘curse those who curse you.”  One can see the sovereignty of God in 1: 4 as God says,” But even if you soar as high as eagles and build your nest among the stars, I will bring you crashing down…”  God stands up for His people Israel here and I just see his love and justice again.

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

In Obadiah one can quite clearly see the way God stands up for His people and opposes those who oppose Him. He is sovereign, because of his sovereignty He is able to bring about his redemptive plan as He chooses. God says that he will king and that he will return Israel to their land, redeeming them after the exile (v. 20,21). God’s plan is always for redemption rather than destruction where ever possible!