Obadiah is the smallest book in the Bible, only one chapter and 21 verses, yet it holds so much promise of God’s will.
What are the overall themes?
Pride, justice and God’s sovereign reign.
Who is Obadiah?
Obadiah means “servant of Yahweh.”
"And Ahab had summoned Obadiah, his palace administrator. (Obadiah was a devout believer in the Lord. While Jezebel was killing off the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water)."
He served such wicked people (King Ahab and Queen Jezebel), and despite working in a corrupt situation, he remained faithful to the Lord. Entering the book of Obadiah, he delivers the message of the Lord to the nation of Edom (descendants of Esau).
The Lord’s Message
Edom was the biological brother of Israel (descendants of Jacob), and despite that, they celebrated Jerusalem’s destruction and assisted the Babylonians in invading their land.
"The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground’."
Here, God is addressing, through Obadiah, the idea that they think they are safe because of where they live. They have become prideful, literally destroying the relationship they have with Israel for power.
When you create a mindset of pride and arrogance, it can lead to your own destruction. They were actively hoping for the downfall of their own brothers, and yet expected no one to be capable of harming them?
Tearing each other down will only lead to loneliness and unfaithfulness. You want the people in your life to uplift you and fill you with energy? Then you have to do the same! We will not all agree or share the same values, and yet I know so many people will tear other people’s characters down when they are not around. Why is that? Often, it has nothing to do with the other person and everything to do with themselves. Their ego is preventing them from having empathy and understanding.
"Through your soar like eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declared the Lord."
Here, God is making a promise to the Edomites that their evil will not go unnoticed. This is a testament that the Lord knows their thoughts, He let them betray their allies and will redeem and provide justice to His followers. Many think that because God gave us free will, we might as well sin and do as we please. That does not mean it will go unnoticed; you will live a life of separation and loneliness for fulfilling your own desires.
"The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head."
This is a message not only for the Edomites but for everyone to know He has promised to return. No one is exempt from accountability. God’s justice is fair and measured. He will respond to all people according to their actions.
"Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the Lord’s."
Deliverers (leaders) raised up by God will bring justice and overcome pride, cruelty and opposition, taking the land of Edom as a dwelling place for God’s people.
Choose To Follow Over Pride
The book of Obadiah teaches us to prioritize healthy relationships with our brethren over pride. We should love our neighbors, but also care for our neighbors. No one is exempt from the judgment of the Lord and will face the consequences of their actions.
In choosing humility, compassion and faithfulness, we align our lives with the truth that the kingdom ultimately belongs to the Lord.
Examine Your Heart
Take time this week to reflect on where pride may be shaping your actions and ask God to lead you in humility and compassion.
