LESSON 32 THE BOOK OF OBADIAH

 

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament.  The struggle that began in the womb between twin brothers, Esau and Jacob, continues between their descendants, the Edomites and the Israelites.  Obadiah's prophecy is concerning Edom, according to verse 1.  Edom means "red".  Its origin was the result of Esau selling his birthright for some red stew.

 

THE AUTHOR

There are twelve Obadiahs mentioned in the scriptures.  We have no way of knowing who this obscure prophet was.  There is no mention of his family, town, nor the time of this writing.

 

SURVEY OF OBADIAH

Destruction of Edom  Verses  1   - 16

Restoration of Israel   Verses 17 - 21

 

THE DESTRUCTION OF EDOM

The Edomites descended from Esau and lived in Mount Seir, a mountainous region south of the Dead Sea.

Gen. 27:11___________________________________________________

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The Edomites rejected the request of Israel to travel through Edom on their journey from Egypt (Num. 20:14-21).  Edom lost its identity as a nation before the time of Christ and disappeared from history in 70 A.D.  They hated everyone from the family of Jacob and this was her great sin.  Because of her great sin against Israel, divine judgement is pronounced upon Edom and it is summed up in verse 15. _______________________

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It happened just as God pronounced and Edom as a nation perished.  Israel remains.

 

RESTORATION OF ISRAEL

Verses 17-21 teach of God's protective mercy for His people.  God's people will not only possess their own land, but also that of Edom.