Obadiah

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, but it has one of the most important messages for all of humanity. A cursory read appears that the prophet was focusing on the Edomites, a near kin of the Israelites, not only for their pride due to their natural geological advantages and strong political alliances, but also their treachery against Israel because of an ancestry feud that goes all the way back to Esau and Jacob.

The first half of Obadiah deals with Edom in specific, but then God shifts the focus to all nations in the second half. Edom's pride and self-exaltation is an example of the condition that plagues the human heart, and its downfall points to a time when God will eradicate this root problem with the coming of His kingdom, as it takes up residence in those who recognize and receive His rule over their lives (Luke 17:21).

It is noteworthy that Obadiah is placed after the writings of Joel and Amos. The former declared that after the day of the LORD, God will save Jerusalem and all who called upon His Name (Joel 2-3), while the latter affirmed that God will restore David's line and include Edom and all nations in His kingdom (Amos 9:11-15).

OUTLINE OF OBADIAH

1. Prophecy of Edom's Destruction (v1-9)
The Present:
a. Geological Advantages
b. Political Alliances
c. Military Intelligence
2. Reasons for Edom's Destruction (v10-14)
The Past:
a. Colluding with Israel's Enemies
b. Withholding help to Israel
c. Gloating over Israel's Misfortune
d. Taking advantage of Israel in her distress
e. Cutting off the Remnants
3. Prophecy of Edom's Destiny (v15-21)
The Future:
a. Judgment on Edom
b. Restoration of Edom and Israel