Going through the short book of Obadiah, earlier articles have gone through how destruction was prophesied upon the nation of Edom, for how they treated their neighbors when God had to punish the nation of Judah for their sins. (Judah, having Jerusalem as its capital, was the primary remainder of the Israelite kingdom at that time.)
In addition to demonstrating some outright bad behavior, I think that the Edomites also misunderstood why Israel was destroyed. If seen as a military victory, for instance, then Jerusalem’s fall meant that Israel was weak, and Edom might think that since they were stronger (i.e., since they were still around), they could take what they wanted from the weak.
Obadiah’s prophecy from God changes that perspective, though.
But on Mount Zion will be deliverance;
it will be holy,
and Jacob will possess his inheritance.
Jacob will be a fire
and Joseph a flame;
Esau will be stubble,
and they will set him on fire and destroy him.
There will be no survivors from Esau.”
The LORD has spoken.Obadiah 1:17-18 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/oba.1.17-18.NIV
If Jerusalem’s conquest by the Babylonian armies of Nebuchadnezzar were properly seen as a judgment from God, residents of Edom not only should have shown respect for God’s power (which extended over their own country, too), but they should also have listened to the rest of God’s promises, including the one about restoring His people.
Consider this: if we help a friend move out of their old apartment or house, into another one, and they decide to leave some stuff to be thrown out by the next occupants, we can probably help ourselves. This is especially true if we are given permission to take anything that we can use.
On the other hand, if a friend is going on a trip, and leaves us their keys so that we can occasionally feed their pets and water their plants, we can’t just take what we want. They’re planning on coming back, after all!
And, in the case of ancient Edom in the time of Obadiah the prophet, God’s people would indeed be returning to Jerusalem and their country.
We would do well to consider others’ defeats, conquest, and destruction in the same way – even those who oppose us or even flaunt God’s authority over them. For instance, if we think that intelligence or military power makes a country successful, then we are likely to judge those who lose the “technology race” or the latest war.
When we understand that God is managing the times and borders of nations’ power, though, that should give us a whole different perspective (including for our own country). Winning a war or taking something from another country doesn’t make someone “right”, after all. God uses even people who reject Him or are stuck in sin for His plan, but that doesn’t mean they will continue to escape God’s judgment if they don’t repent.
In fact, per Obadiah 19-21, God’s people not only would be restored to their own country, they would end up ruling over Edom. Ultimately, though, the kingdom would be God’s. The Israelites wouldn’t return and become powerful through their own doing, nor would they succeed because they were smarter or had a better army than Edom. No, the Israelites were granted a role in the kingdom of God, and He always works to achieve His plans.
So, let’s consider this message as we look at others who are facing the consequences of rebellion against God. In my words, When justice is served, those receiving that justice need Jesus, not jeers.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for August 3, 2025
References:
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Minor Prophets Volume 1 (Hosea-Micah), by Harold Shank. © 2001 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 