Obadiah

1. Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

The book of Obadiah was written by none other than Obadiah himself. Obadiah is an unknown prophet but none-the-less chosen by the Lord to relay His message. We do not know much about him but we do know that the message that was revealed to him was specifically for the people of Edom (1:1). The people of Edom were a prideful people (1:3) who did not stand on the defense of their family Judah when they were invaded (1:10-11). The Lord continually says, “You should not have...” (1:12-14) and says that because of what they did to Israel He will do the same to them (1:15). The word was also written to the people of Judah, specifically Jerusalem (1:17) showing them of the hope that there still is for them. He's on their side and He sees that they've been betrayed and He seeks venegeance for those who have done wrong to His people.

2. What does this book show you about the character and nature of God?

He is a God of justice and does not allow those who have done wrong to go unpunished. (1:15) He stands on the side of the oppressed whether they are holy or not; yes His desire is for them to turn to Him, but He fights their case even when they don't because He is a God of justice. Those who do wrong will be judged and punished according to their wrong doing. He makes this very clear throughout the entire Old Testament.

3. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

Interesting fact about this book is I don't see any mention of God giving them the opportunity to repent and be released from punishment. It was plain and simple, this is your sin, this is what you could've done differently, here's your punishment.

The redeeming value in Obadiah, though, lies in verses 17-21 when God tells Jerusalem what it will become. “But Jerusalem will become a refuge for those who escape; it will be a holy place.” Despite the injustice they faced and the troubles they've been through God is still redeeming them and strengthening the people to overcome.

4. Personal Application

Point of Passion: Family.

God's vengeance on the people of Edom for not standing up to the oppression their family members were facing should teach us an extremely valuable lesson about taking care of our families. When they were invaded, Edom refused to help, they rejoiced over the misfortune of Judah and spoke arrogantly in their time of trouble. The people of Edom did everything opposite of what they should have done when their people were struggling. Learning from what they did wrong, we should always come to the aide of any family member who is in distress. Whether it be a self inflicted situation or one they happened to find themselves in we should come around to love and comfort them. If it is self inflicted we should pray for them and ask that the Lord would teach them all that He needs to during that time and we should do our part in gently exposing the sin and leading them back to the gracious arms of Jesus. When it comes to family, no one gets left unprotected and helped.