Mountain of Esau: Why Study the Book of Obadiah Part 02

In our previous article, we were introduced to this ‘postcard prophetic book’ which speaks of the age-old rivalry of Esau’s inheritance, Edom, with Jacob’s domain Judah and Jerusalem. In the New Testament, it was the murderous but futile attempt of Herod the Great, an Idumean who is part Edomite, to destroy the Christ child who is from the tribe of Judah(Matthew 2), that saw this deadly competition play out again. The rose-red city of Petra and the mountains of Edom tower 2,000 metres above sea level and made Edom aloof and arrogant. They rapturously cheered as Judah and Jerusalem were trampled by their enemies. Yet Obadiah bravely predicts that the tables will turn and Judah will prevail in the end, and the kingdom will be the Lord’s. 

Hebrew Name of Obadiah The name ovadiah can mean ‘servant of Yahweh’ or ‘worshipper.’ Author of Obadiah The author is one of 13 Obadiahs found in the Bible. While he is universally accredited as being the author of the book that bears his name, we actually know nothing about him. The one thing we do know is that he is from Judah. 

Time of Obadiah The date of Obadiah is uncertain, and so are the invasions of Jerusalem to which the book refers. We have two options: 1) 586 BC: This is a famous date when Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar conquers Judah and destroyed Jerusalem, including Solomon’s temple. This conquest is referred to in II Kings, II Chronicles, and Jeremiah. The argument is that Obadiah 1-6 sounds similar to Jeremiah 49:9, 14-16. Ezekiel, a contemporary of Jeremiah, also speaks of the evil works of Edom (Ezekiel 254:12f; Psalm 137:7; Lamentations 4:21). 2) 845 BC: Judah and Jerusalem were invaded by the Philistines and Arabians during the reign of king Jehoram. Here the victors shared the spoils together. Could you imagine Nebuchadnezzar, a prominent Bible character, anonymously attacking Judah? He is always named. Also, would he share the spoils with anyone? Highly unlikely. If this is the timing of Obadiah’s prophecy, then he would be one of the earliest of the Old Testament prophets. 

Portrait of Christ in Obadiah Christ, whose coming culminates the ‘Day of the Lord,’ comes to this planet as the righteous judge of all nations (15-16). Christ is the Saviour and possessor of the coming Kingdom (21). Theme of Obadiah This prophecy highlights the fall of Esau and the nation of Edom due its meanness, cruelty, and pride. At the same time, Judah and Jerusalem will be restored due to the covenant faithfulness of Almighty God. It shows how prideful people are most vulnerable to falling (I Corinthians 10:12). Edom’s lofty and secure geography cannot prevent its ultimate judgement.

Key Verses of Obadiah 15For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head. 21And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S. 

Summary of Obadiah Esau and Edom, long-term rivals to Jacob and Judah, gloated at the suffering of the latter during one of history’s many invasions. This attitude, coupled with mountain-high pride, history of unfriendliness, ensured Edom’s ultimate fall. Like a see-saw, as Edom falls, Judah rises again. The focus on Edom widens to the nation’s of the earth and the momentous ‘Day of the Lord.’ No longer is it the Mountain of Esau but the Mount Zion that comes into view, where the Saviour also becomes the King, Son of David, who inherits the throne which will rule over all the nations. 

Outline of Obadiah Edom’s Judgement Predicted 1-9 Why is Edom Being Judged 10-14 What Happens when Edom is Judged 15-18 Edom and the Nations Possessed by Israel 19-21