Obadiah

Introduction:

Ø Author

o Some, like Josephus, thought it was the Obadiah in Ahab’s court

o Some thought he was an Edomite proselyte

o He was probably a prophet of unknown background

o Name means “Servant of Jehovah”

Ø The book is a “Doom Song”

Ø Background of the book: 2 Chron. 21:1-17; 2 Kings 8:20-22

o Jehoram (Joram) was the king

o Killed his brothers to solidify his political strength

o Married Ahab’s daughter

Ø Edomites were descendants of Esau

o They lived on Mt. Seir

o On the trip to Canaan they would not allow Israelites to pass through their land

o During Ahab’s reign they helped the Moabites and Ammonites fight against Judah, but lost

I. The Judgment of Edom

A. The Pride of Edom

1. Verses

a) He that exalteth himself shall be abased”

b) Prov. 16:18 “Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall”

c) James 4:6 “God resists the proud but giveth grace to the humble.”

2. They thought highly of themselves (v. 8-9)

a) Satan said “I will be like the Most High”

b) “Let him that standeth take heed lest he be destroyed”

B. Secret sins judged (v. 6)

1. Compare Achan

2. Nu. 32:23 “Be sure your sin will find you out”

C. Sin of silence (v. 10)

1. Abortion

2. Not correcting children

D. Sin of gloating (v. 12)

1. It is wrong to rejoice in the problems or downfall of others

2. We are to restore and help those who have fallen

II. The Day of the Lord

A. It will be a day of judgment (v. 15)

B. It will be done in perfect holiness (v. 17)

C. It will usher in the kingdom (v. 21)

III. Practical Conclusions