Day 187 – Obadiah: Climate of the times

“Those who have been rescued will go up to Mount Zion in Jerusalem to rule over the mountains of Edom. And the Lord himself will be king!” Obadiah 1:21 NLT

Edom was a persistent thorn in Judah’s side. The Edomites frequently participated in attacks on Judah, often initiated by other enemies. The history of conflict between Israel and Edom was not merely political or social; it began in their mother’s womb. Jacob and Esau struggled against each other even before birth (Genesis 25:19-26). Esau sold his birthright to Jacob, and he stole Isaac’s (their father’s) blessing from Esau. From this, the nation of Israel descended from Jacob, and Edom from Esau. Edom refused Israel passage through their land, and kings such as Saul, David, Solomon, Jehoram, and Ahaz continually clashed with this brother nation. Eventually, Edom incited Babylon to destroy Jerusalem.

Obadiah served as a prophet to Judah and prophesied against Edom. While this nation may have seemed more likely to survive than Judah at the time, Edom vanished, demonstrating the absolute certainty of God’s word and the judgment awaiting all who mistreat God’s people. The lesson from Obadiah’s message today is that, just as Edom was destroyed by God and disappeared as a nation, proud and wicked people will also face God’s judgment unless they repent, come to Jesus, and live a life worthy of God’s children. 

Prayer: Father, how interesting to learn that even in the womb, there was strife between the fathers of these nations. But even in striving, those who choose You are those who will walk in victory for eternity. Help us, Lord, to love our enemies even if the root of the strife runs deep, so we can love them with the perfect love of Christ and pray for their salvation. Amen.