Book of Obadiah is vision of Prophet Obadiah about Edom which keeps it different from other books. When most of the prophetic visions pronounces the judgement and restoration of Juda and Israel, this book remain one of the three books pronouncing fall of foreign nation. When Book of Nahum prophesied judgement on Nineveh, Habakuk describes vision on judgement of Babylonia. Book of Obadiah remain even more unique, as through the vision of Prophet, Lord state the reasons for punishing Edom. Obadiah Chapter 1:10 ” because you robbed and killed your brothers and descendants of Jacob, you will be destroyed and dishonoured for ever.”
Genesis Chapter 36: 8-9 Edom is land of Esau’s descendants, and through the prophetic vision Lord gave the strong message that unbrotherly behaviour is never tolerated and punishment can never be escaped. Jacob remains as chosen by Lord Almighty and as the blessed son by his father Isaac. Obadiah 1:12 “You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble.”
Further down ,we read a verse which gives a wider message Obadiah 1:15 “The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.”
May this verse be a reminder to each one of us, that we are on just one journey, which prepares us to return to Lord when He call us back, we all are to give our account that day, whoever has lost his brother is definite to answer God as in Genesis, God called on Cain for Abel. Genesis 4:9 “Then the Lord said to Cain,“Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” “Again we see, among Jacob’s sons the vengeance towards Joseph, only and only because Jacob loved Joseph Genesis Chapter 37: 3 “Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. 4 When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.” Further down we read, how Joseph was treated by his brothers and how God exhalted him.
May the Merciful Lord show Mercy on us sinners. May we not be put to punish for not accepting God’s chosen people.
May this little Book of Obadiah bring in us harmonious selfless brotherly love……..
Pen N Picture 