Post by professorc on Oct 18, 2015 17:03:23 GMT -5
The Book of Obadiah
Content: A “DOOM ORACLE” against Edom for taking advantage of the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 588-86 B.C.
Prophet: Obadiah, a prophet from Judah.
Emphases: God’s judgment on Edom for her sins against God’s people; the defeat of those who think themselves unconquerable; Israel’s deliverance and restoration on the day of the Lord.
-All the parts of a doom oracle are present: the announcement of doom—a prediction of Edom’s coming defeat (v.1-9); the reasons for doom---a review of Edom’s crimes against his “brother” while Judah was helpless (vv.10-14); and the promised future (for Jacob, not Esau!)—on the day of the Lord Israel’s sovereignty will be restored (vv.15-21)
SPECIFIC ADVICE FOR READING OBADIAH
Edom was Israel’s most tenacious foe throughout the history of the two “brother” nations (v.10; Genesis 25:24-34), so it should come as no surprise that Edom is the subject of more foreign-nation oraclces than any other people.
The principles for reading any foreign-nation oracle apply here. Yahweh is God not only of Israel but also of all the nations of the world; it reflects the “curse” side of the Abrahamic covenant.
It is the prophet’s engagement in the holy war, as a messenger of the Divine Warrior. If Israel’s sins are great and deserve punishment, the treachery of Edom will also be punished, since it stands so completely over against God’s own character of generosity and kindness.
Moreover, if God is to deliver His people completely and permanently, he cannot leave their enemies free to strike again.
-You may want to read Psalm 137 alongside this oracle to CAPTURE the sense of how deeply Israel FELT about Edom’s treachery.
-You may also want to read Obadiah 1-6 alongside Jeremiah 49:14-16 (vv.1-4) and 49:9-10 for (vv.5-6). Very likely Obadiah was restating and recasting Jeremiah’s Oracle as his starting point, an oracle that is probably well known to his hearers.
A WALK THROUGH OBADIAH
V. 1: Title and Introduction
V.2-9: Edom’s Doom Announced
V.10-14: The Reason for Edom’s Doom
V. 15-21: The Coming Day of the Lord.
Key: Obadiah reminds us of God’s justice in punishing human sinfulness and of God’s ultimate victory over earthly powers.
Content: A “DOOM ORACLE” against Edom for taking advantage of the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 588-86 B.C.
Prophet: Obadiah, a prophet from Judah.
Emphases: God’s judgment on Edom for her sins against God’s people; the defeat of those who think themselves unconquerable; Israel’s deliverance and restoration on the day of the Lord.
-All the parts of a doom oracle are present: the announcement of doom—a prediction of Edom’s coming defeat (v.1-9); the reasons for doom---a review of Edom’s crimes against his “brother” while Judah was helpless (vv.10-14); and the promised future (for Jacob, not Esau!)—on the day of the Lord Israel’s sovereignty will be restored (vv.15-21)
SPECIFIC ADVICE FOR READING OBADIAH
Edom was Israel’s most tenacious foe throughout the history of the two “brother” nations (v.10; Genesis 25:24-34), so it should come as no surprise that Edom is the subject of more foreign-nation oraclces than any other people.
The principles for reading any foreign-nation oracle apply here. Yahweh is God not only of Israel but also of all the nations of the world; it reflects the “curse” side of the Abrahamic covenant.
It is the prophet’s engagement in the holy war, as a messenger of the Divine Warrior. If Israel’s sins are great and deserve punishment, the treachery of Edom will also be punished, since it stands so completely over against God’s own character of generosity and kindness.
Moreover, if God is to deliver His people completely and permanently, he cannot leave their enemies free to strike again.
-You may want to read Psalm 137 alongside this oracle to CAPTURE the sense of how deeply Israel FELT about Edom’s treachery.
-You may also want to read Obadiah 1-6 alongside Jeremiah 49:14-16 (vv.1-4) and 49:9-10 for (vv.5-6). Very likely Obadiah was restating and recasting Jeremiah’s Oracle as his starting point, an oracle that is probably well known to his hearers.
A WALK THROUGH OBADIAH
V. 1: Title and Introduction
V.2-9: Edom’s Doom Announced
V.10-14: The Reason for Edom’s Doom
V. 15-21: The Coming Day of the Lord.
Key: Obadiah reminds us of God’s justice in punishing human sinfulness and of God’s ultimate victory over earthly powers.