The prophet Obadiah issues a prophetic warning to the foreign nations that participated in the attacks against Judah. Obadiah predicted that God would destroy Edom as punishment for standing by when Babylon invaded Judah. Because of their treachery, Edom’s land would be given to Judah in the day when God rights the wrongs against his people. God will judge and fiercely punish all who harm his people. We can be confident in God’s final victory. He is our champion, and we can trust him to bring about true justice.

Because of their seemingly invincible rock fortress, the Edomites were proud and self-confident. But God humbled them and their nation disappeared from the face of the earth. All those who defy God will meet their doom as Edom did. Any nation who trusts in its power, wealth, technology, or wisdom more than in God will be brought low. All who are proud will one day be shocked to discover that no one is exempt from God’s justice.

SUMMARY OF THE EDOMITES

The Edomites were part of the Semitic populations who were descended from Esau, just as the Israelites are those who are descended from Jacob. There are many prophecies concerning Edom which have been remarkably fulfilled. The present desolate condition of that land is a standing testimony to the inspiration of these

prophecies. After an existence as a people for above 1700 years, they have utterly disappeared from the region, and their language even is forgotten forever. Edomite tribes settled in Judah’s south, like the Kenizzites, to whom Caleb and Othniel belonged. The southern part of Edom was known as Teman. A few eschatology experts believe that Obadiah’s prophecies describe the future Arab enemies of Israel who will fight Israel during the next major Arab-Israel war.

RELATED SOURCES

Biblical Mysteries; Donald P. Ryan, Ph.D; 2000. The Bible; Jim Bell and Stan Cambell; 1999. The Complete Guide to the Bible; Stephen M. Miller; 2007. The Hand Writing of God; Dr. Grant Jeffrey; 2000. The Signature of God; Dr. Grant Jeffrey; 2010. The Septuagint With Apocrypha: English; Sir Lancelot C.L. Brenton; 1851. Amos & Obadiah; Dr. J. Vernon McGee; 1988. Bible Prophecy Articles; Dr. John Mc Ternan; 2012.