Obadiah announces judgment on Edom, one of Israel’s neighbors (and relatives), for helping Babylon conquer Judah. Through Obadiah, God promises that judgment will come on all the nations, but that He will eventually establish His divine kingdom on earth.
Sermon OutlinE
“But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and Jacob will possess his inheritance.” (Obadiah 1:17)
Introducing Obadiah
Prophetic accusations against Edom (Obadiah 1:1-14)
The Day of the Lord and the Nations (Obadiah 1:15-16)
God’s Kingdom and Restoration for Israel and the Nations (Obadiah 1:17-21)
God’s Word for Us from Obadiah
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When have you experienced difficulties with those who should love you? When have you experienced good things from those you wouldn’t expect?
- We continue our series, “God in the Ruins: The Message of the Minor Prophets,” this week by looking at the shortest of all the books of the Old Testament, Obadiah. Before you begin this study, ask God to speak to you through His word.
- Background: Obadiah is the shortest of all the books of the Hebrew Bible. Other than that his name means “servant of Yahweh,” we don’t know much about Obadiah. He likely prophesied after the exile from Jerusalem (586 BC) sometime in the 6th century BC.
- Read Obadiah 1:1-14. Obadiah’s prophecy addresses Edom, a people group descended from Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, from whom Israel descends (see Genesis 25:19-34; 26:34-35; 27:1-28:9; 36). The people of Israel and Edom were often at odds throughout their history, culminating in the Edomites plundering the Israelites’ land after Babylon overran Jerusalem (Ezekiel 35). What accusations does Obadiah level against the Edomites in verses 1-14?
- Now read Obadiah 1:15-16, where we encounter the important phrase “the day of the Lord.” How does Obadiah characterize the day of the Lord here?
- Why might it be important that “the day of the Lord” is for all the nations, and not just Edom? What would this mean to the Israelites? What does this tell us about God?
- Read Obadiah 1:17-21 and consider this question: what is the hope that God provides for the Israelites and Jerusalem?
- 8. We have encountered these themes of restoration throughout the previous three prophets. Read these passages again, and describe in your own words what God promises to His people in the future restoration: Joel 2:18-27; Joel 3:17-21; Amos 9:11-15; Obadiah 1:17-21.
- How has hope about the future inspired you in your daily life? How might hope of God’s’ future restoration inspire you in your daily life?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through our study of the prophet Obadiah? If you are on your own, write that down. If you are in a small group, discuss your answers with one another. Close in prayer. Choose one person in your life with whom you will share something you have learned about God this week.