Before it is Too Late

As you have done…Obadiah 1:15

Obadiah is the shortest book of the Old Testament. It is one chapter with 21 verses. It is a warning to Edom, the descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, the father of Israel. In his warning, Obadiah not only warns Edom but all the nations, verse 15: For the day of the LORD upon all nations is near. As you have done, it shall be done to you.

Obadiah employs a favorite word play of the prophets. In Hebrew the words Edom and Adam come from the same root word; only the vowels are different. If we allow Obadiah some poetic license he is using “Adam” to represent all of humanity; all the nations, so-to-speak.

Obadiah makes it clear, judgment is coming to Edom and all the nations because of their pride, verse 3: The pride of your heart has deceived you… The pride of Edom is a clear representation of the pride of all nations. Likewise, the downfall of Edom represents the downfall of all nations. Pride goes before the fall, Proverbs 16:18: Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. So, what is the answer? A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor, Proverbs 29:23.

Obadiah preaches to their ultimate failure; you should not have stood at the crossroads to cut off those among them who escaped. Nor should you have delivered up those among them who remained, Verse 14. 

Obadiah uses another word play to predict their judgment. Verse 21: Then deliverers (saviors) shall come to Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau. A Savior on a mountain will judge the wicked on their mountains. And the kingdom shall be the LORD’s. Then as you have done, it shall be done to you. Your reprisal shall return upon your own head…Verse 15.

Obadiah confirms the Word of the Lord is true: judgment is coming but is only restrained by His mercy and grace. For God desires all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, 1 Timothy 2:4. Now is the time for nations to repent and turn to God, before it is too late.