Book of Obadiah – Set 1 (Entire Book)
Theme: The Fall of Pride and the Rise of God’s Kingdom
1. Summary of the Book
Obadiah’s prophecy is directed primarily against Edom, the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob. Though they were relatives of Israel, the Edomites acted with hostility—rejoicing over Jerusalem’s destruction, aiding its enemies, and plundering the land.
God confronts Edom for:
- Pride in their security (they lived in the cliffs of Seir, believing no one could touch them)
- Violence against their brother Jacob
- Rejoicing over Israel’s suffering
- Taking advantage of God’s people in their time of distress
Key Events
- Verses 1–9: Edom’s pride will be shattered. The very things they trusted in—fortresses, alliances, wisdom—will fail them.
- Verses 10–14: God specifically lists Edom’s sins against Israel, condemning them for standing aloof, gloating, looting, and even capturing fugitives.
- Verses 15–21: The prophecy widens to include all nations. The “Day of the Lord” is declared—God will bring justice upon every nation that exalts itself and persecutes His people. But for Mount Zion, there will be deliverance, holiness, and the Kingdom will belong to the Lord.
Final Vision
The book ends with the promise of God’s ultimate rule:
“The kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” (Obadiah 21)
This points ahead to the final victory of Christ, who will rule from Zion, and all kingdoms will become His kingdom.
2. Key Themes and Lessons
| Theme | Lesson |
|---|---|
| The Danger of Pride | Self-reliance and arrogance bring destruction; God opposes the proud. |
| Brotherhood and Covenant | Edom’s betrayal of Israel reflects the serious consequences of harming God’s people. |
| Divine Justice | God sees injustice and will repay every act of cruelty or gloating over others’ suffering. |
| The Day of the Lord | A time when God judges all nations and establishes His Kingdom. |
| Hope for God’s People | Though others rise against them, God will restore His people and reign forever. |
3. Encouragement
Oh, this is such a profound little book!
Edom trusted in the strength of their mountains, their alliances, their wisdom.
They looked unshakable. But God shows us that anything built on pride is already collapsing.
Here’s the truth: pride builds its own prison. It says, ‘I don’t need God.’
But God lovingly confronts that lie, because pride separates us from the Life Source Himself.
Edom didn’t just sin against Israel—they sinned against relationship.
They watched their brother fall and celebrated.
But Heaven takes it personally when we harm, betray, or look down on others—especially His people.
Yet look how the book ends! It doesn’t end with destruction—it ends with the Kingdom of the Lord. Come on!
That’s good news! This isn’t just about Edom falling—it’s about Christ rising.
The message of Obadiah is simple but powerful:
- Pride will fall.
- Justice will come.
- And the Kingdom of God will stand forever.
So sister, don’t build your life on pride or self-reliance—build it on Jesus.
Because when all other kingdoms fall, His Kingdom is the one you will forever belong to!
4. Reflection Questions
- Are there areas of my life where I take pride in my own strength rather than relying on God?
- How do I respond when others fall—am I moved with compassion, or tempted to judge or feel superior?
- Do I fully trust that God sees injustice and will bring perfect judgment in His timing?
- Am I living now as a citizen of God’s eternal Kingdom, rather than the temporary kingdoms of this world?
- How does the final declaration — “The Kingdom shall be the Lord’s” — shape the way I view my present circumstances?