JUN 28

Obadiah 17-21
Memorise Ephesians 2:4
"...I have loved thee with an everlasting love, ...with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

The 2^nd half of the book of Obadiah relates to the nation of Israel. Although there are still references to the house of Esau (i.e. Edom), the main focus here is on what will happen to Israel. We have to remember that one of the key purposes of the book is to act as a comfort and encouragement to the people of Israel who by now were in captivity. After declaring a series of judgments on Edom, v17 starts with an emphatic “but”, drawing the reader’s attention to the contrast that the writer is about to make. God will judge Edom, but, God will do something for Israel that will be different. There will be deliverance upon Mt Zion. While Edom will be destroyed, Zion will be delivered. Zion will be like the fire, while Edom the stubble – and we know how easily stubble burns at the slightest flames. Obadiah continues to declare how the lands of Edom will be completely divided and taken over by foreign forces. V21, the final verse ends with a great word of triumph; mount Zion will be saved and the kingdom of Edom will finally belong to the Lord.

To understand the impact of this message to the Israelites, one must recall what we have learnt so far about the context and background of the book. We remember that those who survived the conquest of Jerusalem and were taken captive, survived with memories of the horrific atrocities they witnessed at the fall of Jerusalem. Their memories would have consisted of the part Edom played as well. This message would have seemed like poetic justice, but there was more to it than just vengeance. The Edomites do indeed deserve their just recompense, but the greater message to the Israelites would be the assurance of God’s deliverance, to remind them that God had not been blind to their plight and had not forsaken them. This message would have been a message of comfort. Although God has chastised his children greatly, yet He will be quick to deliver them and return full measure of judgment to those who have harmed them.

We who are the children of God can learn a lesson here too. As believers, we are adopted into the family of God and are precious to Him. We too enjoy the great sovereign love and protection that was expressed to the nation of Israel. Take heart if you are undergoing trials at this time. God will never forsake you.

Thought: Does God care when we come under attacks from the Evil One?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to trust you more.