OBADIAH—NOTE ON OBADIAH 1:1 THUS SAYS THE LORD GOD was a common expression among the prophets, indicating that the prophet reports God’s own words. RISE UP! God is calling the nations to go to war against Edom (compare Isaiah 13:2). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var... [ Continue Reading ]
OBADIAH—NOTE ON OBADIAH 1:2 Edom is insignificant among the nations. Just as Edom gloated over Judah (vv. Obadiah 1:12), so other nations disrespect Edom. This contrasts with Edom’s own pride. The Edomites dwell in the mountainous region east of the Arabah, with elevations up to 5,000 feet (1.5 km)... [ Continue Reading ]
OBADIAH—NOTE ON OBADIAH 1:5 Edom will be thoroughly DESTROYED, with nothing remaining. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
OBADIAH—NOTE ON OBADIAH 1:7 The past-tense verbs speak about a future event as though it were already completed (compare vv. Obadiah 1:5). Just as Edom betrayed its own brother Jacob (vv. Obadiah 1:10, Obadiah 1:12), so Edom’s own allies will turn against it. THOSE WHO EAT YOUR BREAD is a term for a... [ Continue Reading ]
OBADIAH—NOTE ON OBADIAH 1:8 ON THAT DAY refers back to vv. Obadiah 1:1 and looks toward “the day of the LORD” in v. Obadiah 1:15. Neither Edom’s political skill nor its military strength can provide national security (compare Jeremiah 49:7, Jeremiah 49:22). TEMAN is the name of Esau’s grandson ... [ Continue Reading ]
OBADIAH—NOTE ON OBADIAH 1:10 ON THE DAY THAT YOU STOOD ALOOF... YOU WERE LIKE ONE OF THEM criticizes the Edomites for failing to give military support to neighboring Jerusalem when it was wrongfully attacked. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length,... [ Continue Reading ]
OBADIAH—NOTE ON OBADIAH 1:12 These verses spell out Edom’s violent acts. The Edomites took advantage of Judah’s situation during the Babylonian crisis (Psalms 137:7; Ezekiel 25:12; Ezekiel 35:1). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagN [ Continue Reading ]
OBADIAH—NOTE ON OBADIAH 1:15 The Edomites should stop harming God’s people because (FOR) the day of God’s universal judgment is near. On THE DAY OF THE LORD, see note on Amos 5:18–20; see also The Day of the Lord in the Prophets.) AS YOU HAVE DONE. The link between misdeeds and judgment shows the pu... [ Continue Reading ]
OBADIAH—NOTE ON OBADIAH 1:16 AS YOU HAVE DRUNK is a common biblical metaphor (compare Isaiah 51:17; Jeremiah 25:15; Ezekiel 23:31; Revelation 14:10). Experiencing God’s wrath is like getting drunk on wine that brings pain and destruction instead of joy. ⇐... [ Continue Reading ]
OBADIAH—NOTE ON OBADIAH 1:17 MOUNT ZION is the place where Yahweh dwelt among and for his people. Those taking refuge in him will be delivered from the coming wrath (Isaiah 14:32). Zion’s blessings were available to Gentiles (1 Kings 8:41; Isaiah 2:2). THEIR OWN POSSESSIONS is a reference to the Pro... [ Continue Reading ]
OBADIAH—NOTE ON OBADIAH 1:19 All of Israel, including the EXILES far away, will return. Much of the Promised Land was lost over the years, but all of it will be regained. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
OBADIAH—NOTE ON OBADIAH 1:21 SAVIORS. Those appointed by God to deliver the people and bring just government. The Lord has always been King over the nations (v. Obadiah 1:1), but here the prophet promises God’s future rule from MOUNT ZION, that is, Jerusalem. Jesus will rule over the whole earth whe... [ Continue Reading ]