Obadiah predicted the fall of Edom. The Edomites were blood kin to the Israelites. The Edomites were from the family of Esau the twin brother of Jacob the father of the Israelites. So it was especially egregious that they joined other nations in destroying Jerusalem. The Edomites thought they were indestructible for two basic reasons: 1. They lived high in the rocky fortress of the mountains (v 3). 2. They had made allies of the surrounding nations (v 7). They felt safe because of their geographic location and because of their relationship with other nations. This has been true of the USA until recent years. Those “safeguards” are now questionable.
1:8 The “wise” people will be destroyed (Have we been proud of our knowledge, science, technology?)
1:9 The mighty warriors will be terrified (Do we trust in our mighty army and equipment?)
1:10-14 The charges against them regarding their participation in the destruction of Jerusalem. (Look at this also as we evaluate USA standing with Israel. In the past, Christians have stood firm in defending Israel. Are we now withdrawing from that stance. We do so at our own peril.)
1:15-16 God will avenge Jerusalem
1:16-21 Israel will return to “become a raging fire” against them and occupy the land. And the Lord will be king. — It is likely that the nation of Edom lasted no more than a couple hundred years after Obadiah was written.
TRIVIA: King Herod the Great was an Edomite.
JUST FOR FUN AND A MEMORY HELPER. I visualize this as a fist fight between brothers (Jacob’s linage and Esau’s linage) in which Jacob give Esau a black eye. Esau yells “O-bad-eye.” Okay! Stop the applause, but it does help me remember quite a bit about the Book of Obadiah. 😀
Sweet aroma 
Kind of like the Hatfields and McCoys? Thanks for all the side info on this book. It makes a lot of sense and is something the US can learn from.
People in USA have these same prideful characteristics. Some have taken these prophesies to heart, however, and try to live according to what God demands. I still believe there are more with us than with “them.”
Good presentation of Obadiah.
Thanks, Frank, your commendations mean a lot to me. I know you are a man who has studied a lot. I learn a lot from you.
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Cookie, my Jewel. Thanks.
I just heard from another source today about Herod being an Edomite. What are the odds? 🙂 Great review of Obadiah. Thank you!
That is strange! I looked it up during research for this study. It is rather interesting that he still claimed the label even after maybe five centuries after their history. I don’t know that anybody would care that I am Scottish or (?)! Maybe though God did see some significance in pointing this out to the Jewish people at that time. Somewhat of a warning about not trusting that fellow.
Yes, he was definitely NOT trustworthy. 🤣 It is curious though, that God would choose to point this out. 🤔
Great review and teaching. Every nation on earth should take note. Who are our blood kin who now may desire if not to help but may assist our enemies. Supporting Israel at this time in history is crucial. Thank you.
I’m hoping that God sees us as Israel’s friend who might need to called on sometime in the future. And I hope we will be ready. Thanks, Faye.