Obadiah 1

Chapter Summary

Obadiah chapter 1 begins with a vision from God, declaring that He has sent a messenger among the nations to rise up against Edom (Obadiah 1:1). The chapter then describes the pride and arrogance of Edom, which has led to their downfall (Obadiah 1:2-4). God pronounces judgment on Edom, declaring that they will be destroyed and their wealth plundered (Obadiah 1:5-7). The chapter also notes that Edom's allies will turn against them, and they will be left with nothing (Obadiah 1:8-11). The prophecy concludes with a call to the house of Jacob to take possession of the mountains of Esau, and a declaration that the kingdom will be the Lord's (Obadiah 1:12-21).

Context for the Chapter

Obadiah chapter 1 is part of the book of Obadiah, which is a prophetic book in the Old Testament. The book is believed to have been written after the Babylonian exile, during which time the Edomites had allied themselves with the Babylonians and had participated in the destruction of Jerusalem. The chapter serves as a warning to Edom of God's impending judgment and a reminder to Israel of God's sovereignty and justice. The prophecy is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's concern for His people and His ultimate triumph over evil.

Heart Application

The chapter serves as a reminder of God's justice and sovereignty, and the importance of humility and obedience. As believers, we are called to trust in God's power and provision, and to seek His will in all things. The prophecy also emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning to God, as seen in Obadiah 1:17, where the house of Jacob is described as a fire and the house of Joseph a flame.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Obadiah chapter 1 is a prophecy of God's judgment on the nation of Edom for their sins against God and their treatment of Israel. The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice, as well as His concern for His people. As noted in Obadiah 1:15, God will judge Edom according to their actions, and their dealings will return on their own head. The prophecy serves as a reminder of God's power and provision, and the importance of humility and obedience.

Voices from the Church

“The pride of Edom was their destruction, and the pride of our hearts will be our destruction, unless we humble ourselves before God.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The judgment of God is not limited to individuals, but extends to nations and kingdoms, as seen in the prophecy against Edom.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Prophecy (Obadiah 1:1) — The chapter begins with a vision from God, declaring that He has sent a messenger among the nations to rise up against Edom.
2. The Pride and Arrogance of Edom (Obadiah 1:2-4) — The prophecy highlights the pride and arrogance of Edom, which has led to their downfall.
3. The Judgment of Edom (Obadiah 1:5-7) — God pronounces judgment on Edom, declaring that they will be destroyed and their wealth plundered.
4. The Betrayal of Edom's Allies (Obadiah 1:8-11) — The chapter notes that Edom's allies will turn against them, and they will be left with nothing.
5. The Call to the House of Jacob (Obadiah 1:12-21) — The prophecy concludes with a call to the house of Jacob to take possession of the mountains of Esau, and a declaration that the kingdom will be the Lord's.

Core Doctrines

God's Sovereignty

The chapter emphasizes God's control over nations and His ability to bring about judgment and destruction, as seen in Obadiah 1:1.

The Consequences of Sin

The prophecy highlights the consequences of Edom's sins, including their pride and arrogance, which have led to their downfall, as noted in Obadiah 1:3-4.

God's Concern for His People

The chapter emphasizes God's concern for His people, Israel, and His desire to deliver them from their enemies, as seen in Obadiah 1:17.

Redemption

The prophecy points to God's deliverance of His people, Israel, and His ultimate triumph over evil, as noted in Obadiah 1:17.

Lessons from Obadiah 1

1. The Dangers of Pride and Arrogance — The chapter highlights the dangers of pride and arrogance, which can lead to downfall and destruction, as seen in Obadiah 1:3-4.
2. The Importance of Humility and Obedience — The prophecy emphasizes the importance of humility and obedience, as seen in Obadiah 1:17.
3. God's Concern for His People — The chapter emphasizes God's concern for His people, Israel, and His desire to deliver them from their enemies, as seen in Obadiah 1:17.
4. The Ultimate Triumph of God — The prophecy points to God's ultimate triumph over evil, as noted in Obadiah 1:17.
5. The Call to Repentance — The chapter serves as a call to repentance, emphasizing the importance of turning to God and seeking His will, as seen in Obadiah 1:17.

Themes from Obadiah 1

1. God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's control over nations and His ability to bring about judgment and destruction, as seen in Obadiah 1:1.
2. The Consequences of Sin — The prophecy highlights the consequences of Edom's sins, including their pride and arrogance, which have led to their downfall, as noted in Obadiah 1:3-4.
3. Redemption — The prophecy points to God's deliverance of His people, Israel, and His ultimate triumph over evil, as noted in Obadiah 1:17.
4. God's Concern for His People — The chapter emphasizes God's concern for His people, Israel, and His desire to deliver them from their enemies, as seen in Obadiah 1:17.
5. The Importance of Humility and Obedience — The prophecy emphasizes the importance of humility and obedience, as seen in Obadiah 1:17.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the main theme of Obadiah chapter 1, and how does it relate to God's sovereignty and justice?
2. How does the prophecy against Edom serve as a warning to believers today, as noted in Obadiah 1:15?
3. What is the significance of the house of Jacob being described as a fire and the house of Joseph a flame in Obadiah 1:17?
4. How does the chapter emphasize the importance of humility and obedience, as seen in Obadiah 1:3-4?
5. What is the ultimate message of the prophecy, and how does it point to God's redemption and deliverance of His people?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Obadiah 1

	Sermon	Description
	Pride by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of divorce and the breaking up of families, stating that it is a plague that is sweeping the church. The preacher emphasizes the im
	The Rejected Ones by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and encourages the congregation to forgive others. He shares a personal story about a dilapidated chicken coop
	Judgement Precipitated by the Ungodly by Aaron Dunlop	In this sermon, the preacher discusses three important lessons that can be learned from the text. Firstly, the world has a deep hatred for godly individuals, even if they may not p
	Judgment Predicted on the Ungodly by Aaron Dunlop	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the first verse of the book of Obadiah. The verse talks about a rumor from the Lord and an ambassador being sent to gather nations against Ed
	The Punishment of a Privileged People by Aaron Dunlop	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the intensity of the message of punishment on a privileged people who have heard and rejected the Gospel. The book of Obadiah, with its brev
	The Day of Judgment by Aaron Dunlop	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of God and its various aspects. The first aspect is the event of the judgment, which is referred to as the day of the Lord. The s
	(Obadiah) How God Deals With Pride by David Guzik	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the downfall of a proud and fortified nation. He emphasizes that despite their confidence in their defenses, God declares that they will be s
	Judgment Prepared in the Ungodly I by Aaron Dunlop	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Obadiah and provides an outline of its content. The sermon begins by discussing the judgment prepared for the ungodly, specifica
	(Saved Through the Fire) 13 - God's True Message by Milton Green	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of the day of the Lord, where God will judge and punish all nations based on their actions. He warns that whatever one gives out
	The Sin of Silence by Jack Hyles	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking a stand against immoral influences in society. He shares a story about a man who took extreme measures to protest a

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Obadiah 1

According to Matthew Henry, Obadiah chapter 1 is a prophecy of God's judgment on the nation of Edom for their sins against God and their treatment of Israel. The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice, as well as His concern for His people. Henry notes that the prophecy serves as a warning to all nations of the dangers of pride and arrogance, and the importance of humility and obedience. He also emphasizes the ultimate triumph of God over evil, and the destruction of His enemies. As Henry writes, 'The Lord has spoken, and He will do it; He has spoken, and He will bring it to pass.' The prophecy is a reminder of God's power and provision, and the importance of trusting in Him. As Henry notes, 'The Lord is the God of gods, and the Lord of lords; He is the King of kings, and the Lord of lords.' The chapter concludes with a declaration that the kingdom will be the Lord's, and that God will reign supreme over all nations. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?