Obadiah: The Doom of Edom

Text: Obadiah 1:1–21
Date: May 4th

Introduction

Obadiah is one of the least-known prophets in Scripture. His name was common in the Old Testament, but little is known about the man himself. Uniquely, the book of Obadiah is the shortest in the Old Testament—just one chapter with 21 verses.

Though brief, the book carries a powerful message: the doom of Edom. But who is Edom, and why are they so opposed to Israel?

This story spans nearly 1,400 years, beginning with twin brothers: Esau and Jacob, the sons of Isaac. Their conflict began in the womb and intensified when Jacob, with his mother Rebekah’s help, tricked Isaac into giving him the blessing intended for Esau.

From this deception, two nations emerged—Israel (from Jacob) and Edom (from Esau)—locked in generations of rivalry and hostility. One moment of deceit fueled centuries of division.

I. The Destruction of Edom Predicted (vv. 1–9)

A. Nations Called to Attack Edom (vv. 1–2)

God calls the surrounding nations to rise against Edom. Their downfall is declared inevitable:

“See, I will make you small among the nations; you will be utterly despised.”

B. The Pride of Edom (vv. 3–4)

Edom’s pride, symbolized by their high mountain dwellings, deceived them:

“Though you soar like the eagle… from there I will bring you down.”

This is a warning not just to Edom but to all of us: Pride leads to destruction.

C. Their Treasures Taken (vv. 5–6)

Obadiah describes how Edom’s wealth will be plundered by others.

D. Betrayed by Allies (v. 7)

“Your allies will force you to the border… your friends will deceive and overpower you.”

Edom didn’t just ignore Israel’s downfall—they took part in it.

E. Loss of Leadership and Wisdom (vv. 8–9)

Even Edom’s wise and strong will be cut down—complete devastation.

II. The Causes for Edom’s Destruction (vv. 10–14)

1. Violence against Jacob (v. 10)

2. Indifference during Israel’s suffering (v. 11)

3. Rejoicing at Judah’s fall (v. 12)

4. Pillaging Jerusalem (v. 13)

5. Capturing fugitives and handing them over (v. 14)

And, as seen in verses 3–4: Pride and misplaced self-security.

This conflict began with two brothers. How many of us are living with broken relationships that began just the same?

“There’s a common denominator in every conflict—you.”

You can’t control someone else’s actions, but you can own your part. As taught in Re-Engage, “Stay in your hula hoop.”

Handling Broken Relationships as Believers

When a loved one is living outside God’s truth, the relationship doesn’t need to break. Often, the relationship fails not because of sin, but because of judgment.

Ask yourself:

• Are you speaking truth in love or with condemnation?

• Are you showing grace, just as God showed grace to you?

Three powerful questions to assess your heart:

1. Do your actions and words demonstrate acceptance (not approval)?

2. Do they reflect unconditional love?

3. Do they encourage righteousness gently—without judgment?

We are not the Holy Spirit. His work is not ours to do.

Reunion of Jacob and Esau: A Model of Restoration

Genesis 33:4–11
Esau ran to Jacob, embraced him, and wept. Despite all Jacob’s fear, Esau had forgiven him.

Jacob spent the night before wrestling with God (Gen. 32). That’s the call for us: wrestle in prayer before you seek reconciliation.

III. The Day of the Lord: Judgment & Restoration (vv. 15–21)

A. Judgment for All Nations (vv. 15–16)

“As you have done, it will be done to you.”
A sobering reminder: Do you want to be judged as you judge others?

B. Hope for Restoration (vv. 17–21)

God restores Jacob. His Kingdom will come.
Restoration is God’s work—and it should be ours too.

Place your hope not in people, power, or pride, but in Jesus Christ.

Monday Night Prayer

Let this be your wrestling moment with God. Don’t just pray for others to change—pray for your own heart to be transformed.

Coffee Conversation Questions

1. What stood out to you most from Obadiah’s message to Edom?

2. Have you ever experienced a broken relationship like Jacob and Esau? What was the turning point?

3. What does “speaking truth in love” look like in your relationships today?

4. How do you recognize the difference between acceptance and approval?

5. What might God be asking you to surrender or “wrestle with” in prayer this week?