Page 135 - Advanced OT Survey Student Textbook
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The Book of Amos
Obadiah
Prophet: Obadiah, ‘servant of YHWH’
Date: mid to late 6th c. B.C. (after Jerusalem’s destruction, cf. Lam. 4:21, Jer. 49)
Theme: Judgment for Edom
Message: God will repay the arrogance and attacks of Edom, avenging their part in the fall of Jerusalem
Edom’s arrogance (1-9)
Price Deceives (1-4) YHWH sends a messenger among the nations announcing the coming destruction of
Edom. Because of their pride, YHWH promises to make them weak and lowly. Though they consider
themselves to be unconquerable, based on their geographic location, YHWH promises to bring them
low.
Pillagers Destroy (5-7) Though thieves are limited in their grasp and reapers always leave something
behind, Edom’s enemies will leave nothing. Just as Jacob’s brother aided in his destruction, those
responsible for Edom’s fall will pretend to be her friends. Sadly, Edom won’t see it coming.
Prudent Defeated (8-9) Though Edom was known in the ancient world for its wisdom (cf. Jer. 49:7, Job),
YHWH will defeat the wise and bring total destruction on Edom. Edom’s Attacks (10-14)
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