TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Rather than coming to the aid of Judah (also called “Jacob” in our scripture for today), the neighboring nation of Edom stationed themselves on nearby roads to attack and kill the Jews as they fled from the invading armies. Amplifying this betrayal was the fact that the Edomites were relatives of the Judeans. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob (from whom the Jews were descended).
In this short book of the Bible the prophet Obadiah pronounces doom and destruction upon the Edomites for their betrayal and violence against Judah and their capital city, Jerusalem. This emphasizes a truth that is seen throughout scripture: Everyone who blesses God’s people will be blessed; but those who oppose and oppress God’s people will themselves be judged and destroyed.
God told Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:1-3). And…the LORD tells us today, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Those who love you shall prosper…For the sake of the House of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.” (Psalm 122:6,9). So…be careful to honor all of God’s precious people or face the judgment of the LORD!
“Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame. You will be destroyed forever.” (Obadiah 10). Over 800 years before Christ, the Philistines and Arabians invaded Jerusalem in the southern kingdom of Israel, called “Judah.”
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