The Vision of Obadiah

Obadiah is the shortest Old Testament book, but in many ways forms a sort of "template" for the Old Testament Prophets.

This book speaks of the dangers of pride and arrogance, especially the feeling of superiority when others are being punished for their sins.

The key "themes" of Obadiah include God's sovereignty (vv. 2, 8, 15, 21), causes of self-deception (vv. 3, 7-9), the Day of the Lord (vv. 11-15 and 16-18), and encouragement and restoration (vv 17, 19-21). Obadiah is the story of two mountains (Mt. Seir and Mt. Zion) and two family lines (Jacob and Esau).

In time of seeming defeat by God's foes, there are two certainties: God's sovereignty over human history and God's sanctification of human history for his own glory.

The book is summarized in v. 21, "And the Kingdom shall be the Lord's." We must see our present circumstances in light of that certainty. This is the war-cry of Immanuel.

The antithesis that existed between God's enemies and his friends has not ceased. Rather both grow together in the world while the wheat and tares mature into the full body of what they are. The future as well as the present belongs to God.
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