OBADIAH—NOTE ON 1 Thus says the Lord GOD was a common expression among the prophets, indicating that the prophet reports God’s own words. Rise up! God is calling the nations to go to war against Edom (compare Isa. 13:2–5).
A call to arms. Alliances and treaties in the ancient world were important in times of war, just as they are today around the globe. Allies supported each other by combining forces against the enemy. Messengers could be sent to allies requesting soldiers, supplies, and even intelligence on enemy troop movements and strength. In vv. 1–14, Obadiah warns Edom that it will be destroyed by its former allies.
OBADIAH—NOTE ON 2–4 Edom is insignificant among the nations. Just as Edom gloated over Judah (vv. 12–13), so other nations disrespect Edom. This contrasts with Edom’s own pride. The Edomites dwell in the mountainous region east of the Arabah, with elevations up to 5,000 feet (1.5 km) above sea level. Their inaccessible location has given them false hopes of security.
OBADIAH—NOTE ON 5–6 Edom will be thoroughly destroyed, with nothing remaining.
OBADIAH—NOTE ON 7 The past-tense verbs speak about a future event as though it were already completed (compare vv. 5–6). Just as Edom betrayed its own brother Jacob (vv. 10, 12), so Edom’s own allies will turn against it. Those who eat your bread is a term for allies, since treaties were often sealed by covenant meals (compare Ps. 41:9).
OBADIAH—NOTE ON 8–9 On that day refers back to vv. 1–7 and looks toward “the day of the LORD” in v. 15. Neither Edom’s political skill nor its military strength can provide national security (compare Jer. 49:7, 22). Teman is the name of Esau’s grandson (Gen. 36:9–11). Here it refers either to Edom as a whole or to its southern region. Mount Esau. Another name for Edom.
OBADIAH—NOTE ON 10–11 On the day that you stood aloof . . . you were like one of them criticizes the Edomites for failing to give military support to neighboring Jerusalem when it was wrongfully attacked.
OBADIAH—NOTE ON 12–14 These verses spell out Edom’s violent acts. The Edomites took advantage of Judah’s situation during the Babylonian crisis (Ps. 137:7; Ezek. 25:12–14; 35:1–36:7).
The only thing known about the prophet Obadiah is his name, which means “one who serves Yahweh.” The book of Obadiah is an indictment against the nation of Edom, who took advantage of Judah during the Babylonian crisis. Rather than come to Judah’s aid, the Edomites gloated over the nation’s demise, looted valuables, and sold captives as slaves. Their actions were particularly shameful since the Edomites were descendants of Esau and thus brothers to the people of Judah. Edom is the target of Obadiah’s prophecy of doom because it is a shameful example of hostility toward God’s people. Even though Jerusalem’s fall was a result of the nation’s unfaithfulness—and Edom was one of God’s tools for bringing judgment—the Lord punished those who oppose his people. (Obadiah 10–11)
OBADIAH—NOTE ON 15 The Edomites should stop harming God’s people because (For) the day of God’s universal judgment is near. On the day of the LORD, see note on Amos 5:18–20; see also The Day of the Lord in the Prophets.) As you have done. The link between misdeeds and judgment shows the punishment to be appropriate, fair, and deserved.
OBADIAH—NOTE ON 16 As you have drunk is a common biblical metaphor (compare Isa. 51:17–23; Jer. 25:15–29; Ezek. 23:31–34; Rev. 14:10). Experiencing God’s wrath is like getting drunk on wine that brings pain and destruction instead of joy.
OBADIAH—NOTE ON 17 Mount Zion is the place where Yahweh dwelt among and for his people. Those taking refuge in him will be delivered from the coming wrath (Isa. 14:32). Zion’s blessings were available to Gentiles (1 Kings 8:41–43; Isa. 2:2–4). Their own possessions is a reference to the Promised Land, as clarified in Obad. 19–20.
OBADIAH—NOTE ON 19–20 All of Israel, including the exiles far away, will return. Much of the Promised Land was lost over the years, but all of it will be regained.
OBADIAH—NOTE ON 21 Saviors. Those appointed by God to deliver the people and bring just government. The Lord has always been King over the nations (v. 1), but here the prophet promises God’s future rule from Mount Zion, that is, Jerusalem. Jesus will rule over the whole earth when he returns (Matt. 25:34).