Many people have heard of Marcus Junius Brutus, otherwise known as Brutus, who took part in the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. To make a complex story short, Caesar had been Brutus’ friend and benefactor until, in the end, Brutus took part in his brutal assassination. Though it’s not likely the case, in Shakespeare’s play, he has Julius Caesar say “Et tu, Brute” (“You too, Brutus”), when he sees Brutus among the assassins. This was to indicate the surprise, and also sorrow, in seeing his one-time friend among that group. When we see someone in a group of people that we wouldn’t think they would be a part of, there is often shock and surprise. “You’re among them?” In today’s Scripture there is the anger and disappointment that a group, actually a country, has joined an enemy, when they really should not have been aligned with them, and God’s judgment upon them for that.
Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, with only one chapter, and twenty-one verses. It was likely written around the time of the final overthrow of the Kingdom of Judah by the Babylonians, and the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC. There really is not much known about the prophet, such as his family or where he lived, though it is likely he lived in the Kingdom of Judah. Nor do we know what happened to him after the overthrow of the kingdom.
This message and prophecy of Obadiah’s was directed to the people of Edom, which was the kingdom to the south of Judah. The Edomites were descended from Esau. If you remember from the Book of Genesis, Esau was the fraternal twin brother of Jacob, a son of Isaac, and grandson of Abraham. Thus the Edomites were related, were like cousins, to the people of Judah and Israel. We might think that the two nations might have a close, even brotherly, relationship with each other. However, that was definitely not the case. They were sworn enemies, going back to the days following their coming out of Egypt. This strong animosity continued for centuries, and now, in the sixth century BC, Edom was laughing at the terrible fate of their kinsmen, the people of Judah. They were rejoicing in their downfall and destruction.
Though the Babylonian captivity and destruction of Jerusalem was God’s punishment for the people’s sins, He was not at all happy with the gleeful response of Edom. Obadiah was His messenger to relay His anger at the Edomites. God was bringing His judgment on Edom for their pride and violence against His people. One thing that the Lord was displeased with was the Edomites pride (vs. 3). Pride leads to self-deception and rebellion against God. The people of Edom trusted in their fortified cities and the many dwellings that were high in the mountains, but that is nothing with God. He would bring them down (vs. 4).
Obadiah prophesied a coming total devastation of the nation of Edom (vs. 5-9). God’s judgment against them would be thorough. There would be no wisdom, no strength, nor any alliances that would be able to save Edom. Though they shared the same ancestry as Judah and Israel, descending from Abraham, the Edomites had rejected Yahweh from the earliest days of their ancestor Esau. Nations and individuals who reject God’s authority will face judgment.
The thing that really angered God was that they looked on the suffering of their brother, and instead of helping or giving any sort of comfort, they rejoiced (vs. 10-14). Edom’s betrayal of Israel, by watching, rejoicing, and participating in their downfall, was a grievous sin. God will also hold us accountable for how we treat others, especially other believers. Even passive complicity in evil is condemned.
Brotherly kindness was due from Edom to the Israelites in their time of need. But instead of showing kindness, they joined in with Judah’s enemies. In verse 11 there is an emphasis on the word “you”. When we are doing evil, God, in a sense, says to us believers, “What, you? What are you doing here?” When our co-workers tell obscene jokes or anecdotes, do we laugh? When they urge us to join in with something that is contrary to the Word of God, do we go along? When people verbally malign Christianity or other Christians, do we stay silent? “You were as one of them!” says God.
We see in verse 15 that judgment isn’t just for Edom, but for all nations. The Day of the Lord signifies a future time of divine reckoning. God’s justice is universal, and every deed will be brought into judgment. However, God is faithful to His promises. To those who have come to Him through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, we can trust in His redemptive plan, and look forward to the ultimate fulfillment in God’s Kingdom. Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, or are you one that is fighting against Him and His children? Turn to Him today before the day of final judgment comes.
No comments:
Post a Comment