Obadiah 1:15

For the Day of the LORD is near for all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your recompense will return upon your own head.

Study Bible

For the Day of the LORD is near for all the nations.
The "Day of the LORD" is a recurring theme in the prophetic books, signifying a time of divine intervention, judgment, and salvation. In Obadiah, this day is imminent, not just for Edom, but for all nations. Historically, the Edomites were descendants of Esau and had a longstanding enmity with Israel, the descendants of Jacob. The phrase indicates a universal scope of God's judgment, extending beyond Israel's immediate neighbors to encompass all nations. This concept is echoed in other prophetic books such as Joel 2:1 and Zephaniah 1:14, where the Day of the LORD is portrayed as a time of reckoning. The nearness of this day suggests urgency and the certainty of God's plans. In a broader theological context, it foreshadows the final judgment described in the New Testament, particularly in Revelation.

As you have done, it will be done to you;
This phrase underscores the principle of divine justice and retribution, often summarized as "you reap what you sow." In the context of Obadiah, Edom's actions against Israel—such as violence, betrayal, and gloating over their misfortunes—are highlighted. This principle is consistent with other biblical teachings, such as in Galatians 6:7, where Paul writes about sowing and reaping. The idea of reciprocal justice is also seen in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:2), where the measure one uses will be measured back to them. This reflects the moral order established by God, where actions have consequences.

your recompense will return upon your own head.
The imagery of recompense returning upon one's own head is vivid and personal, indicating that the consequences of one's actions are inescapable and directly affect the individual. In the historical context, Edom's betrayal and hostility towards Israel during times of distress are seen as actions that will bring about their downfall. This phrase is a reminder of the certainty of divine justice, where God ensures that justice is served. Theologically, it points to the ultimate accountability before God, where every nation and individual will face the consequences of their actions. This concept is mirrored in Psalm 7:16, where the wicked's mischief returns upon their own head, reinforcing the inevitability of divine justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Obadiah
The prophet who authored the book, delivering a message of judgment against Edom and a broader warning to all nations.

2. Edom
A nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, often in conflict with Israel. Edom's actions against Israel are a central focus of Obadiah's prophecy.

3. The Day of the LORD
A significant biblical theme referring to a time of divine judgment and intervention in human affairs, often associated with both immediate and eschatological events.

4. Nations
Refers to all peoples and countries, emphasizing the universal scope of God's judgment.

5. Recompense
The concept of divine justice where actions are repaid in kind, reflecting the biblical principle of sowing and reaping.

Teaching Points

The Certainty of Divine Justice
God's justice is inevitable and impartial. The "Day of the LORD" serves as a reminder that God will hold all nations accountable for their actions.

The Principle of Recompense
Our actions have consequences. As believers, we are called to live righteously, knowing that what we do will return to us.

Universal Scope of Judgment
God's judgment is not limited to one nation or people but extends to all. This calls for a global perspective in our understanding of God's justice.

Call to Repentance
The nearness of the "Day of the LORD" is a call to repentance and humility before God, recognizing our need for His mercy and grace.

Hope in God's Sovereignty
While the message of judgment is sobering, it also affirms God's control over history and His ultimate plan for justice and restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of the "Day of the LORD" in Obadiah 1:15 challenge our understanding of God's justice and mercy?

2. In what ways can the principle of recompense ("as you have done, it will be done to you") be observed in our personal lives and society today?

3. How does the message of Obadiah 1:15 encourage us to live differently in light of God's impending judgment?

4. What parallels can you draw between the judgment of Edom and the warnings given to other nations in the Bible?

5. How can we find hope and assurance in God's sovereignty and justice as described in Obadiah 1:15, especially when facing personal or global injustices?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joel 3:14
This verse also speaks of the "Day of the LORD" and the gathering of nations for judgment, highlighting the theme of divine justice.

Galatians 6:7
Paul echoes the principle of sowing and reaping, reinforcing the idea that actions have consequences.

Matthew 7:2
Jesus teaches about the measure we use being measured back to us, aligning with the recompense theme in Obadiah.

Revelation 6:17
The "Day of the LORD" is further explored in the context of end-times judgment, showing its ultimate fulfillment.