Topical Bible: Godly Fear: Obadiah

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Introduction

The concept of godly fear is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, representing a profound reverence and respect for God, His power, and His commandments. In the book of Obadiah, although the term "godly fear" is not explicitly mentioned, the underlying principles of reverence for God and the consequences of lacking such fear are evident. Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, is a prophetic text that addresses the judgment of Edom and serves as a broader warning to all nations about the repercussions of pride and defiance against God.

Context of Obadiah

Obadiah's prophecy is directed primarily against Edom, a nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob. The historical context suggests that Edom had acted with hostility and arrogance towards Israel, particularly during times of distress. This animosity is highlighted in Obadiah's message, which underscores the importance of humility and the fear of the Lord.

Themes of Godly Fear in Obadiah

1. Judgment Against Pride and Arrogance

Obadiah's prophecy begins with a vision concerning Edom, emphasizing the nation's pride and self-reliance. The Lord declares through Obadiah, "The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, whose habitation is high, who say in your heart, 'Who can bring me down to the ground?'" (Obadiah 1:3). This verse illustrates the absence of godly fear in Edom, as they placed their trust in their own strength and strategic position rather than in God.

2. The Day of the Lord

The concept of the "Day of the Lord" is central to Obadiah's message, serving as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the need for reverence. Obadiah 1:15 states, "For the Day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head" . This passage underscores the inevitability of divine judgment and the importance of living in godly fear, recognizing that God holds all nations accountable for their actions.

3. Retribution and Justice

Obadiah highlights the principle of divine retribution, where the actions of individuals and nations are met with corresponding consequences. The prophecy warns Edom of the impending judgment due to their violence against their brother Jacob. "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever" (Obadiah 1:10). This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of disregarding godly fear and the justice that follows.

4. Restoration and Deliverance

Despite the harsh judgment pronounced on Edom, Obadiah concludes with a message of hope and restoration for Israel. "But on Mount Zion there will be deliverance, and it will be holy, and the house of Jacob will possess their inheritance" (Obadiah 1:17). This promise of deliverance for those who remain faithful to God highlights the blessings that accompany a life lived in godly fear.

Conclusion

While the book of Obadiah primarily addresses the judgment of Edom, its themes resonate with the broader biblical narrative of godly fear. The prophecy serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and the importance of reverence for God. Through Obadiah, believers are encouraged to cultivate a heart of humility and respect for the Lord, recognizing His sovereignty and justice.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 18:12
And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from you, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry you where I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find you, he shall slay me: but I your servant fear the LORD from my youth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... For there is no duty performed by us that can by any means be accepted
of God, if it be not seasoned with godly fear. Wherefore ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety
... persons who have had the advantage of godly parents and ... This early piety of Obadiah's
had special marks of ... mind, very instructive, "I thy servant fear the Lord ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/obadiah or early piety eminent.htm

The Fear which Terminates in the Second Death.
... It is noted in favor of Obadiah, the servant of Ahab ... There is yet one other kind
of fear which leads to ... followers""Yea, and all who will live godly in Christ ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xx the fear which.htm

Christian Graces.
... When Obadiah met with Elijah, he gave him no worldly ... do not harden mine heart from
thy fear." Thus holy ... hover like birds above the solid and godly truths of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xviii christian graces.htm

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... his princes, even to Ben-hail, and to Obadiah, and to ... And the fear of the Lord fell
upon all the kingdoms ... may do much to lead the children of godly parents to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla
... thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord" (Obadiah,
4). Neither ... Happy, if his fear had produced that "godly sorrow, and ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/saurin paul before felix.htm

The Westminster Confession of Faith. AD 1647.
... Obadiah. ... original tongues are not known to all the people of God who have right unto,
and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to ...
/.../the westminster confession of faith.htm

The Benefits of an Early Piety
... find it, therefore, remarked to the praise of Obadiah, that he ... But one, who is a
young saint, need fear no such ... But as for the godly, that have been enabled to ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the benefits of an early.htm

part vii.
... can find a faithful friend like Obadiah, and either ... 1689] , subscribed, though
unwillingly, from fear of the ... while the holy Virgins and other godly women fled ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part vii.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... look upon it as through the multiplying-glass of fear. ... of the pit of corruption;'
but a godly man may ... Zion there shall be deliverance and holiness,' Obadiah 17 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm