Topical Bible: Love to Man: Obadiah

◄ Love to Man: Obadiah ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The book of Obadiah, though the shortest in the Old Testament, provides profound insights into the theme of love to man, particularly through its focus on the relationship between the Edomites and the Israelites. Obadiah's prophecy is primarily a message of judgment against Edom, a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. This familial connection underscores the expectation of brotherly love and mutual support, which Edom failed to uphold.

Historical Context and Background

Obadiah's prophecy is set against the backdrop of Edom's longstanding enmity with Israel. The Edomites, despite their kinship with the Israelites, often acted with hostility and indifference towards them. This animosity is highlighted during times of Israel's distress, particularly when Jerusalem was invaded by foreign powers. Edom's actions, or lack thereof, during these times are central to Obadiah's message.

Key Themes and Verses

1. Betrayal and Indifference: Obadiah condemns Edom for their betrayal and lack of compassion towards their brother nation. In Obadiah 1:10-11 , it is written, "Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them." This passage highlights the expectation of love and support that Edom failed to provide, choosing instead to stand by as an enemy.

2. Pride and Arrogance: The Edomites' pride is another focal point of Obadiah's prophecy. Their arrogance led them to believe they were invulnerable, which blinded them to their moral obligations. Obadiah 1:3-4 states, "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?' Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD." This pride is antithetical to the humility required to love and serve others.

3. Judgment and Justice: The prophecy of Obadiah emphasizes divine justice as a response to Edom's lack of love and compassion. Obadiah 1:15 declares, "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 principle of retributive justice underscores the biblical expectation that nations and individuals are accountable for their actions towards others.

4. Restoration and Hope: While the primary focus of Obadiah is on judgment, there is also a message of hope and restoration for Israel. Obadiah 1:17 promises, "But on Mount Zion there will be deliverance, and it will be holy, and the house of Jacob will reclaim their possession." This restoration is a testament to God's enduring love and faithfulness to His people, contrasting with Edom's failure to show love.

Application and Reflection

The book of Obadiah serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of love and compassion towards others, especially those with whom we share a common bond. The failure of Edom to act with love towards Israel is a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride, indifference, and betrayal. In a broader sense, Obadiah calls believers to reflect on their own relationships and to strive for a love that is active, humble, and just, in accordance with God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 18:4
For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Obadiah
... That says something for Ahab, and more perhaps for Obadiah. ... where he was surrounded
by a mother's love and an ... Even if a man 'sobers down' after 'sowing his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/obadiah.htm

Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety
... The man used to love the people ... adamantine metal of Elijah, and if these should prove
too stiff and stern we could even be content with such men as Obadiah. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/obadiah or early piety eminent.htm

Obadiah
... their works do follow them.' Yes, though a man's wealth will ... That has followed Obadiah;
for by it we know him ... to forget any work and labour of love, which you ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon ix obadiah.htm

"It is Finished"
... Ezek.28:6-19; Ps.37:10; Obadiah 16 ... the extermination of sin will vindicate God's
love and establish ... forever made certain, that the redemption of man was assured ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 79 it is finished.htm

Expositions of Holy Scripture
... LOVE FOR HATE, THE TRUE QUID PRO QUO. LOVE AND REMORSE. ... DAVID APPOINTING SOLOMON.
A YOUNG MAN'S WISE CHOICE OP WISDOM. ... OBADIAH. THE TRIAL BY FIRE. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/

The Voice of Stern Rebuke
... which I command you this day, to love the Lord ... show myself unto him today." Thus
assured, "Obadiah went to ... king listened to the message from the man whom he ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 10 the voice of.htm

Elijah
... no man knew where to find him; and, as Obadiah said when ... My experience is"not he:
but the man who says ... respect us, and never obey us from love and principle. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xix elijah.htm

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... his princes, even to Ben-hail, and to Obadiah, and to ... of Jehoshaphat in the kingdom,
his subjects' love, which showed ... A really devout man must be a propagandist ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

Christian Graces.
... also be sick and believe, be sick and love, be sick and ... True, may that man say, I
was taken out of the ... When Obadiah met with Elijah, he gave him no worldly and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xviii christian graces.htm

The Kingdom of Judah.
... The other prophets of the period are Joel, Nahum, Zephaniah, Habakkuk and Obadiah. ...
3) That no man, no set ... are so blended that "to act justly, to love mercy and ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiv the kingdom of.htm