Edom (Negative Example)
Category: Pride and betrayal in crisis
Could avoid: Rejoicing over Israel’s downfall.
“Do not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune.” (Obadiah 1:12)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 24:17; Lamentations 4:21.
Chose (wrongly): Stood aloof, joined enemies, plundered Judah.
“On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth… you were like one of them.” (Obadiah 1:11)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 137:7; Ezekiel 35:5.
Endured (consequence): God’s judgment for pride and cruelty.
“The pride of your heart has deceived you… Though you soar like the eagle… from there I will bring you down.” (Obadiah 1:3–4)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 2:12; James 4:6.
Why (wrongly): Trusted in their strength and alliances instead of God.
“Your allies will deceive you and overpower you.” (Obadiah 1:7)
Cross-Refs: Jeremiah 49:16; Psalm 118:8–9.
Result: Total destruction, no survivor left.
“There will be no survivors from Esau.” (Obadiah 1:18)
Cross-Refs: Malachi 1:3–4; Hebrews 12:16.
Judah / Israel (the Suffering People of God)
Category: Endurance in betrayal & hope in God’s justice
Could avoid: Despair and give up hope under Edom’s betrayal.
“In the day of your misfortune… in the day of your destruction.” (Obadiah 1:13)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 44:22; Lamentations 1:2.
Chose: Wait on God for vindication and justice.
“But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy.” (Obadiah 1:17)
Cross-Refs: Joel 2:32; Hebrews 12:22.
Endured: Violence, plundering, exile, shame.
“You should not march through the gates of my people in the day of their disaster.” (Obadiah 1:13)
Cross-Refs: Micah 7:8; 2 Corinthians 4:9.
Why: Trusted God’s covenant promise to preserve a remnant.
“But Jacob will possess their inheritance.” (Obadiah 1:17)
Cross-Refs: Genesis 28:13–15; Romans 11:26.
Result: Restoration, possession of their land, kingdom established.
“And the kingdom will be the LORD’s.” (Obadiah 1:21)
Cross-Refs: Daniel 7:27; Revelation 11:15.