Lexnary

31. Obadiah (Prefiguring Jesus) 

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Foreshadowing Jesus in the Book of Obadiah

1. Introduction: Overview of the Book and Its Foreshadowing Themes

  • Book Overview:
    Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, consists of a single prophetic vision concerning Edom’s downfall and the future restoration of Zion. Written likely in the 6th century BC after Jerusalem’s fall to Babylon, Obadiah condemns Edom for its pride and cruelty toward its brother nation, Judah. The book’s message is one of divine justice, sovereignty, and ultimate hope.
    • Key Verse:
      Obadiah 1:15 – “The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you.”
  • Foreshadowing Themes:
    Obadiah foreshadows Jesus as the righteous Judge of the nations and the Redeemer of Zion. The book’s climax in verse 21—“Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion”—prepares for Christ, the ultimate Saviour who brings judgement to the proud and deliverance to the faithful.
    • Key Verse:
      Obadiah 1:21 – “Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the LORD’s.”

2. Historical and Theological Context

  • Historical Context:
    Obadiah prophesies against Edom, the descendants of Esau, who betrayed Judah during her time of crisis—either during the Babylonian conquest (586 BC) or earlier invasions. Though brothers by ancestry, Edom acted with cruelty and opportunism, rejoicing over Jerusalem’s fall and taking part in her suffering.
    • Key Verse:
      Obadiah 1:10 – “Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame.”
  • Theological Context:
    Obadiah reflects key themes of covenant responsibility, divine retribution, and eschatological hope. God holds all nations accountable, not only for what they do, but for how they treat His people. This prepares for Christ’s role as judge and restorer, and the establishment of His universal kingdom.
    • Key Verse:
      Obadiah 1:4 – “Though you soar like the eagle… from there I will bring you down.”

3. Narrative Structure and Christ-Centred Motifs

  • Structure:
    • Verses 1–9: Edom’s pride and coming downfall
    • Verses 10–14: Edom’s violence and betrayal of Judah
    • Verses 15–21: The Day of the LORD, global justice, and Zion’s final triumph
  • Christ-Centred Motifs:
    • The Day of the LORD: A day of judgement and justice—fulfilled in Jesus’ return.
    • Deliverance from Mount Zion: Foreshadows Christ’s redemptive work centred in Jerusalem.
    • Judgement on the Proud: Jesus echoes this theme—“The last will be first.”
    • God’s Kingdom Prevailing: Christ reigns as King over all the earth.

4. Typology and Symbols of Christ

  • Mount Zion as the Place of Salvation (Obadiah 1:17) – “On Mount Zion will be deliverance.”
    • Fulfilled in: Luke 24:47 – “Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached… beginning at Jerusalem.”
  • The Day of the LORD (Obadiah 1:15) – A time of universal judgement and reckoning.
    • Fulfilled in: 2 Thessalonians 1:7–10 – Christ is revealed in blazing fire with judgement.
  • Deliverers Ascending Mount Zion (Obadiah 1:21) – Symbolises ultimate salvation and righteous rule.
    • Fulfilled in: Hebrews 12:22–24 – Believers come to Mount Zion through Christ, the mediator of the new covenant.
  • The Kingdom Will Be the LORD’s (Obadiah 1:21) – God will reign in final authority.
    • Fulfilled in: Revelation 11:15 – “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.”

5. Messianic Prophecies and Previews

  • Judgement on the Nations (Obadiah 1:15) – Edom is a sign of what all rebellious nations will face.
    • Fulfilled in: Matthew 25:31–46 – The Son of Man judges the nations based on how they treat His people.
  • Salvation from Zion (Obadiah 1:17, 21) – Salvation comes not from Edom’s pride, but from God’s dwelling on Mount Zion.
    • Fulfilled in: Acts 1–2 – The Gospel begins in Jerusalem and flows to the nations.
  • The Universal Kingdom of the LORD (Obadiah 1:21) – Not just national but global reign.
    • Fulfilled in: Philippians 2:10–11 – Every knee shall bow at the name of Jesus.

6. Theological and Christological Significance

  • Jesus as the Righteous Judge – Obadiah warns of divine justice on proud nations; Jesus returns as Judge of all the earth.
  • Christ as Deliverer from Zion – The mountain of deliverance becomes Calvary, where Jesus provides eternal salvation.
  • Jesus as King Over All – Obadiah’s closing note anticipates the Lordship of Christ over all nations, fulfilled in the Gospel and consummated at His return.
    • Key Verse:
      Revelation 19:16 – “King of kings and Lord of lords.”

7. Redemptive Legacy and Christian Application

  • Redemptive Legacy:
    Though brief, Obadiah delivers a thunderous message of justice and hope. It reveals the cost of pride and betrayal, but also points to the promise of redemption from Zion. In Christ, the Judge becomes our Saviour, and the kingdom of God is established forever.
  • Christian Application:
    • Avoid pride and presumption: Edom’s fall warns against self-exaltation.
    • Stand with God’s people: Christ identifies with His Church—what we do to them, we do to Him.
    • Hope in God’s Kingdom: Despite worldly power struggles, Christ’s reign is assured.
    • Seek deliverance from Zion: True salvation is found only in Jesus, who rules from the heavenly Mount Zion.
    • Key Verse:
      James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.”

✅ Summary Statement:

Obadiah is a short but powerful book of reversal—where the proud are humbled and the faithful are lifted up. It foreshadows Jesus as the righteous Judge and gracious Deliverer, whose kingdom will triumph over all human pride and injustice. From Zion, salvation flows, and in Christ, the kingdom belongs to the LORD.

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