Scripture Reading : Obadiah
Theme : God’s Judgment on Israel’s Enemies
Obadiah prophesized after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C by the Babylonians. His message was God’s judgment against the nation of Edom for mistreating Judah after it fell to the Babylonians.
Edom’s Ego (1-9). Edom is the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. Israel and Edom are close blood relatives. The nation of Edom is a prideful people who trusted in their strongholds and wisdom to protect themselves. Because of their ego, God will humble them by uprooting them from their land. This was completed when the Nabateans conquered Edom (including Petra) in the early six century, shortly after Obadiah’s prophecy. Herod the Great was a Jew of Idumean (Edom) descent. Today, Edom no longer exists, unlike Israel. God does not promise a remnant will survive, unlike Israel.
Edom’s Exploitation (10-14). Edom’s grave sin is its betrayal against its own brothers, the Jews. When Babylonians sacked Jerusalem (11), Edom exploited Israel’s sorrow. They looted Judah and captured Jewish fugitives and mistreated them. This sin is even more horrific in light their close blood relations. Therefore, God will destroy Edom for their sins.
Edom Exemplified (15-21). After God’s judgment on Edom, God uses Edom as an example of His judgment against the enemies of Israel in the end times (The day of the Lord, v. 15). At the end times, like Edom, nations will betray and attack Israel (Dan. 9:27). God will destroy them, but will restore Israel.
Praying the Scripture
- God is sovereign over the world. He directs all the events of the world and He is moving the world toward His end time purposes. But everyone is responsible for their own sins and God will judge all sinners and nations. However, we are not to gloat over the judgment of sinners or become self-righteous. We would sin against God. Furthermore, we cannot exploit those who are suffering as result of God’s judgment for our personal gain. Such sin is shameful and will incur God’s great judgment. Instead, God commands us to help those who are suffering and proclaim the message of life to them.
经文：俄巴底亚书
主题：神对以色列敌人的审判
俄巴底亚是在公元前586年，即耶路撒冷被巴比伦侵入后预言的。他传的是神对以东的审判，因为犹大被巴比伦侵占后，以东也向犹大行强暴。
以东的骄傲（1-9）。以东是雅各的哥哥以扫的后裔。因此，以色列和以东是有血缘的亲戚。以东人很骄傲，信靠自己的堡垒和智慧保护自己。因此，神会从那地铲除他们，使他们谦卑。预言不久后便得应验，即公元前第六世纪早期，当纳巴泰人侵占以东的时候（包括佩特拉）。大希律王是含以东血脉的犹太人。今日，以东已经不存在了，不像以色列。神没应许小部分人会存活，不像以色列。
以东的剥削（10-14）。以东所犯的大罪是背叛自己的亲兄弟犹太人。当巴比伦掳掠耶路撒冷时（11），以东在耶路撒冷的伤口上撒盐，不但抢了她的东西，还捉了犹太难民，苦待他们。由于他们有血缘关系，这项罪尤其大。因此，神会因以东的罪消灭她。
以东为例子（15-21）。神审判以东后，便用以东为例，说明自己末日时将对以色列众敌施行的审判（耶和华的日子，15节）。那时，列国会像以东一样攻击以色列（但9:27）。神会消灭他们，但会兴起以色列。
用经文祷告
- 神是世界的掌权者。祂指导世界万物的运行，并引万物达成祂对末日的旨意。然而，每一个人都要为自己的罪负责，而神将审判犯罪的列国和众人。我们不当幸灾乐祸，暗笑罪人所得的审判，或变得自义；若是，我们也会犯罪。再者，我们也不能为自己的利益剥削在神审判中受苦的人。反之，神吩咐我们要帮助正在受苦的人，并向他们传讲生命的道。
