August 2, 2007

• Discovering God’s Character – Part 17D
  
  
  
  Prophecies Concerning Edom: Obadiah
  
  
  In our examination of Genesis 36, we’ve taken some time to
  investigation the matter of Esau’s descendants, Edom. As we’ve seen,
  the scriptures have a lot to say about Edom. In closing this section on the prophecies concerning Edom, I’d like to
  draw our attention now to Obadiah. It is a tiny Old Testament book
  having one chapter of only 21 verses and is a quick, easy read. Yet
  with so few words, there are more than just a few interesting points
  and it would be best if the whole text were read at one sitting. After
  that, let’s get to the heart of the matter.

  First, let’s consider that God had one prophet and one book of the Old
  Testament especially for Edom and it speaks of judgment.  This ought to
  get our immediate attention.

  Now let’s look at verse 15… for when God is going to deal with Edom… and what He is going to do.

  
  For the day of the LORD draws near on all the nations. As you have
  done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own
  head. Obadiah 1:15 (NASB)

  The day of the LORD that draws near on all the nations is exactly what
  we think it might be, the Second Coming of Christ and God’s wrath
  poured out upon those nations. What “Edom” has done to Israel, it will
  be completely repaid to them on their own heads.

  We can find their offenses in the previous verses. We can see in verse
  3, they were arrogant, saying in their heart “Who will bring me down to
  earth?” Though they would build their nest like an eagle or set their
  nest in the stars, God will bring them down.”  We know that God resists
  the proud.

  Now in verse 10 and 11, Edom had done violence to his brother Israel
  and because of this Edom is covered with shame and will be cut off
  forever. Edom stood back when Babylon brought the Jews into captivity.
  In fact, it was as if Edom actually participated in the looting and
  carried off Israel’s wealth. They even stood at a fork in the road to
  kill fugitives and imprisoned their survivors during all this. After
  His people were taken to Babylon, Edom took their land and property.
  They boasted in Judah’s day of distress and they snubbed their noses at God Most High.

  
  Because you have said, 'These two nations and these two lands will be
  mine, and we will possess them,' although the LORD was there, …  
  Ezekiel 35:10 (NASB)

  Now let’s look at verse 16… this is how God describes the offense…

  
  Because just as you drank on My holy mountain, all the nations will
  drink continually. They will drink and swallow and become as if they
  had never existed. Obadiah 1:16 (NASB)

  Edom has taken “God’s mountain” and the Lord says that Gentile nations
  will drink continually on His holy mountain. The concept of “drinking
  continually” leaves us with the impression that they will have it for
  some time and never want to stop possessing it and will continue to do
  so until God settles the score… finally and completely. We have already
  seen this in the prophecies we studied beforehand. They will also drink
  and swallow the “cup” that He has prepared for them to drink which will
  lead to their extermination.

  As we look at verses 17 and 18… we see how God will execute His judgment…

  
  But on Mount Zion there will be those who escape, and it will be holy
  and the house of Jacob will possess their possessions.  Then the house
  of Jacob will be a fire and the house of Joseph a flame; but the house
  of Esau will be as stubble and they will set them on fire and consume
  them, so that there will be no survivor of the house of Esau," for the
  LORD has spoken.  Obadiah 1:17-18 (NASB)

  Regardless of Edom’s intention, Mount Zion will be Israel’s possession.
  The house of Esau will be cast out. Not only this, Israel will possess
  all the territory that was once Edom’s and especially the mountain of
  Esau. Also, did you notice how God is going to implement His plan…. the
  house of Jacob will be a fire and the house of Joseph a flame and they
  will “burn” the stubble of the house of Esau (Edom) and there will be
  no survivor.

  Let’s take a look at God’s character for a moment. God is insistent
  that Israel obtains the promise that He has intended for her. In like
  manner, He is insistent that each one of us obtains the promise that He
  has intended.  Here is where the matter of God’s faithfulness is
  rendered in righteous judgment. It gives us great comfort to know that
  when God has promised something to us, we don’t have to worry about it.
  It may take many millennia to get to the realization of it and many of 
  those who waited in hope died in the meantime. That does not matter;
  the righteous will be raised up from the dead and will enjoy it and
  those who stole it will be wiped out. God does not forget His promises.

  As we finish Part D, I’d like for us to focus in on something very
  important about Edom. If we were to focus on verses 3-9, we see that
  Edom was arrogant so much so that God says that they say in their heart
  “Who will bring me down to earth?” He adds, “Though you build high like
  the eagle, though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will
  bring you down.” Interesting statement, isn’t it? This sounds like Edom
  set itself up pretty high. I see a close analogy with Satan’s desire to
  be above the throne of God.

  
  How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn!
  
  You have been cut down to the earth, you who have weakened the nations!
  
  But you said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven;
  
  I will raise my throne above the stars of God,
  
  And I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north.
  
  'I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.'
  
  "Nevertheless you will be thrust down to Sheol, to the recesses of the pit.
  
  Isaiah 14:12-15 (NASB)

  And also the Harlot in Revelation 18…

  
  To the degree that she glorified herself and lived sensuously, to the
  same degree give her torment and mourning; for she says in her heart,
  'I SIT as A QUEEN AND I AM NOT A WIDOW, and will never see mourning.'
  "For this reason in one day her plagues will come, pestilence and
  mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for the Lord
  God who judges her is strong.  Revelation 18:7-8 (NASB)

  Perhaps even their religion made them feel superior to the God of Israel. God told us of this back in Ezekiel 35:13-14…

  
  “And you have spoken arrogantly against Me and have multiplied your
  words against Me; I have heard it.” Thus says the Lord GOD, "As all the
  earth rejoices, I will make you a desolation.”  Ezekiel 35:13-15 (NASB)

  There is one thing about all of this. It looks so much like we see today. More on this in the next post.  Mr.Vee

  • 12:29 am
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