The Day of the Lord Approaches: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Obadiah 1

Executive Summary

Obadiah 1, a potent prophecy against Edom, serves as a stark warning about the dangers of pride, violence, and indifference to the suffering of God’s people. This short but powerful book delivers a message of divine judgment on Edom for their mistreatment of Jacob (Israel), highlighting the inevitable consequences of such actions. The core of Obadiah’s message revolves around the pivotal concept of the Day of the Lord, a time when God will judge all nations. The prophecy also offers a message of hope and restoration for Zion, promising deliverance and the reclaiming of their inheritance. This commentary, rooted in Coptic Orthodox tradition, unpacks the theological depth of Obadiah 1, drawing upon patristic wisdom and relevant historical context to illuminate its enduring significance for believers today.

Introduction: The book of Obadiah is a profound reminder that God sees and judges the actions of nations. His justice, though sometimes delayed, is certain. Through Obadiah’s prophecy, we are called to examine our own hearts, ensuring that we are aligned with God’s love and compassion, especially towards those who are vulnerable.

Commentary on Obadiah 1:1-4

Obadiah 1:1 (KJV): The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle.

Obadiah 1:1 (NKJV): The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord GOD concerning Edom (we have heard a report from the LORD, and an ambassador has been sent among the nations, saying, “Arise, and let us rise up together against her for battle”):

The opening verse introduces us to Obadiah, a prophet whose name means “servant of the Lord” or “worshipper of the Lord,” and immediately sets the stage for a divine pronouncement against Edom. The phrase “vision of Obadiah” signifies a divinely revealed message. The mention of a “rumour from the Lord” and an “ambassador…sent among the heathen” suggests a call to arms, an orchestrated divine campaign against Edom. Edom, descendants of Esau (Jacob’s brother), had a long history of animosity towards Israel. Geographically, Edom was located southeast of the Dead Sea, characterized by rocky terrain, making them feel secure in their fortresses. This sense of security would soon be shattered.

Spiritual Application: We must remember that even when we feel secure in our worldly possessions or status, God’s judgment can reach us. Are we truly serving God or relying on earthly fortifications? This reminds us to seek spiritual growth, which you can accomplish with the help of DoHost’s AI Website Builder, to build your online ministry.

Obadiah 1:2-4 (KJV): Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised. The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.

Obadiah 1:2-4 (NKJV): “Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be greatly despised. The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; you who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’ Though you ascend as high as the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” says the LORD.

Here, the prophecy focuses on the root cause of Edom’s downfall: pride. God declares that He has made them “small among the heathen,” a direct consequence of their arrogance. Their dwelling in “the clefts of the rock,” a reference to their fortified cities like Petra, fostered a false sense of invincibility. The arrogance of their hearts, asking “Who shall bring me down to the ground?” reveals a profound lack of humility and a defiance of God. God’s response is unequivocal: even if they soar “as high as the eagle” or set their “nest among the stars,” He will bring them down. This reminds us of the dangers of relying on our own strength and the importance of humility before God.

Patristic Insight: St. Isaac the Syrian speaks profoundly about humility: “Ἡ ταπεινοφροσύνη ἐστὶ θησαυρὸς ζωῆς, ὃν οἱ ἀλαζόνες οὐ μὴ εὕρωσιν.” (Humility is a treasure of life, which the proud will never find.) – Isaac the Syrian, Ascetical Homilies.

Spiritual Application: We must constantly examine our hearts for any trace of pride. Do we believe we are superior to others? Do we rely on our own abilities rather than God’s grace? Humility is the foundation of spiritual growth and pleasing to God.

Commentary on Obadiah 1:5-9

Obadiah 1:5-7 (KJV): If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? if the grape gatherers came to thee, would they not leave some grapes? How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up! All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; they that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none understanding in him.

Obadiah 1:5-7 (NKJV): “If thieves had come to you, if robbers by night—Oh, how you will be cut off!—Would they not have stolen till they had enough? If grape-gatherers had come to you, would they not have left some gleanings? Oh, how Esau’s things are searched out! How his hidden treasures are sought after! All the men in your alliance shall drive you to the border; the men at peace with you shall deceive you and prevail against you. Those who eat your bread shall lay a trap for you. No one is aware of it.”

These verses illustrate the thoroughness of Edom’s coming destruction. Even thieves, the prophecy states, would eventually stop stealing when they had enough. Grape gatherers would leave some gleanings. But in Edom’s case, everything will be “searched out,” and all “hidden treasures” will be uncovered. Furthermore, their allies will betray them, and those who were at peace with them will deceive them. This paints a picture of complete and utter desolation, leaving Edom with no recourse. This is because Edom, although related to Israel, took advantage of Israel’s weakness in times of trouble and even celebrated their downfall. This is against the bonds of kinship and the love that should be displayed.

Spiritual Application: This is a reminder that our actions have consequences, not only for ourselves but also for our relationships with others. Betrayal, deceit, and taking advantage of others will ultimately lead to isolation and destruction. We should strive for integrity and trustworthiness in all our dealings.

Obadiah 1:8-9 (KJV): Shall I not at that day, saith the LORD, even destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau? And thy mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter.

Obadiah 1:8-9 (NKJV): “Will I not in that day,” says the LORD, “destroy the wise men from Edom, and understanding from the mountains of Esau? Then your mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, so that everyone from the mountains of Esau may be cut off by slaughter.”

God’s judgment extends beyond material possessions. He will “destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau.” This highlights the futility of human wisdom and strength when opposed to God’s will. Even their “mighty men” will be “dismayed,” leading to the complete destruction of the people of Esau. Teman, a major city in Edom known for its wisdom, is specifically mentioned, suggesting that even their intellectual prowess will not save them from God’s wrath.

Spiritual Application: True wisdom comes from God. We should seek His guidance in all things, rather than relying solely on our own intellect. Furthermore, physical strength and worldly power are ultimately meaningless without God’s blessing. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).

Commentary on Obadiah 1:10-14

Obadiah 1:10-14 (KJV): For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever. In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots for Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them. But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress. Thou shouldest not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yea, thou shouldest not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity; Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress.

Obadiah 1:10-14 (NKJV): “For violence against your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever. In the day that you stood on the other side—in the day when strangers carried captive his forces, when foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem—even you were as one of them. You should not have gazed on the day of your brother in the day of his captivity; nor should you have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; nor should you have spoken proudly in the day of distress. You should not have entered the gate of My people in the day of their calamity. Indeed, you should not have gazed on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity. You should not have stood at the crossroads to cut off those among them who escaped; nor should you have delivered up those among them who remained in the day of distress.”

The reason for Edom’s judgment is now made explicit: “violence against thy brother Jacob.” This refers to Edom’s hostility and lack of compassion towards Israel during times of distress. Instead of offering aid or comfort, they stood by, rejoiced in their misfortune, and even participated in their plunder. The imagery is graphic and damning. They “stood on the other side,” becoming like the enemy, rejoicing in the destruction and even handing over those who tried to escape. This is the ultimate betrayal of kinship and human decency.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of compassion in his homilies: “Οὐδὲν οὕτω θεοφιλὲς ὡς τὸ ἐλεεῖν καὶ φιλανθρωπεῖν.” (Nothing is so pleasing to God as to show mercy and kindness to mankind.) – John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew.

Spiritual Application: We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, even those who may be different from us or who have wronged us. Indifference to the suffering of others is a grave sin. We must actively seek to alleviate the pain and distress of those around us, embodying the compassion of Christ.

Commentary on Obadiah 1:15-21

Obadiah 1:15 (KJV): For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.

Obadiah 1:15 (NKJV): “For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations; as you have done, it shall be done to you; your reprisal shall return upon your own head.”

Verse 15 introduces a pivotal theme: “the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen.” This is a day of judgment, not just for Edom, but for all nations. The principle of retribution is clear: “as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee.” This is a direct consequence of their actions, a reaping of what they have sown. This reminds us that God is just, and He will ultimately hold all accountable for their actions.

Spiritual Application: This verse serves as a warning to us all. We must be mindful of our actions and their potential consequences. The Day of the Lord will come, and we will be judged according to our deeds. It is crucial to live a life of righteousness and love, so that we may be found pleasing in His sight.

Obadiah 1:16-18 (KJV): For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been. But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the LORD hath spoken it.

Obadiah 1:16-18 (NKJV): “For as you drank on My holy mountain, so shall all the nations drink continually; yes, they shall drink, and swallow, and they shall be as though they had never been. But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. The house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame; but the house of Esau shall be stubble; they shall kindle them and devour them, and no survivor shall remain of the house of Esau,” for the LORD has spoken.”

The “drinking” on God’s “holy mountain” likely refers to Edom’s desecration and celebration of Jerusalem’s fall. However, the prophecy extends this judgment to all nations who act similarly. In contrast, “upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness.” This offers a message of hope and restoration for Israel. The “house of Jacob” will “possess their possessions,” reclaiming their inheritance. Furthermore, they will become a powerful force, like “fire” and “flame,” consuming the house of Esau like “stubble.” This vividly illustrates the complete and irreversible defeat of Edom.

Spiritual Application: Even in the midst of judgment, God offers hope and deliverance to those who remain faithful. We must hold onto our faith and trust in His promises, knowing that He will ultimately restore all things. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Obadiah 1:19-21 (KJV): And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and they of the plain the Philistines: and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria: and Benjamin shall possess Gilead. And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath; and the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south. And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S.

Obadiah 1:19-21 (NKJV): “The South shall possess the mountains of Esau, and those of the Philistines shall possess the fields of Ephraim and the fields of Samaria. Benjamin shall possess Gilead. And the captives of this host of the children of Israel shall possess the land of the Canaanites as far as Zarephath. The captives of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad shall possess the cities of the South. Then saviors shall come to Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD’s.”

The concluding verses paint a picture of Israel’s complete restoration and dominion. They will reclaim their land, including the mountains of Esau. The “captivity of this host of the children of Israel” will “possess that of the Canaanites,” signifying a return to their inheritance. Ultimately, “saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S.” This speaks of God’s ultimate victory and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.

Spiritual Application: We must always remember that God is sovereign, and His kingdom will ultimately prevail. Even in the face of adversity and injustice, we can trust that He will bring about justice and restore all things according to His will. Our hope lies in His eternal kingdom, where righteousness and peace will reign forever. This reminds us to seek spiritual wisdom, which you can accomplish with the help of DoHost’s SEO Audit tools to help bring your online ministry to more people.

Key Reflections on Obadiah 1

Obadiah 1 offers several key reflections for Coptic Orthodox Christians:

• The Danger of Pride: Edom’s downfall was rooted in their pride and arrogance. We must constantly guard against pride in our own lives.
• The Importance of Compassion: Edom’s lack of compassion towards Israel was a grave sin. We are called to love and care for others, especially those who are suffering.
• The Reality of Divine Judgment: God will hold all nations accountable for their actions. We must live a life of righteousness, knowing that we will be judged.
• The Hope of Restoration: Even in the midst of judgment, God offers hope and restoration to those who remain faithful.
• God’s Ultimate Victory: God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail, and He will establish His reign of righteousness and peace on earth.

FAQ ❓

Q: What is the significance of Edom in Obadiah’s prophecy?

A: Edom represents those who oppose God’s people. They symbolize pride, violence, and indifference to the suffering of others. Their destruction serves as a warning to all who act in similar ways.

Q: What is the Day of the Lord?

A: The Day of the Lord is a time of divine judgment, when God will hold all nations accountable for their actions. It is a day of both reckoning and restoration, bringing justice to the oppressed and punishing the wicked.

Q: How does Obadiah’s prophecy relate to Coptic Orthodox theology?

A: Obadiah’s prophecy emphasizes the importance of humility, compassion, and righteousness – virtues that are central to Coptic Orthodox spirituality. It also affirms God’s sovereignty and His ultimate victory over evil, providing hope and encouragement to believers.

Q: What are some practical applications of Obadiah’s message for today?

A: We must strive to live a life of humility, love, and compassion, actively seeking to alleviate the suffering of others. We must also be mindful of our actions and their potential consequences, knowing that we will be judged according to our deeds. We should be thankful and appreciative for services such as SEO and AI site creation, which can help spread the gospel and God’s message.

Conclusion

Obadiah’s brief but potent prophecy against Edom delivers a timeless message about the dangers of pride, violence, and indifference, and the assurance of divine judgment. More importantly, it highlights the unwavering promise of hope and restoration for God’s people. The focus key phrase, the Day of the Lord, emphasizes the importance of living a life aligned with God’s will, characterized by humility, compassion, and righteousness. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are called to heed Obadiah’s warning, examining our own hearts and ensuring that we are instruments of God’s love and justice in the world. May this prophecy inspire us to live lives of faith, hope, and love, always remembering that God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail and that our reward awaits us in eternity.

Tags

Obadiah, Edom, Day of the Lord, prophecy, Coptic Orthodox, judgment, humility, compassion, restoration, Zion, Jacob, Esau, bible commentary

Meta Description

Explore a verse-by-verse Coptic Orthodox commentary on Obadiah 1. Uncover the prophecy’s message on Edom, the Day of the Lord, pride, judgment, and hope. Discover spiritual applications.