Does God pay attention to what the nations of the earth are doing, especially concerning how they treat His people? Does God have something to say about their affairs? In this morning’s text, we read of Edom. The Edomites are close relatives of Israel, descending from Esau. Israel descended from Jacob. Edom and Jacob were twin brothers. God addresses Edom’s recent actions relating to Judah.
Several days ago, we read about Egypt invading Jerusalem. As the treasures of Jerusalem were being plundered, Edom stood by and offered no help. God noticed, and He said to Edom through the prophet Obadiah, “Because of the violence you did to your close relatives in Israel, you will be filled with shame and destroyed forever. When they were invaded, you stood aloof, refusing to help them. Foreign invaders carried off their wealth and cast lots to divide up Jerusalem, but you acted like one of Israel’s enemies. (Obadiah 10–11, NLT) Obadiah takes this further and says: For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. (Obadiah 15, ESV) Clearly, God sees what all the nations are doing and will judge them.
As believers today, we believe God is sovereign over all the nations. He is not aloof to what they are doing. He will execute judgment. His judgment is righteous. Violence and injustice will not go unanswered. Their smug arrogance and pride will be brought low. How should this truth impact our lives? Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. (Psalm 37:7, NKJV)
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Obadiah 1; psalms 82-83.