Messianic Moments Devotional Series—Obadiah

The book of Obadiah, though brief, carries a powerful message of judgment and restoration that points to Jesus as the Messiah who brings ultimate justice and redemption. Obadiah pronounces judgment on Edom for their pride and betrayal of Israel, reflecting the Messiah’s role as the righteous judge who will bring justice to the nations. Yet, the book ends with the promise of God’s kingdom being established, foreshadowing Jesus’ reign as King of kings. In Obadiah’s vision of deliverance on Mount Zion (verse 17), we see a glimpse of the Messiah’s work to redeem His people and secure their inheritance. Obadiah reminds us that the Messiah doesn’t just confront sin but restores hope, uniting His people under His eternal, righteous rule. In Jesus, the promises of victory, justice, and restoration in Obadiah find their ultimate fulfillment.

1. Obadiah 1:15-21 — The Day of the Lord and the Restoration of Israel:

1. • Obadiah is a prophecy of judgment against Edom (the descendants of Esau) and the surrounding nations that have been hostile toward Israel. It also contains a promise of deliverance and restoration for Israel, with a future time when God will bring about justice and the establishment of His Kingdom.
   • Christians see this prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who, through His death and resurrection, secured the ultimate victory over the forces of evil. The “Day of the Lord” is understood to refer to both the first coming of Jesus and the second coming, when Christ will bring judgment upon the wicked and establish His eternal kingdom.
   • The promise of deliverance and the restoration of Israel is interpreted by Christians as pointing to the spiritual restoration that Jesus brought, where both Jews and Gentiles are united in Him, becoming one people of God, co-inheriting the promises of Israel. Jesus inaugurates this restoration, and the church, as His body, continues the work of establishing God’s Kingdom on earth (Matthew 28:18-20, Galatians 3:28-29).

2. The Reign of the Deliverers and the Kingdom of the Lord:

1. • The deliverers who will rise on Mount Zion are interpreted by Christians as pointing to Jesus, the ultimate Deliverer, and to the followers of Christ, who share in His authority and mission. This deliverance is not merely political but spiritual, as Jesus delivers His people from sin and death, bringing them into His eternal Kingdom (Luke 4:18-19, Revelation 1:6).
   • The Kingdom of the Lord is understood as a spiritual reign that began with Jesus’ first coming and will be fully realized at His second coming. This eternal kingdom will be characterized by peace, justice, and the rule of God over all creation (Luke 1:32-33, Revelation 11:15).

1. Obadiah 1:15-21 — Judgment on Edom and Restoration of Israel:
   • Jewish interpretations of Obadiah focus on the judgment of Edom and the ultimate restoration of Israel. This passage is often understood as part of the prophetic vision of a time when Israel will be vindicated and restored to its rightful place, while the nations that have oppressed Israel will be judged by God.
   • While Jews look forward to a future Messianic figure who will bring about the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel, Christians understand this as being fulfilled in Jesus, who inaugurated the kingdom of God through His life, death, and resurrection. Jesus is seen as the true deliverer who brings spiritual restoration to Israel and all the nations.

1. The Day of the Lord and Judgment on the Nations:

1. • The concept of the Day of the Lord in Obadiah reflects a time of divine intervention when God will bring justice and judgment to the nations, particularly those who have harmed Israel. This is a recurring theme throughout the prophetic books of the Old Testament.
   • Christians see this Day of the Lord as two-fold: Jesus’ first coming brought salvation to those who believe, and His second coming will bring judgment to the nations and the establishment of God’s eternal Kingdom. Jesus, as the judge and deliverer, fulfills this promise through His role as both Saviour and King (Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 20:11-15).

2. The Kingdom of God and Its Fulfillment in Christ:

1. • The kingdom of God described in Obadiah is viewed as spiritual in nature by Christians. While Jewish interpretations focus on the restoration of the physical land of Israel, Christians believe that Jesus’ reign as Messiah has inaugurated a new era where God’s kingdom is present in the hearts of believers.
   • Jesus offers a vision of God’s reign not limited by national borders or physical territories. Instead, His kingdom is a spiritual one where He reigns over the lives of those who follow Him, extending justice, peace, and righteousness to the world. His death and resurrection opened the way for all people to become citizens of this eternal kingdom (Luke 17:20-21, Revelation 21:1-4).

• The early church understood Obadiah’s prophecy about the Day of the Lord as being fulfilled in the first coming of Jesus, who brought salvation and restoration to Israel and to the nations. However, they also anticipated its final fulfillment at the second coming of Christ, when He would bring judgment and establish His eternal kingdom.
• Early Christian writers saw Jesus as the Deliverer promised in Obadiah, who, through His work on the cross, defeated the powers of darkness and brought spiritual restoration to Israel and to the world. The church believed that the kingdom of God was already inaugurated through Jesus, but would be fully realized at His return.

The message of Obadiah serves as a powerful reminder of God’s ultimate justice and restoration. While the judgment against Edom highlights the seriousness of pride and betrayal, it also points to the hope of deliverance found in God’s kingdom—a kingdom that Jesus inaugurated through His life, death, and resurrection. Obadiah’s promise of victory for Israel and the defeat of its enemies is fulfilled in Jesus, who brought not just physical deliverance, but spiritual restoration for all who believe. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to reflect on His role as the ultimate Deliverer, reigning in our hearts and offering us a taste of His eternal kingdom. This kingdom is not bound by borders or nations, but is found wherever Jesus’ peace, justice, and righteousness rule. May we live with gratitude for the present reality of God’s kingdom in our lives, and with eager anticipation for its full manifestation when Christ returns in glory to make all things new.