Jonathan Gibson on Teaching Obadiah

The Sovereignty of God and the Role Reversal of Edom and Judah

The book of Obadiah explores the realization of the Lord's sovereignty in the role reversal of Edom and Judah on the day of the Lord. Edom, representing Esau in the biblical narrative, strikes against the divine purpose set in the tent of Rebecca, where it was established that the older shall serve the younger. Edom's pride, wickedness, and attacks on Judah are not only wrong in themselves, but pose a direct challenge to the sovereignty of God. The book announces judgment for Edom's sins and salvation for Judah. Its main ideas can be summarized as the self-deception and destruction of Edom due to their pride, the application of the law of retribution, and the ultimate restoration of Israel's sovereignty. This restoration includes the reunification of the southern and northern kingdoms and the conversion of Gentile nations. The saviors mentioned in verse 21 can be seen as Christ, the apostles, and ministers who spread the gospel, subduing nations, and ruling from the heavenly Mount Zion. The book of Obadiah also serves as a warning that those who afflict God's people will face judgment, while salvation is offered to all who submit to the divine economy established by God.