Coffee With Pat
Written By: Pat Aman
copyright 2006
All rights reserved

As you can see I am studying the book of Obadiah. Last night we saw how jealousy and pride can destroy lives. I want to share with you a few history notes and dates as well as my opinion on the Book of Obadiah. There are two kinds of pride. Joyful pride in the good things, we do and then rebellious pride that the book of Obadiah uses. Obadiah is talking about the relations between Israel and Edom where animosity was throughout the Old Testament period. The bitterness began when the twin brothers Esau and Jacob parted company in dispute. (Gen. 27:32-33) 32. His father Isaac asked him, "Who are you?" "I am your son," he answered, "your firstborn, Esau." 33. Isaac trembled violently and said, "Who was it, then, that hunted game and brought it to me? I ate it just before you came and I blessed him—and indeed he will be blessed!" Esau's descendants eventually settled in the area called Edom, south of the Dead Sea, while Jacob's descendants continued the promised line, in habited Canaan, and grew into the people of Israel. Over the years, numerous conflicts between the Edomites and Israelitres developed. Even though we know that Esau and Jacob settled the conflict between themselves, and reunited, it seems according to Obahiah and what is going on now in history, the relations between the two brothers families did not as they say let it go, and reconcile. This is the reason God has a hard time blessings His children, because of unforgiveness in their lives toward others. This is what is taking place in this study passages today. We must be willing to forgive our friends, brothers, and sister, in order for God to forgive us. Matthew 5: 21-26 21."You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder,and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. 23"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24. leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. 25."Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. Just as Israel is a chosen nation, and God does talk about what will happen to countries who go against Israel, this is also how He feels when people go against His children. I do not know about you but I am glad I am one of His chosen. In the passage below is the example are an example of this hostility. (Numbers 2: 14-21) 14. The tribe of Gad will be next. The leader of the people of Gad is Eliasaph son of Deuel. 15. His division numbers 45,650. 16. All the men assigned to the camp of Reuben, according to their divisions, number 151,450. They will set out second. 17. Then the Tent of Meeting and the camp of the Levites will set out in the middle of the camps. They will set out in the same order as they encamp, each in his own place under his standard. 18. On the west will be the divisions of the camp of Ephraim under their standard. The leader of the people of Ephraim is Elishama son of Ammihud. 19. His division numbers 40,500. 20. The tribe of Manasseh will be next to them. The leader of the people of Manasseh is Gamaliel son of Pedahzur. 21. His division numbers 32,200. This bitter rivalry forms the background to Obadiah's prophecy. Over bitter rivalry forms the background to Obadiah's prophecy. Over a period of some twenty years. (605-586 BC), the Babylonians invaded the land of Israel and made repeated attacks on the sacred city of Jerusalem, which was finally devastated in 586 BC. The Edomites saw these incursions as an opportunity to quench their bitter thirst ageist Israel. So the Edomites joined with the Babylonian against their distant relatives and helped to desecrate the land of Israel. The three passages below tell us of the "decry the participation of the Edomites in the destruction of Jerusalem. And look at what is taking place today with the was against Israel. (Psalm 137:7) 7. Remember, O LORD, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. "Tear it down," they cried, "tear it down to its foundations!") Lamentations 4:21-22) 21. Rejoice and be glad, O Daughter of Edom, you who live in the land of Uz. But to you also the cup will be passed; you will be drunk and stripped naked. 22 O Daughter of Zion, your punishment will end; he will not prolong your exile. But, O Daughter of Edom, he will punish your sin and expose your wickedness. Ezekiel 25: 12-14) 12. "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: 'Because Edom took revenge on the house of Judah and became very guilty by doing so, 13. therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will stretch out my hand against Edom and kill its men and their animals. I will lay it waste, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. 14. I will take vengeance on Edom by the hand of my people Israel, and they will deal with Edom in accordance with my anger and my wrath; they will know my vengeance, declares the Sovereign LORD.'

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