Live Humbly

Date: August 7, 2022

Scripture: Obadiah

Theme: Live Humbly

Introduction: It turns out that the Lord led Carrie and I to study Obadiah together recently. In that study, I was so impressed by how this book single handedly provides the most comprehensive overview of a particular sin than I have ever seen. Obadiah addresses the sin of pride and encourages us, instead, to Live Humbly.

Before we dive into the book in detail, there’s some background information that we need to consider in helping us to understand some particulars of this the shortest book of the OT.

This message is addressed to Edom, the country from whom Isaac’s and Rebekah’s older twin son, Esau, descended. Esau’s younger twin brother is also notable in the Scripture for being the father of 12 sons that would culminate in the 12 tribes of Israel, Jacob. Therefore, it’s no wonder that Obadiah’s message refers to the relationship between Edom and Israel/Judah in familial terms, brother (v. 10).

The nations of Edom and Israel had a rocky relationship, much like Esau and Jacob did at points in their life. When exiting Egypt, Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through the territory according to Num 20:14-21 (BKC). Several of Israel’s kings were involved in various skirmishes with Edom (BKC). Unfortunately, Edom also contributed to the terrible events surrounding the Babylonian captivity of Judah culminating with the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon’s Temple (NAC) that I believe forms the backdrop of the mistreatment outlined in this book.

Transition: Here in Obadiah, the Lord is going to do some heart diagnosis on Edom that will result in us asking, “Do I have a heart like this nation?” We’re going to look at this book today in two sections: vv. 1-14 and then vv. 15-21. From this first section, I desire that we consider the importance of …

Live Humbly, otherwise the Sovereign Lord will Humble You (Obadiah 1-14).

Live Humbly by taking warning from those that God has humbled (vv. 1-2).

God’s sovereignty is on display in numerous ways just in the first verse alone.

By calling Him ‘Lord GOD’, Obadiah is directing our attention to God’s control over the nation of Israel in directing their destiny from Abraham, to the Exodus, to the conquest of Canaan, to the kingdom and even to the demise of both Israel and Judah into exile.

Further, the fact that the Lord is gathering an army from the nations emphasizes His control over all peoples to providentially gather them together for His purposes.

Notice the public nature of this message.

When we think about it, the Lord does not need to employ human help to defeat His enemies!

There are numerous pieces of evidence from the Old Testament alone that testify to this truth.

Abraham’s victory that resulted in the safe return of his nephew Lot

The destruction of Pharaoh’s army in the Red Sea during the Exodus

The destruction of the walls of Jericho during the conquest of Canaan

The miraculous ways that the Lord delivered His people during the time of the Judges; just to name a few.

Therefore, we’re prompted to ask, “why?” “Why would the Lord gather this group of nations together for the purpose as specified in v. 2 of humbling the nation of Edom?”

I believe that this is meant to serve as a warning to others to encourage them to avoid the behaviors of Edom that led to this result.

Therefore, this invitation to humiliate this nation must be to encourage all to take warning that acting like Edom will result in the same end.

So, what is it that Edom did that prompted such a response from the Lord that we are to take warning to avoid?

Live Humbly by finding your security only in the Lord (vv. 3-9).

V. 3 introduces us to the statement that summarizes Edom’s problem.

This problem originates in their heart.

This problem is referred to as “the arrogance of their heart”.

While we might not use the phrase “arrogance of the heart” too often, we know what this is; this is pride.

As we look through vv. 3-9, we get a glimpse into what pride is and how it works in our heart.

Pride is the belief that I have what it takes to get myself through any circumstance in life.

In other words, you find your security in life to face any and all challenges of circumstances in yourself.

This can be where you live; I live in a fortress that no one can breach (vv. 3-4).

Edom was located in rugged mountain terrain, high above most of her neighbors, that provided for the people a highly defensible location.

The reference to the eagle would have called attention to the Edomite belief that they had the upper hand to swiftly and mightily defeat their foes without fear of being defeated (NET notes).

This can be in the things that you possess that I can trust my resources to deliver me (vv. 5-6).

Edom was known for its “fine mountainside vineyards” (BBC-OT).

Given Edom’s ability to hide in the mountains, it would have made it easier for them to store away their treasures in a seemingly secure manner (BBC-OT).

This can be in relationships that I know the right people to help me get out of trouble (v. 7).

This can be in your own reasoning that I’m clever enough to get out of a tight spot (v. 8).

Edom was known for its wisdom, particularly in their ability to adapt and thrive in a rugged mountain environment (BBC-OT).

This is what we would think of as a survivalist mentality.

This can be in your own might that I’m physically strong enough to handle any challenge (v. 9).

Teman was the name of Esau’s grandson and the name of an Edomite city (BKC).

Teman was also employed to refer to the whole nation; thus, what’s in view is the totality of the combined strength of the nation of Edom (BKC).

Pride deceives us into thinking we have complete security (vv. 3).

I don’t know about you, but I really dislike being tricked into something.

Edom, on account of its pride, has so deceived itself into being secure that it does not recognize the danger that looms.

We can’t trust the security of where we live for the Lord can forcibly remove us (vv. 3-4).

You see, this is not only referring to the temporal nature of structures, that it can be destroyed.

Instead, it’s really referring to the Lord’s power over mankind.

Not even the most secure region is secure enough against the Lord’s might.

We can’t trust the security of possessions for they can be taken away (vv. 5-6).

Thieves and robbers normally are intent on stealing specific things, therefore, they would naturally leave other things behind that are either unwanted (HOTP) or they lack the ability to carry them.

Grape gatherers are unable to gather all the grapes, therefore, they leave gleanings, or a remnant of what they were unable to pick.

The comparison here then underscores that while men are naturally unable to take everything, nothing hinders the Lord’s ability to take away all things.

We can’t trust the security of relationships for they can fail us in betrayal (v. 7).

The relationships referenced here are intimate relationships.

Allies are those who have made a formal agreement in a covenant with Edom to have friendly relations.

These individuals are described as even having shared meals with the Edomites.

However, the security of this or any relationship is based on the willingness of the other party to maintain it.

When they see no benefit in maintaining that relationship, then they are ready to betray the confidence of that relationship.

We can’t trust the security of our reason for it will fail us (v. 8).

We’re naturally limited in our understanding by virtue of the fact that we’re human.

There’s always someone who is seemingly smarter.

We can’t trust the security of our own strength for it diminishes (v. 9).

None of us possesses unlimited strength and personal might.

At some point in life, our own bodies break down and we lose strength.

Now I want for us to look at vv. 10-14 where I desire for us to understand … Live Humbly by Treating Others Kindly (Obadiah 10-14).

In this next section, we’re going to see how pride demonstrates itself.

First, it looks like mistreating others (v. 10).

Edom committed injustice against Judah (“violence”).

Throughout Scripture, the term violence carries with it the ideas of murder, rape, wickedness and bloodshed (BBC-OT).

While this does not necessarily mean that Edom committed all these atrocities against the nation of Judah, it does firmly paint Edom as the abuser and Judah as the victim.

When pride is in view, no relationship regardless of how close is safe from the effects of pride!

We ought to be shocked that “violence” and “brother” occur in the same sentence together.

O​​ur expectation is that, while siblings may get into minor scuffs, they do not commit violence against one another!

Otherwise, something is seriously wrong in their relationship.

Pride also manifests itself in our Attitudes (vv. 11-12).

The first attitude referenced associated with the demonstration of pride concerns indifference.

Indifference concerns when someone is suffering and we have the power to intervene and help alleviate that suffering, we either stand by without acting or we walk away.

The tragedy of Edom’s proud attitude was that it prompted them to do nothing as the nation that they were tied to by blood suffered before their very eyes.

In this case, we’re advised in Ps 137 and Joel 3:19 that Edom cheered as Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem (BBC-OT).

What is the humble response when we see suffering that it is within our ability through the resources that God has given us to help alleviate?

Compassion

In fact, the Lord gave us an example of this in that parable of the Good Samaritan.

Another attitude that is prompted by pride concerns gloating, as we read in v. 12.

Gloating is an attitude that culminates in a willingness to act to take someone down if it means that the individual goes up.

It prompts one to be glad about another’s misfortune because it means that they’re going to get something out of it.

What is the humble response to the suffering of others?

Sympathize

The NT summarizes this attitude as “weeping with those who weep” (Rom 12:15).

V. 12 also identifies that pride prompts rejoicing, but over the wrong things.

1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that true, biblical love does not rejoice over evil that happens to another.

Instead of rejoicing over the wrongdoing that someone else has received, the humble response would be to sorrow or feel sorry that one has experienced such suffering.

The final attitude that v. 12 identifies that is prompted by pride concerns boasting.

Boasting is always prompted by a personal belief in one’s superiority.

For Edom what this could have looked like was a temptation to think that since they were not suffering they were better on account of the fact that they were not suffering (NAC).

In other words, they saw the misfortune of others as just another confirmation that they were better than others since they were not experiencing the same.

Further, we see pride demonstrated in Action (vv. 13-14).

According to v. 13, Edom was so driven by its pride that they sought to satisfy their greedy desires and loot the nation of Judah in its most desperate hour (NAC).

Finally, their pride prompted them to betray the Judeans, a nation related to them by blood (LCC-OT).

Transition: Pride is so dangerous. Not only does it blind us to its dangers but there are terrible things that we are capable of doing in our pride.

Live Humbly for the Lord Does Justly (Obadiah 15-21).

As we look over the next several verses, they each address the problems of pride outlined previously and how the Sovereign Lord justly Resolves them.

Let’s begin by looking at vv. 15-6 and how the message extends beyond Edom in helping us to recognize that we must Live Humbly for the Lord Judges All sin.

V. 15 begins with a reference to the Day of the Lord, an important theme in all of Scripture.

The Day of the Lord consists in God’s righteous action against sin.

Herein, the sin of all mankind is in view.

When you think about it, we’ve considered so far the sin of pride in Edom.

We’re all guilty of sinning against the Lord.

Therefore, we deserve to be judged for our sin just like Edom!

This is how serious an offense the sin of pride and all sin is against our Holy God.

We can’t sit in our seats and think, “too bad for Edom but I’m glad I’m not them!”

Instead, we’re challenged to search out our own hearts not just for the sin of pride but for all sin.

However, the Day of the Lord also includes the Lord’s salvation of His people.

We addressed this in our study of 1 Thessalonians.

Therein we considered in Ch. 5 how Christ’s sacrifice saves all who have trusted in Him from the wrath to come (vv. 9-10).

This wrath to come is the summary of what will be experienced in the Day of the Lord’s great wrath against sin.

You see, knowing that the Day of the Lord’s great wrath against sin is coming prompts us in the following ways.

To reflect on our own hearts to determine if there is sin.

To examine if we are trusting in the Lord for salvation.

Finally, for us who are trusting the Lord, to rejoice that He has saved us in the present and will save us from that future time of God’s wrath!

V. 15b-16 emphasizes God’s fairness in all His dealings associated with the Day of the Lord.

It will be fair treatment based on the ways that one treated others.

The treatment will be equal, without partiality but commensurate with what is deserved.

The Lord is addressing the mistreatment attitude associated with pride (v. 10).

The Edomites treated the Judeans unfairly on account of their pride.

On the other hand, the Lord’s example of fairness prompts us to reject pride knowing that He will judge sin and that He will save those that trust in Him.

The Lord is also addressing the temptation to rely on reason (v. 8).

Just as the Edomites’ reason eventually failed them, so will ours since we are both human and finite.

The Lord alone possesses the wisdom to judge fairly, therefore, we should trust His wisdom.

Live Humbly relying on the Just Lord to transform you (v. 17a).

V. 17 references how holiness will characterize Mount Zion, another name of Jerusalem.

Only the Lord can make a people holy!

The Lord is addressing the heart of pride by transforming it into being holy (v. 3).

Live Humbly relying on the Just Lord for complete security (v. v. 17b-20).

V. 17 also references how the house of Jacob, or Israel in total will, “possess their possessions”.

By implication, the Lord is identifying that He is the One Who gives to His people what they need in accordance with His purposes.

The Lord is addressing the temptation to rely on possessions identifying that He is the One Who both gives and takes, therefore we rely on Him (vv. 5-6).

V. 18 describes a scene where the tables have been turned.

Instead of being the victims, the nation of Israel, described poetically as the house of Jacob and the house of Joseph, have been enabled to eliminate any threat from their enemies.

Instead of being the abusers, the Edomites are referenced as having been summarily defeated so that they no longer pose any threat whatsoever.

In closing with the reference to the Lord having spoken, the implication is that the Lord is responsible for the victory of His people and the defeat of their enemies.

The Lord is addressing the temptation to rely on human might, the temptation of the Edomites in their pride referenced in v. 9.

He is the One Who strengthens and weakens.

Therefore, we must rely on Him as our security.

The v. 19 references to places call attention to the extent of the borders of Israel, that the Lord will fully restore the land to His people.

V. 20 describes the distances that the Lord will bring His people from in repopulating the land that He is restoring His people to.

The Lord addresses the temptation to trust in a place for security (vv. 3-4).

The Mountain of Esau refers to Mt. Seir in Edom.

The Lord here is described not only as removing it from Edom but giving it to His people.

In other words, if the Lord has the power to take landmarks from one people and give them to another, we should be trusting in Him for our security rather than any place on earth.

Live Humbly relying on the Just Lord Who will Reign permanently (v. 21).

What is in view is the ultimate establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth that, according to the remainder of Scripture, will occur in the Millennium.

This will be a time of unparalleled peace and righteousness throughout the earth!

Only the Lord has the power to establish this kind of rule on earth as characterized by true peace and righteousness.

Therefore, we ought to trust Him now in confidence that He is working to bring in His perfect kingdom.

The Lord is addressing the temptation to rely on relationships, identifying that His is the most important relationship to have since He is King!

You see, we can live humbly, hoping in the Sovereign Lord because we know that, in the end, He is the One Who rules and reigns over all!

Conclusion: The great news associated with this book is that the Day of the Lord’s wrath, though coming soon, has yet to come. This news means that we have the opportunity to repent of pride in God’s great grace that He has extended. If you are here today and have yet to trust the Lord Jesus as your Savior, please come see me during our response time or following and let’s talk about what it means to trust Him to save you from your sins. Church pride has no place in your life if you are trusting the Lord Jesus to save you. If the Lord has identified the need to repent of pride in your heart, take this time of response and confess your sin.