So, Obadiah is taking issue with the people who live in the mountains south of the southern kingdom (down beyond the Dead Sea, all the way to the Red Sea. What could anything that Obadiah had to say to them possibly mean to me? Let’s take a look…. Read selected passages in the NLT
They were called the Edomites, and they lived mainly in the mountains. These were the descendants of Esau (Jacob’s brother). I think I remember Esau being more “red toned’ than his brother, and Edom means “red”, it’s also another word for Esau. So the Edomites were red-toned. I don’t think that has anything to do with anything…I just thought I’d mention it.
When I think of the Edomites, I think of the city of Petra, that famous citadel carved out of red rock deep in the serpentine valleys of southern Jordan. It is a beautiful place, and the people who work in the area today, escorting tourists, etc. are always dressed in exotic flowing uniforms…they are really extravagant. But even though Petra was in Edomite territory, it was actually built by the Nabateans, a group of Arabs that migrated into the area. You might think that’s a bit of useless information, but it does lead to a point…..where were the Edomites? In fact, where are they today? It might interest you to know that no one can trace their family back to the Edomites. They have vanished from existence. Would you like to know why? (If you read the passage, you already know).
They refused to help God’s people (Israel) when that nation was being attacked. In fact, they actually helped the attackers.
Now, before we cluck our tongues, let’s do a quick refresher. Jacob and Esau were brothers, and Jacob was a sneak. He tricked his brother out of his birthright, and out of his father’s blessing. The two brothers made up later in life, but I’m willing to bet that there was bad blood between the clans. I’m thinking Hatfields and McCoys kind of bad blood.. I would imagine that anytime the Israelites were flexing their muscle and bragging about their military victories, and taking “victory laps” around the nation…the Edomites were silently stewing about it. “that could have been us, if Jacob hadn’t stolen the blessing”. By the way, do you remember what God renames Jacob? Israel.
Just hearing the name probably set these folks off. For many years they were servants to Israel. David conquered the area and they were required to pay tribute. A day or two ago I read that they didn’t have a king for some time. These folks were sort of scattered and without strong leaders. So when the opportunity came to sign on with an enemy of Israel, it appears they jumped at the chance.
Oh, they didn’t rush into battle with their relatives…no, no.. They simply stood still and did nothing while Israel was overrun. Now, this whole event hasn’t happened yet (in our reading) so don’t let that confuse you. Obadiah is simply a peak ahead at Gods pronouncement of judgment on Edom for not coming to Israel’s aid…and for helping round up survivors and handing them over to the enemy.
Okay…Israel had this coming. God had warned them time and time again to stop worshiping false gods, and to return to Him…but king after king ignored the prophet’s declaration of doom and continued to do what they had always done. Edom didn’t cause this…Israel did.
What’s the big lesson for me?
Okay. Let’s see here: Sometimes I recognize that certain people are antagonistic toward me, or toward the church, or toward Christianity in general. They make life hard with their comments, accusations, resistance to working together…and even working against whatever we are doing. They seriously create a foul odor in my spiritual life. What if something bad begins to happen to them? (not my fault, but their own fault) Is it okay if I stand by and do nothing? What if I smile inwardly and say “it serves them right”? Or, what if I spy the opportunity to get some “pay back” and add my comments and assistance to those who are inflicting the difficult time?
Let’s go one step further: (because Edom and Israel were relatives) What if the person who is constantly giving me a hard time is a Christian? I mean, they “say” they’re a Christian, but I don’t believe it, since they don’t like me……and all Christians should find me wonderful and cool……
Could I stand by and do nothing and remain guiltless?
I cannot. This passage tells me that I must render whatever aid I can, regardless of what this person has done to me, or said about me. I have a responsibility as an ambassador of Jesus Christ to extend a hand to those who are struggling. Even when they have done evil things, or at least harmful things to me.
You cannot stand by. I cannot stand by. God simply will not be happy about it.
So. I was listening to my guide describe to me the Israelite shelling of the Gaza strip while I was touring there. You will remember that the Palestinians living in Gaza launched many rockets into Israel, and exploded many bombs among civilians there. Many innocent Israelites lost their lives because of this terroristic approach to political unrest. It’s safe to say that there was no love lost between the two groups. In fact, my guide told me that when Israel finally retaliated and bombed the strip, and sent soldiers in..many people in Israel who lived nearby brought out their lawn chairs to watch the Palestinians suffer. This is wrong, no matter how you have been treated.
I know that I haven’t suffered anything even remotely like what happened to Israel…but what the Bible teaches is clear, and I’m not saying I have achieved it all, just that I know what the goal and standard are. Forgiveness, and helping those in trouble…even when they aren’t friends.
That’s what the lesson about “turning the other cheek” is about. And that’s what the illustration of carrying the pack “a second mile” is trying to convey. Right? If someone asks for your coat, give them your shirt as well. Do not resist an evil man. The lesson is carried through all the Bible.
It isn’t an easy lesson, and it’s hard to put into practice. But, it’s the genuine way to be seen as Christian.
Faithfully,
PR