Ovadyah - servant of HaShem the 4th of the 12 minor Neviim

 Ovadyah - servant of HaShem the 4th of the 12 minor Neviim

Sefer Ovadyah is the shortest sefer in the Tenakh and the third shortest in the entire Scripture. it has one theme only: The destruction of the descendants of Yaakov's twin brother Esav who were bitter enemies of the people of Yisrael. Ovadyah was an Edomite proselyte, who became a high official in the court of Achav and Jezebel. (See Melachim I 18:1-5, which describes how Ovadyah saved 100 prophets from death when Izevel was trying to kill all the prophets for these reason credited and given the prophecy concerning Edom).

(1) The steward or prime minister of Ahav, who did his best to protect the Neviim  YHWH against Yezevel's persecution. He met Eliyahu on his return from Zarefath, and bore to Ahab the news of Elijah's reappearance (1 Kings 18:3-16).

(2) Ha Navi (Ovadyah 1:1).

(3) A descendant of David (1 Chronicles 3:21).

(4) A chief of the tribe of Yissakhar (1 Chronicles 7:3).

(5) A descendant of Shaul (1 Chronicles 8:38; 1 Chronicles 9:44).

(6) A Leviim descended from Yeduthun (1 Chronicles 9:16), identical with Avda (Nechemyah 11:17).

(7) A chief of the Gadites (1 Chronicles 2:9).

(8) A Zevulunite, father of the chief  Yishmayah (1 Chronicles 27:19).

(9) One of the princes sent by Yehoshafat to teach the Torah in Yehudah (2 Chronicles  17:7).

(10) A Merarite employed by Yosiyah to oversee the workmen in repairing Ha Mikdash (2 Chronicles 34:12).

(11) The head of a family who went up with Ezra from Bavel (Ezra 8:9).

(12) One of the men who sealed the Brit with Nechemyah (Nechemyah 10:5).

(13) A gate-keeper in the days of NechemYah (Nechemyah 12:25).

 - written about 586 BC... speaks about Judgment against Edom. it was a message of hope for Yisrael.
- the vision highlights the pride of Edom, his violence (hamas) and Betrayal against Israel.

- the vision gave assurance to Israel that HaShem ultimately bring justice.

In verse 1-9 vision from HaShem.

- probably Edomites trusted in their own strength, wealth and geographic position

verse 6-9 Edom mighty forces defeated, because they had a false sense of security will prove nothing in the face of HaShem's mighty power.

verse 10-14 Reason of Edom's judgment

verse 12-14 their actions will not go unpunished.

verse 15-16 the day of the Lord was a time of reckoning when God will judge all the nations of the earth.

verse 17-21 Israel restoration and HaShem's kingdom. It was a message of hope and restoration.

Ovadyah prophesies that Israel wil reclaim the land once occupied by Edom. Israel will become a powerful nation again. It is not just about returning the land also about spiritual renewal.

What can we learn from the sefer of Ovadyah.

First we see that HaShem cares deeply about Justice

Second Ovadyah teaches us the danger of pride. we ought to be humble and not rely on our own strength, or resources

Third we gentile believers in Yeshua have to becareful how we treat our bro Israel. Israel's faithfulness symbolizes HaShem's faithfulness to His Promise to Avraham's descendant. 

Do not do to other if we do not want others to do to us.