Obadiah 1; Psalm 82-83 God’s orders re: Edom/Esau 

We have no idea who the author of Obadiah is, but his message to Edom is very clear: “you should not…” and then he recounts the awful pillage of Judah and Jerusalem by them. No wonder God said: “I have hated Esau.” We see through the eyes of Obadiah exactly what Edom did when the Babylonians came to conquer them. When someone ridicules a believer or seeks their demise, God’s righteous anger is front and center. He will not stand idle when this takes place. He foretold the end of Edom and it happened just as Obadiah wrote. “Because you violently slaughtered your relatives, the people of Jacob, shame will cover you, and you will be destroyed forever.” 

Asaph wrote Psalm 79 and echoed the thoughts of God regarding those in trouble because of their enemies “Defend the cause of the poor and the fatherless. Vindicate the oppressed and suffering. Rescue the poor and needy. Deliver them from the power of the wicked.”  But, Edom did not and so God’s patience wore thin and He promised their destruction.

What is the lesson for us today from these passages? It is what Asaph wrote: defend the poor, vindicate the oppressed and suffering. Today we have ample opportunities to do just that. Where is your money going ? Where are your talents being shared? Are you and I seeking how to be a servant to those in need?