Pride Comes Before a Fall - OBADIAH STARTS

When we come to Obadiah after Amos, we have to fast-forward over 100 years. Not only has the Northern Kingdom long fallen to Assyria, but the Southern Kingdom of Judah has fallen to the Babylonians. Of course, there's much writing in the prophets between these two books; they just happen to follow each other in the Old Testament Canon. 

Obadiah writes to a nation called Edom, the ancient descendants of Esau, the older and vengeful brother of Jacob. These two brothers were at war in their own lives, and their offspring carried that hostility forward, although Edom seemed to hang on tighter to the animosity than Jacob. 

Now, the context of this book is important. It's a prophetic oracle that nations are gathering together to attack and decimate Edom. Why? Because the time of judgment has come from the Lord, and God uses the international diplomacy of the nations to bring about His purposes on the Earth. 

Obadiah 1–2 (ESV) The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord GOD concerning Edom: We have heard a report from the LORD, and a messenger has been sent among the nations: “Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!” 2 Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised. 

Look at how Obadiah talks about this moment. God hears the nations conspiring against Edom. But it is God using those nations to judge her. And what for? Well, there are a few actions stipulated in the latter portion of the book, but the 3rd verse addresses the root of the problem: PRIDE.

Obadiah 1–3 (ESV) The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?” 4 Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD.

Pride is the root of all other sins. Pride distorts our entire reality. It fools us into thinking we are untouchable. Pride in people and in nations cause damage to both. The fool says God is the root of terrible things and blames Him for it when the record of history points to man's self-obsession and desire to dominate one another. 

Edom, harboring a grudge for centuries, has watched Jacob's offspring judged by Babylon and misinterpreted the message. They believed justice was done. But God would turn about and bring the same justice upon them. 

Looking forward in time, the prophet sees an Edom that has been betrayed and ravaged by former alliances. 

Obadiah 6–7 (ESV) How Esau has been pillaged, his treasures sought out! 7 All your allies have driven you to your border; those at peace with you have deceived you; they have prevailed against you; those who eat your bread have set a trap beneath you— you have no understanding.

Here's the kicker: the nation Edom allied with was Babylon, the nation that destroyed Judah. Now that alliance would be broken and Edom would be targeted. What is the assessment of Edom? They have no understanding. This is the most incredible threat pride yields upon the human heart; it blinds us to truth and wisdom. For Edom, ancient hostility defined their existence; finally getting "even" with Jacob was their ambition. And that ambition became a blinding pride that led straight to their undoing. 

As Christians we come to Obadiah to learn a valuable lesson. Hostility in our hearts toward others is a fruit of pride. It is also a disregard for our own failures. When we are more concerned with others getting what's coming than our own sinful hearts, we've become like Edom, we've lost understanding. But the grace of God trains us to look at our own hearts first, to consider that we, though deserving judgment, have been spared by God's grace in Christ Jesus. Who are we to hold on to hurts? Who are we to keep a record of wrongs? God has expunged our records so that we can live at peace with Him and one another.