Sermon Tone Analysis

Scripture Reading: Obadiah 1-9

Scripture Reading: Obadiah 1-9

Introduction

The nation of Edom was made up of the descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob and the son of Isaac.

Jacob, from whom the nation of Israel came, and Esau seemed to be in a constant competition and struggle with one another.

This friction began while they were yet in the womb ().

Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew because he thought he was so hungry.

Hatred and bitterness existed on the part of Esau toward Jacob after that, and grew in its intensity after Jacob tricked him out of his father's blessing.

Esau wanted to kill Jacob and so Jacob fled and did not return home for many years.

The book of Hebrews warns Christians not to belittle the value of spiritual blessings and uses Esau as an example: "That there be no immoral or godless person like Esau who sold his birthright for a single meal."

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It seems as if the nation of Edom had adopted their ancestor's lack of morality and spirituality.

As the descendants of these two individuals grew into nations over the centuries, they were separated from one another by Israel's servitude in Egypt.

It was during the Exodus that the two nations first came into contact.

Israel expected Edom's cooperation because of their common heritage through Isaac, but the Edomites were hostile.

When asked for permission to pass through their land on the way to Canaan, Edom refused and threatened to attack () In the future, Edom would delight at any calamity that would befall Israel, at times joining with Israel's enemies in looting the land.

Finally, Edom was conquered by David ().

Edom successfully revolted years later during the reign of Jehoram, but soon both Israel and Edom became subjects of Babylon.

As the descendants of these two individuals grew into nations over the centuries, they were separated from one another by Israel's servitude in Egypt.

It was during the Exodus that the two nations first came into contact.

Israel expected Edom's cooperation because of their common heritage through Isaac, but the Edomites were hostile.

When asked for permission to pass through their land on the way to Canaan, Edom refused and threatened to attack () In the future, Edom would delight at any calamity that would befall Israel, at times joining with Israel's enemies in looting the land.

Finally, Edom was conquered by David ().

Edom successfully revolted years later during the reign of Jehoram, but soon both Israel and Edom became subjects of Babylon.

From the beginning of their relationship, a struggle between Jacob and Esau.

These two sons grew into two nations - nations that continued to struggle with each other for over one thousand years.

There are two time periods that are usually given regarding when Obadiah based on the contents of the book.

Reasons for Edom’s Judgment

There are a few reasons why this judgment is coming.

They mistreated their brothers, Israel

“10 You will be covered with shame and destroyed forever because of violence done to your brother Jacob.”

(, CSB)