Welcome back. Today’s reading was brief, with just twenty-one verses from the book of Obadiah, but it conveyed a lot of conviction. I hope you found it as interesting as I did.

As I read, I caught myself doing something I often do: overthinking every detail. It’s a habit that can lead to hurt feelings, rifts, and strained relationships. And Obadiah’s message hit me right where I live.
Ancient Refusal
The prophet addresses the Edomites, descendants of Esau, who lived southeast of Israel in the rugged mountains of what is now southern Jordan. These were the same people who, during Israel’s journey from Egypt, refused to let them pass through their land.

Moses had sent a respectful request, promising:
“We will go along the main road, and if we or our livestock drink any of your water, we will pay for it. We only want to pass through on foot—nothing else.” (Numbers 20:19, NIV)
But Edom refused and came out with a show of force (Numbers 20:20–21). God did not forget that choice, which was rooted in pride and hostility. God’s justice is consistent: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Modern Jordan
Edom’s territory is now part of the modern nation of Jordan, which has maintained a peace treaty with Israel since 1994.(1) But the ancient Edomites never repented of their hostility toward Israel.

Centuries later, when Babylon invaded Jerusalem (586 BCE), Edom stood by—and worse, they attacked fleeing Judeans, abused them, and plundered their goods (Obadiah 1:10–14). God declared they would no longer be a nation because of these atrocities.

By the time of Obadiah’s prophecy, their pride was their undoing. Verse 18 warns: “There will be no survivors from the house of Esau.” This is a stark reminder that ignoring God’s warnings leads to destruction. Scripture is clear: “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3).
Pride and the Refusal to Repent
Pride keeps us from admitting we were wrong. We know the truth, but we resist confession.

I remember a season in my life when pride and misunderstanding caused a lasting rift. For a short time, I lived with my cousins. It was a turbulent household—strict to the point of harshness—but my cousins and I were close. We went to parties together, laughed together, and shared life.

One New Year’s Eve, at a remote ranch my parents cared for, we gathered for a party. I drank too much. Everyone was staying overnight, so there was no danger of drunk driving—at least, that was the plan. At some point, I needed to get to my parents’ house nearby. Being disabled and intoxicated, walking wasn’t an option. Someone helped me into my truck to drive across the lot.

The next morning, I woke up where I was supposed to be. However, then I heard the news: the truck of my cousin’s boyfriend had damage, and the scratch matched my bumper. Some said I passed out, and someone else drove. I don’t remember. But if I were behind the wheel, I shouldn’t have been.

The owner took me to court. My cousin testified against me. That moment fractured our relationship. We never fought, but the closeness was gone. One cousin passed away, and I hadn’t spoken to him in thirty years.
Betrayal and the Urgency of Forgiveness
When I read Obadiah 1:6–8—about betrayal by those who share your bread—I realized: we all have sins we need to confess and relationships we need to mend. Time is short.

Obadiah closes with hope: “Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the Lord’s” (Obadiah 1:21, NIV). We have faith in Jesus. He can forgive our sins, and those who trust Him will be with Him in paradise.

But Jesus also said: “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses” (Mark 11:25). Forgiveness is not optional—it’s the pathway to our own freedom.
A Call to Reconciliation
Is there someone you’ve grown indifferent toward—someone who once meant a great deal to you? Maybe the wound is old, but it still shapes your heart.

Give that scar to the Lord. Let Him heal it. In doing so, you may show them Christ in you. And perhaps in eternity you’ll rejoice together in a fellowship restored.
Tomorrow, we will read Jonah.
Footnotes

Israel–Jordan Peace Treaty, October 26, 1994. Text available via the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For Edom’s role in Jerusalem’s fall, see Psalm 137:7; Lamentations 4:21–22; Ezekiel 25:12–14; 35:5–15.

On Edom’s eventual disappearance as a nation, see Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, 13.9.1; archaeological surveys in southern Jordan confirm Nabataean displacement of Edomites by the 4th century BCE.