Bible Studies

THE BOOKL OF OBADIAH By Henry Jaegers

by Henry Jaegers
06/22/20
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THE BOOKL OF OBADIAH
By Henry Jaegers

The Major Message of the Book:

The problem with unforgiveness

Preliminary Considerations:

To begin this preliminary section of the book, I would like to quote to you what G Campbell Morgan, known as the Prince of Bible expositors, has to say about this book.

“This prophecy occupies only one page in our Bible and is characterized by the absence of many things with which we are familiar in the Old Testament Scriptures. Indeed, the first impression made upon the mind by the reading of this very brief prophecy, is that it has very little in the matter of a message to this age.

We may lay it down, however, as a principle always to be observed and acted upon, that those passages or books of Scripture which seem to have least in them need the most careful attention, and invariably yields the most remarkable results.”

As a personal testimony, I began to write a book on the minor prophets because they are so often neglected. I began writing over one year ago and to date, it has taken 70 pages to cover only the first six verses. I am still in the process of trying to complete this book. What I am presenting is a summary of all that this book contains.

Observe first: this is the first of the minor prophets, chronologically presented. Second, it is the shortest of all the prophetical books; third, it is a book addressed to only one group of people. Finally, the book addresses a problem that is very existent in the church today. It's a message, if properly understood and applied, could prevent a lot of the church splits which are not biblical at all. Perhaps this study in Obadiah will help us to understand that the prophetical books are just as much part of God's word as anything recorded in the New Testament. Although they are addressed to a nation long ago, the message is one of eternal value that must not be overlooked or ignored.

In presenting this study, I would like to do two things. First, I will give a detailed outline of these verses in order to give a more comprehensive idea of the whole book. Second, in the questions for discussion, I will lay down in the form of questions, a format that will aid in teaching the contents of this book. May God be honored through all of this. 

OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF OBADIAH

A CRY FROM MOUNT ZION TO MOUNT SEIR (EDOM)

A MESSAGE IS SENT FROM GOD TO EDOM Verse 1

THE WRONG SIDE OF THE BATTLE Verse 2

A LOSING STRATEGY Verse 3

A MISINFORMED WAY OF THINKING Verse 4

THE EXTENT OF JUDGEMENT Verse 5

AN UNEXPECTED CONSPIRACY Verse 6,7

THE WISDOM OF MEN: AN INSECURE FOUNDATION Verse 8,9

THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM Verses 10-12

THE SERIOUSNESS OF THEIR CRIME Verse 13,14

THE IMPENDING DAY OF THE LORD Verse 15

THERE IS STILL HOPE FOR EDOM verse 17,18

FAILURE IF GOD’S MERCY IS REJECTED Verse 19-21 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. In Genesis 25:21, 22, discuss the phenomena that were taking place in Rebecca's womb. Note: this is the first time twins were mentioned in the Scripture (perhaps this may not have been the first time, but it is the first one mentioned). What are we told was going on inside of her?

2. In verses 23 and 24, discuss the details given by God concerning these two unborn children. Note carefully the details.

3. In verses, 24 through 26 discuss the details of their birth. Usually, twins have very similar characteristics, discuss the difference in these two children.

4. In verses 27 and 28, discuss the different occupations that these two young men chose. Do you think that their occupations give a hint of what kind of personalities they may have had?

5. We have in this chapter the beginning of the problems in the lives of these two men. In verses 29-34 discuss this first problem that arose between Jacob and Esau. Why was it wrong for Esau to give in to his brother’s deception? He despised his birthright; how serious a matter was this?

6. Read Genesis chapter 26 and discussed the further deception caused by Jacob and how Esau responded to the lost blessing. What did he determine to do after his father's death?

7. In chapter 33 after many years, Jacob and Esau were about to meet. Jacob had many reasons to be fearful of this meeting skip to chapter 34 and discuss the positive outcome of Jacob's meeting with Esau. It apparently seems that a reconciliation had taken place

8. Although we are not given many details concerning the times between this reconciliation and the prophecy of Obadiah, it appears that a hidden animosity was present that lasted and continued many years later after the death of both of these men.

9. In the book of Amos Chapter 1:11, 12, discuss the serious problem of Esau which the book of Obadiah does not describe? All of these years the descendants of Edom carried forth this anger even up until the time of Herod the king during the birth of Jesus who was one of the offspring of Esau.

10. In closing, discuss the similarities in anger in both Cain and Esau. Read Genesis chapter 4:6-8 and see how Cain allowed his anger to enslave him and how Esau did the same.

11. In discussing the lessons we learn from the book of Obadiah, what act of mercy did God offer to Edom in order to find true peace. What was the result of Esau's rejection, and what does this book tell about the seriousness of an unforgiving heart and how this affects the church of today?