The day of the LordThe Day of the Lord, in prophetic writing, is the day of judgment when God will intervene directly in world affairs. As described in Zephaniah, for instance, God will sweep everything away. In Matthew’s gospel God is described as gathering the elect on the day… More
Obadiah, like other prophets, speaks of “the day of the LORD,” an approaching time of judgment for sin and restoration of God’s people. (See IsaiahIsaiah, son of Amoz, who prophesied in Jerusalem, is included among the prophets of the eighth century B.C.E. (along with Amos, Hosea, and Micah)–preachers who boldly proclaimed God’s word of judgment against the economic, social, and religious disorders of their time. More 13:6; EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile who saw visions of God’s throne-chariot, new life to dry bones, and a new Temple. More 30:3; Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11, 31; AmosProphet to the northern kingdom who condemned Israel’s oppression of the poor, calling for justice to “roll down like waters.” More 5:18, 20.)
Retributive justice
In Obadiah 15, the prophet says to Edom, “As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head.” Just as Edom betrayed its brother Jacob (v. 10), so its own allies will betray it (v. 7). Just as Edom handed over Judah’s “survivors” to the enemy (v. 14), so it will have no “survivor” (v. 18). God will punish Edom and all the nations according to their sins.
