Obadiah - Introduction 2 (10-14)

Friendly Fire 2

The vision of Obadiah. Thus says Lord Yahweh concerning Edom— We have heard a report from Yahweh, And an envoy has been sent among the nations saying, “Arise! And let us arise against her for battle” Obadiah 1

Historical context (recap from last week)

Jacob and Esau were Abraham’s grandsons. Though they were born as twin brothers, the story of Jacob and Esau quickly became one of conflict, deception, and estrangement.

Jacob, later named Israel, became the father of the twelve tribes. Esau, also called Edom, became the ancestor of a nation that settled in the rugged, mountainous region of Seir, southeast of the land of Judah.

Now these are the generations of Esau (that is, Edom).

So Esau lived in the hill country of Seir; Esau is Edom. These then are the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir. Genesis 36: 1, 8-9

The firstborn

In the ancient Near Eastern world, the firstborn son held a position of special privilege and authority within the family. He was typically entitled to a double portion of the inheritance. The only law God gave Isreal with respect to this culture is found in Deuteronomy 21: 15-17.

Too long, please open your Bible Deuteronomy 21: 15-17

The firstborn assumed leadership of the household after the father's death, and often carried the family’s name and legacy. This status was both legal and cultural, reinforcing the idea that the firstborn had divine or natural priority.

The "right of the firstborn" was seen as a sacred entitlement, tied to honor, blessing, and responsibility.

Consistent subversion

We see God consistently subvert this norm by picking the younger sibling above the older. God chooses:

  • Abel over Cain
  • Isaac over Ishmael
  • Jacob over Esau
  • Ephraim over Manasseh
  • David over Jonathan

e.t.c

This pattern of subverting the firstborn reveals how God consistently challenges human systems of power and value.

From the very beginning, the biblical story unfolds as a series of escalating family conflicts passed down through generations. The rivalry between Jacob and Esau is more than personal. It becomes the root of a national struggle, as Esau becomes Edom and Jacob becomes Israel.

Their conflict, born out of ambition, deception, and resentment, sets the stage for a long history of striving for power and dominance.

Jesus, the firstborn

Too long, please open your Bible Colossians 2: 15-17

Apostle Paul uses firstborn (twice) as a title for Jesus (the second Adam) to assert that He is the one with ultimate power and authority. This is no different from what Jesus said about Himself.

Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth”. Matthew 28:18

A different system

Too long, please open your Bible Philippians 2: 1-11

Unlike the cultural expectations that associated firstborn rights with dominance, privilege, and entitlement, Jesus used His divine status not to exalt Himself but to humble Himself for the sake of others.

In doing so, Jesus reoriented our understanding of greatness, turning worldly hierarchies upside down.

Too long, please open your Bible Matthew 20: 20-28

As the true and better Firstborn, He laid down His rights to bring others into the family of God, not through rivalry or striving, but through sacrifice. He showed that in God’s kingdom, true power is found in love, humility and surrender.

Jesus’ earliest followers call us to be like Him in many parts of their writings

Too long, please open your Bible Romans 12: 1-10
Too long, please open your Bible Romans 15: 1-3
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruits, without doubting, without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3: 17-18

Challenge

In a world that still prizes position, recognition, and personal advancement, Jesus calls us to live a different story shaped by humility, service, and self-giving love.

  • Where are you clinging to your own sense of entitlement? Your position, your title, your reputation, your gifts?
  • How can you intentionally use your influence to serve rather than to be seen?

Let Jesus reshape your definition of greatness. As He said, “whoever would be great among you must be your servant.”

Prayer

Spend time asking God to show you where pride still guides your steps. Ask Him to teach you the joy and freedom of humility, the beauty of taking the lower place, and the power of serving in love.