Obadiah - Introduction 2 (10-14)

The Day of the Lord

Too long, please open your Bible Obadiah 15-21

Edom-Babylon

Asides the fact that Edom actively supported Babylon in the destruction of Judah, the Prophets associate Edom with Babylon by either using shared language in oracles to both nations, or prophesying to both nations within the same oracle. For example, let’s examine the parallels between Obadiah 3-4 & Isaiah 14:12-15.

Thematic grouping

Jeremiah 49-50 & Obadiah 1-5

Oracles against many nations, with Edom and Babylon receiving strong attention.

  • Jeremiah 49:7–22: Oracle against Edom.
  • Jeremiah 50–51: Extensive oracle against Babylon.

These chapters fall within a block of “foreign nation” oracles (Jeremiah 46–51). While they are distinct units, the thematic grouping is deliberate.

Isaiah 21: 1-12

This is another example of thematic grouping. The short oracle agains Edom (or Dumah) in verses 11-12 are preceded by the oracle against Babylon in verses 1-10 .

Shared language

Obadiah 3-4 & Isaiah 14:12-15

We see Obadiah reuse themes from the judgement oracle against the king of Babylon. This is meant to also highlight that there is a strong link between both nations in the minds of the prophets.

In this oracle, Isaiah alludes to the ancient myth of Marduk. Marduk was the son of the chief god who sought to exalt himself to the highest place, only to be cast down. In doing so, Isaiah exposes the spiritual pride that lies beneath the rise of empires. He discerns dark, unseen powers at work when nations elevate themselves, their interests, or their authority as if they were divine. These spiritual forces that animate imperial ambition will ultimately be judged and brought low.

💡 Side note: In ancient cosmology, Venus (the morning star) rises brightly before the sun but quickly fades once the sun appears. This became a powerful metaphor for someone who rises in glory but is quickly brought low. In the New Testament, however, the image of the morning star is positive. In 2 Peter 1:19, Peter uses this image to describe the hope of Christ’s return and the dawning of full understanding in the hearts of believers. Jesus declares that He is the true morning star in Revelation 22:16. He is the true light that appears before the final dawn i.e His return and the renewal of all things. Also, unlike the false glory of earthly kings (Isaiah 14), Jesus is the everlasting light whose rise means the night is truly over.

The pattern of pride

Too long, please open your Bible Genesis 11: 1-9

History of Babylon

In this account of the history of Babylon (Babel), we see humanity coming together to exalt themselves against God. The manner in which the people spoke is very similar to what we read earlier in Isaiah 14. At the end of that story, God came down and judged them by scattering their language.

As the biblical storyline continues, Babylon becomes an archetype for nations who in pride, seek to exalt themselves against God, particularly by their oppressive treatment of God’s people.

Egypt

Too long, please open your Bible Exodus 1: 8-14

In this story, we see Egypt (a new Babylon) oppressed God’s people, making them use brick and mortar (same materials as the building of Babylon). Also, the narrative is depicted as a rebellion against God in Exodus 5:2

But Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and besides, I will not let Israel go.” Exodus 5:2

Just like Babylon, God judged Egypt as well. He sent plagues on them and destroyed Pharaoh’s army in the sea when they chased after God’s people.

The defeat of Egypt is the first Day of the Lord. It was a decisive moment when God broke into history to judge evil and deliver His people. The Exodus became the template for the Prophets’ expectation of a future Day of the Lord. In that Day, our just God humbles the proud and delivers the oppressed.

For example, Joel’s Day of the Lord imagery includes plague, darkness, and deliverance, echoing the Exodus.

I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, Blood, fire and columns of smoke. “The sun will be turned into darkness And the moon into blood Before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. Joel 2: 30-31

The deliverance theme is clear in both Joel and Obadiah

“And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the LORD Will be delivered; For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem There will be those who escape, As the LORD has said, Even among the survivors whom the LORD calls. Joel 2:32
“But on Mount Zion there will be those who escape, And it will be holy. And the house of Jacob will possess their possessions. Obadiah 17

Israel & The Day of the Lord

Given the significance of this, it is expected that the people of Israel would have looked forward to the day when God would deliver them from their enemies. However, we find a twist in Amos.

Too long, please open your Bible Amos 5: 18-24

Israel had become Babylon through idolatry, neglect of the Law, and the mistreatment of the poor, widow and immigrant. Their leaders were purveyors of great injustice. Therefore, Amos warned them that the expectation of the Day of the Lord would count against them. God is going to bring judgement on Israel(new Babylon) by sending Babylon against them. This is what Habakkuk also echoes.

Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days— You would not believe if you were told. “For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, That fierce and impetuous people Who march throughout the earth To seize dwelling places which are not theirs. Habakkuk 1: 5-6

Application & Challenge:

The Day of the Lord is not just a future event. It is a spiritual reality that casts its shadow into every generation. Joel says it will be "great and very terrible" (Joel 2:31) for those who have turned away from God, who live with a casual disregard for His voice. That warning is not just for ancient Israel. It’s for us.

Where Have You Drifted?

The Day becomes terrible when our hearts grow cold, when we justify compromise, and when we rely on religious form without true love and commitment to God.

Q: Is there an area of your life where you've turned away from God—gradually, quietly, but undeniably?

Turn Back Now: God’s Warning Is Mercy

God reveals the terror of the Day not to destroy us, but to call us to repentance while there is still time (Joel 2:12–13). God wants to restore us, not destroy us. Return with all your heart.

Hope for the Humble

For those who turn, the terrible Day becomes a transforming day. As Peter preached at Pentecost, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21). The fire that consumes the rebellious purifies God’s people. Will you let today be the day you return fully to Him?