Obadiah - The Day of the Lord 3

The Day of the Lord

Too long, please open your Bible Obadiah 15-21

Edom & the nations

In prophetic literature, Edom functions as a representative or proxy for the nations. We find an example of this in two of the verses we read earlier.

For the day of Yahweh draws near on all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head. “Because just as you all drank on My holy mountain, All the nations will drink continually. They will drink and swallow, And they will be as if they never were. Obadiah 15-16

In the verses above, Obadiah directly links Edom & the rest of the nations, such that Edom becomes a representative or proxy for the nations. So, in Obadiah’s Day of the Lord oracle, just as Edom’s pride and opposition against God’s people would lead to their judgement, the nations would also be judged in similar fashion.

Amos & Obadiah

Too long, please open your Bible Amos 9: 11-15
Too long, please open your Bible Obadiah 19-21

In Amos’ prophecy of the Day of the Lord, we find shared language with Obadiah—particularly in the themes of Israel possessing Edom and the surrounding nations, which function as symbols of the broader Gentile world. Both prophets envision a time when God’s kingship is fully established through the judgment of proud nations and the restoration of His people.

Booth of David

In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David And wall up its breaches; I will also raise up its ruins And rebuild it as in the ancient days Amos 9:11

In order to understand Amos’ words, we have to go to God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7.

Too long, please open your Bible 2 Samuel 7: 1-17

David wants to build God a house (a physical structure) but God promises him a house (his dynasty) — an enduring royal line. David’s house in this verse is understood to be his dynasty, and the promise is seen to be messianic.

In Amos’ day, the kingdom had split into Israel (north) and Judah (south). The kingdom was divided and weakened. David’s “house” looked like a ruined booth. Instead of a firm, permanent house, we now have a temporary, fragile structure. However, God promises to raise it up, repair it, and extend it to the nations.

That they may possess the remnant of Edom And all the nations who are called by My name,” Declares Yahweh who does this. Amos 9:12

Fulfilment in Jesus

Too long, please open your Bible Acts 15: 1-20

In Acts 15, during the Jerusalem Council, James appeals to Amos 9 to support the full inclusion of Gentiles into the people of God without requiring them to keep the Mosaic Law. James roots his argument in prophetic Scripture, showing that Gentile inclusion was always part of God’s redemptive plan. This is in consonance with God’s promise to Abraham — “in you all the nations of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3).

Just as Peter saw Pentecost as the Day of the Lord, James also sees this new dispensation of gentiles getting saved and being filled with the Spirit as a fulfillment of the Day of the Lord.

So in Christ, Son of David, the “booth” is rebuilt!

Possessing Edom

That they may possess the remnant of Edom…

Amos 9:12

And the saviors will ascend Mount Zion

To judge the mountain of Esau…

Obadiah 21

From James’ perspective, the people of God in Christ are the “they” in Amos 9:12, and the saviors (a military term) in Obadiah 21. The spread of the gospel is thus presented as spiritual warfare and a fight for territory. With gentiles and people all over the world hearing the gospel and getting saved, God is establishing His kingdom on earth.

James is essentially saying “If Edom can come into the family, then everybody can come in!”

The nations in prophetic hope

If we consider the end of Joel (as seen last week), Amos and Obadiah, we see clearly how this theme leads up to Jonah’s story. God’s plan was always to rebuild David’s kingdom so that all nations could belong to Him.

Call to Participation

As the restored people of God, we are called to carry this good news to the ends of the earth. Sharing the gospel isn’t optional—it’s how God’s kingdom spreads and how others are brought under His loving rule. Let’s be a church that doesn’t keep this hope to ourselves, but invites everyone to come and find life in Jesus.