He Will Judge Those Who Harm His People

He Will Judge Those Who Harm His People

The Edomites, who were the descendants of Jacob’s brother Esau, should have assisted their brothers when the southern kingdom of Judah was under siege by Babylon. But as the invaders carried the people into captivity, the Edomites sided with the foreign invaders and even took advantage of Judah’s misfortune. By making themselves an enemy to God’s chosen people, the Edomites made themselves enemies of God.

The day is near when I, the LORD,

will judge all godless nations!

As you have done to Israel,

so it will be done to you.

All your evil deeds

will fall back on your own heads. (Obadiah 1:15)

But while Obadiah prophesied doom for Edom, he also prophesied restoration for God’s people: “The people of Israel will come back to reclaim their inheritance. The people of Israel will be a raging fire, and Edom a field of dry stubble” (1:17-18).

Obadiah encouraged God’s people that God will punish those who oppose, persecute, and unjustly treat his people. He will save and restore his own.

This was good news not only to God’s people in Obadiah’s day, but also to the persecuted believers in the first century. As John was imprisoned on the isle of Patmos, he was allowed to see the day when the judgment of Israel’s enemies will become an eternal reality for all those who have set themselves against Christ and his bride. John quoted an angel who celebrates this just judgment of God: “You are just, O Holy One, who is and who always was, because you have sent these judgments. Since they shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets, you have given them blood to drink. It is their just reward” (Revelation 16:5-6).

At the same time that the Holy One judges those who have persecuted his people, he will also restore his people in his eternal land forever. And as Obadiah told the people in his prophecy, “The LORD himself will be king!” (Obadiah 1:21).

Just Avenger, though I have never known the suffering of intense persecution, it gives me courage and confidence to know that you will bring justice to all those who suffer for your name in this life.