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** The first part denounces the destruction of Edom, dwelling

upon the injuries they inflicted upon the Jews. The second

foretells the restoration of the Jews, and the latter glories of

the church.

* Destruction to come upon Edom. Their offences against Jacob.

(1-16) The restoration of the Jews, and their flourishing state

in the latter times. (17-21)

‏ Obadiah

1-16 This prophecy is against Edom. Its destruction seems to

have been typical, as their father Esau's rejection; and to

refer to the destruction of the enemies of the gospel church.

See the prediction of the success of that war; Edom shall be

spoiled, and brought down. All the enemies of God's church shall

be disappointed in the things they stay themselves on. God can

easily lay those low who magnify and exalt themselves; and will

do it. Carnal security ripens men for ruin, and makes the ruin

worse when it comes. Treasures on earth cannot be so safely laid

up but that thieves may break through and steal; it is therefore

our wisdom to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven. Those

that make flesh their trust, arm it against themselves. The God

of our covenant will never deceive us: but if we trust men with

whom we join ourselves, it may prove to us a wound and

dishonour. God will justly deny those understanding to keep out

of danger, who will not use their understandings to keep out of

sin. All violence, all unrighteousness, is sin; but it makes the

violence far worse, if it be done against any of God's people.

Their barbarous conduct towards Judah and Jerusalem, is charged

upon them. In reflecting on ourselves, it is good to consider

what we should have done; to compare our practice with the

Scripture rule. Sin, thus looked upon in the glass of the

commandment, will appear exceedingly sinful. Those have a great

deal to answer for, who are idle spectators of the troubles of

their neighbours, when able to be active helpers. Those make

themselves poor, who think to make themselves rich by the ruin

of the people of God; and those deceive themselves, who call all

that their own on which they can lay their hands in a day of

calamity. Though judgment begins at the house of God, it shall

not end there. Let sorrowful believers and insolent oppressors

know, that the troubles of the righteous will soon end, but

those of the wicked will be eternal. 17-21 There should be deliverance and holiness at Jerusalem,

and the house of Jacob would again occupy their possessions.

Much of this prophecy was fulfilled when the Jews returned to

their own land. But the salvation and holiness of the gospel,

its spread, and the conversion of the Gentiles, seem also to be

intended, especially the restoration of Israel, the destruction

of antichrist, and the prosperous state of the church, to which

all the prophets bear witness. When Christ is come, and not till

then, shall the kingdom be the Lord's in the full sense of the

term. As none that exalt themselves against the Lord shall

prosper, and all shall be brought down; so none that wait upon

the Lord, and put their trust in him, shall ever be dismayed.

Blessed be the Divine Saviour and Judge on Mount Zion! His word

shall be a savour of life unto life unto numbers, while it

judges and condemns obstinate unbelievers.