Bible 101: Lesson 29

Obadiah

The shortest book in the Old Testament, Obadiah means “servant of Yahweh (GOD)”. The book is a short prophecy about the downfall and destruction of Edom, also called Esau for the brother of Jacob who founded the kingdom. The Edomites were traditionally enemies of Israel, and when the deportation of Babylon occurred, they filtered into the land to take possession of the empty houses and towns. The exact dating of the book is unknown, but it must have been written sometime after the deportation.

This prophecy was fulfilled in stages. By 400 B.C. the Nabatean Arabs had defeated Edom and occupied their territory, which came to be called Idumea. The Herods of the New Testament were the last of the Edomite remnant. After the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. the Edomites finally passed from the pages of history.

Contains no messianic prophecies.

Bible 101: Lesson 28

Amos

Amos was a shepherd – a country boy whom God called to preach for just a few days around 750B.C. His time was a lot like ours. There were great extremes between the rich and the poor. Amos brought a message of judgment to the wealthy who were exploiting and cheating the poor. Shopkeepers were being dishonest, judges were taking bribes, and the religious leaders were corrupt.

To the northern kingdom of Israel, Amos delivered a message of impending punishment at the hands of the Assyrians and Egyptians. His message must have seemed all the more ridiculous, because Israel was enjoying peace, and Assyria had been declining for a long time. As always, though, we find a message of mercy and restoration following judgment. Once again we see that God has the last word, and His word is Good.

Messianic prophecies in Amos

The sun darkened
OT References: Amos 8:9
NT Fulfillment: Matt 24:29; Acts 2:20; Rev. 6:12

Restoration of David’s house
OT References: Amos 9:11-12
NT Fulfillment: Acts 15:16-18