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Minor Prophets, Part 3: Persian Period and Restoration

  1. Lesson One
    Obadiah
    17 Activities
    |
    2 Assessments
  2. Lesson Two
    Haggai
    17 Activities
    |
    2 Assessments
  3. Lesson Three
    Zechariah
    20 Activities
    |
    2 Assessments
  4. Lesson Four
    Malachi
    18 Activities
    |
    2 Assessments
  5. Lesson Five
    OT Wrap-Up (Psalm 119)
    15 Activities
    |
    5 Assessments
  6. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment

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If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey wandering away, you shall surely return it to him. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying helpless under its load, you shall refrain from leaving it to him, you shall surely release it with him . . . You shall not oppress a stranger, since you yourselves know the feelings of a stranger, for you also were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Exodus 23:4-5, 9 NASB

God commands that the people show the same kindness to strangers and refugees that they would have wanted while they were strangers in Egypt. The Edomites have shown no such kindness to the Israelites who are foreigners in their midst, but instead oppress them in every way, even selling them as slaves. 

Obadiah continually emphasizes the brotherly aspect of Edom’s crime. He’s saying, in effect, “It would have been bad enough if you were doing this to strangers, but this is family. And it’s not just any family; this is the chosen servant of YHWH. Any action you take against the servant of YHWH, you take against YHWH Himself.” 

This betrayal will result not only in punishment, but also a shift in ancient territorial boundaries.