READ Obadiah 1
Edom is judged because she has acted with violence toward Israel.

INSIGHT
Esau and Jacob were brothers. Esau was the father of the nation Edom, and Jacob was the father of the nation Israel. Therefore, in a sense, the nations of Edom and Israel are brothers. A day comes when Assyria wages war against Jerusalem. But instead of joining Israel, their brother, in the fight against Assyria, Edom joins Assyria and fights against their brothers in Jerusalem. Because of this breach of loyalty, God pronounces judgment on Edom through the prophet Obadiah. God offers no hope for possible restoration or deliverance for Edom. Her fate is sealed. Edom is destroyed as a nation.

PRAYER
Praise God for His justice and righteousness. Thank Him for the love that He pours out on His people:
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
And the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun
(Psalm 37:6).

Yes, you have been with me from birth;
From my mother’s womb you have cared for me.
No wonder I am always praising you!
(Psalm 71:6).

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
The Lord hears his people
When they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
He rescues those whose spirits are crushed
(Psalm 34:17-18).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand
(Isaiah 41:10).

The Lord encourages us to come to Him with our concerns and desires. As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Spiritual victory over temptation
• Opportunities to serve the Lord
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14).