What does Obadiah 1:15 mean?
Obadiah is a particularly useful book of prophecy, since it summarizes the basic outline of most Old Testament prophets. In this case, as in other Scriptures, Edom is just one example of God's wrath on nations who rebel against God (Isaiah 34:2).A common thread in God's judgment is the idea that what one sows, one reaps (Proverbs 22:8; Galatians 6:7). In particular, nations who act maliciously towards God's people can expect to see those crimes reflected back on themselves. Edom looted (Obadiah 1:13), so they will be looted (Obadiah 1:6). Edom was violent and took Jews from their homeland (Obadiah 1:14), so they will experience violence (Obadiah 1:8) and be driven from their homes (Obadiah 1:7). Edom laughed while Israel was destroyed (Obadiah 1:12), so they will be shattered and put to shame (Obadiah 1:10).
After centuries of abuse (Numbers 20:20–21), Edom helped Babylon raid and pillage Israel, mocking the Jews as it happened. Not long after, Edom was humiliated in an ambush by their own allies, driven from their lands, and stripped of all wealth. Between that defeat and their eventual annihilation by Rome, the Edomites were a despised, mocked people.
Some biblical references to "the Lord's Day" mean the events of the great tribulation or the establishment of the millennial kingdom. In other cases, it is simply a reference to whatever time God finally brings judgment against a nation for their sins. And, at times, there are shades of both at once. In this case, Edom's judgment is very near. At the same time, ultimate judgment is in store for all nations which reject God, and that will not be completed until the end times.
