As we have studied through the book of Obadiah, we have learned “why” Edom was being judged. Their contrary ways toward Jacob or Israel have been seen by God, and now God is taking vengeance. The manner in which Edom has treated Jacob will now be upon Edom's head, and the law of reciprocity has been engaged. Today we learn more of the words of God through Obadiah, and this time the metaphor employed is drinking. Obadiah wrote in verse sixteen:
For as you have drunk upon my holy mountain, [so] shall all the heathen drink continually, yes, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.
God has been observing the ways and behavior of Edom. Although they thought themselves safe, unseen, and beyond anyone's reach, they were not outside the all-seeing eyes of God. God saw the way they “partied” so to speak on His “holy mountain”, and now they way they have acted will be the way others will act toward them. “Shall all the heathen drink continually” is the phrase Obadiah uses, and note again the increased volume, “continually.” The interesting part about the law of reciprocity is that it seems to return a much larger increase than that which was initially planted. For example, one grain of corn can produce an entire stalk of corn, and one apple seed can produce a full tree of apples. Edom was now to reap of the drink they initially planted.
However, Obadiah doesn't end his words there. He adds, “yes, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.” Not only will Edom be reimbursed for their behavior against Jacob, but their judgment will be greater and longer lasting. Edom's actions were temporary, but God's actions shall be permanent, “they shall be as though they had not been.” This is indeed a frightening phrase.
When we consider the repercussions of our behaviors, we would all do well to take inventory. How do we treat others when they are going through calamity? What is our behavior when our enemies or those whom we do not like are afflicted? Do we as Edom cheer about it? Do we celebrate or pillage their loss? Perhaps it would be a good idea for us to remember what happened to those who poured out a drink of contempt toward their enemies as Edom did toward Jacob. The next time our adversaries fall, may we remember that the drink we pour may be the river against us in the future.
Next time we will see what God pronounces for Jacob's future even though they are troubled currently, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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