Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom: We have heard a report from the Lord, and a messenger has been sent among the nations: “Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!” (v1) Introduction: The vision given to Obadiah concerns Edom and the nations of the world. Edom was a mountainous region east of the Jordan Valley extending from Mount Hermon in the north and the Gulf of Akaba to the south. Edom in Hebrew means red referring to the red cliffs. Further, the land was occupied by descendants of Esau who was known for his redness (Genesis 25:24). Some date Obadiah’s prophesy after the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians in 586 BC but before The Babylonian war against Edom in 553 BC. Edom’s Pride (1-4): The Lord described Edom being small and despised and called for the nations to bring Edom down because of her pride. Not only is the land mountainous, about 5000 feet above sea-level, but the people were arrogant as indicted by the Edom’s rhetorical question, “Who will bring me down?”. Are you proud of what you have done or proud of what the Lord has done? Edom Plundered and Pillaged (5-9): Obadiah’s description indicates that while thieves and grape-gatherers usually leave something behind, in the coming battle no property, possessions, and valuables will be left. The Interlinear and English Standard versions translate the verbs in verses 6 and 7 in the past-tense. The thrust of the book, however, is to future events. Edom will be deceived by those who shared a covenant meal with them; those who claimed to be at peace with them. The vision continues by describing the elimination of Edom’s wise men, and the Edomites failure to understand what was happening or why. Moreover, the army or “mighty men” and all the Edomites will be eliminated on the day of the Lord. Mount Esau was another name for Edom (v8) and Teman was the grandson of Esau (v9). In the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed (2 Peter 3:10). Are you hanging on to things will be burned up? 

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said … (Genesis 1:1-3) Creation (1:1-2:15; John 1:1-3)): Genesis 1 introduces God as creator. In fact, we clearly see God the Father and the Holy Spirit present at creation. John identifies Jesus (the Word) as co-creator. We see the presence of God and that the universe, the heavens and earth, light and darkness, day and night, time, life (vegetation and animal) were all spoken into existence. Further, by declaring his creation as good, he establishes that what comes from God is of the highest quality; “And God saw that it was good” (v4). Further, God introduced the concept of rest (sabbath). Then, as a separate and independent act, he created man and woman – in his image. God’s Interaction with Man (1:26 - 2:25): Upon creating man, God introduced the concept of the relationship with him and within mankind. Relationships involve communication. Further, God provided instructions for living and established the concept of work. He set firm guidelines for keeping a relationship with him (the tree of the knowledge of good and evil) and introduced death and marriage. Sin, Punishment, and Salvation (3:1- 4:16): Then temptation and sin come (3:1-5), and Adam’s failure to protect Eve (3:6). This followed by fear of God (3:10) and then Adam blamed God for his sin (3:12-13). God then cursed Satan (3:14) and promised to restore fallen man (salvation from sin and death) through a descendent of Eve (Jesus) (3:15), and the promise of pain and toil (3:16, 17-19). Then came the first sacrifice to cover man’s nakedness. More Firsts: In the following chapters we encounter the first birth (Cain) (4:1), the first act of jealousy and anger (4:6-7) which resulted in the first murder (4:8), the creations of the first city (4:17), the first sexual sin (6:1-4), the first judgement on an evil and corrupt society, the salvation of the obedient (6:11-22), the first flood (7:11-24), the first restoration (8:1-19), and the first altar (8:20).  Three pillars of Theology: · Before God did anything, he planned everything. (Ephesians 1:11) · God has a plan and will not change it. (Psalm 33:11) · God is intimately involved in his creation. (Colossians 1:17)

Throughout the Old Testament there are several people and events that fore shadow or point to the coming Christ. The following are five types of Christ in Genesis. The following link lists 100 people and their actions that point to Christ. https://graceambassadors.com/biblestudy/100-types-found-in-genesis#top Adam: Both were sons of God and their births were unique (1:26-27), Adam was created in the image of God and Jesus is the image of God. God gave Adam dominion over creation (1:28) and Jesus is the head of his kingdom. Adam, like Jesus, as one man, who committed one action effected eternity. For an additional 20 actions of Adam that parallel the life of Jesus, go to: https://conversantfaith.com/2013/01/30/adam-a-type-of-christ/ Ark: Both were planned by God and provided protection and survival from the unexpected flood. Further, access to the ark is by invitation and was a limited time offer; there is only one door. Noah used pitch to make the ark waterproof and Jesus blood provides protection from judgement. Jesus rose from the dead on the same date the ark came to rest. https://biblicalspiritualitypress.org/2014/11/24/six-ways-in-which-noahs-ark-is-a-type-of-christ/ Melchizedek: Both were priests; however, neither were from the Levitical priesthood. Both were kings. Melchizedek translated meant King of Righteousness and he was the King of Salem (peace). Abram worshiped him (14:18-20). https://insight.org/resources/article-library/individual/melchizedek-as-a-type-of-christ Isaac: Both were only sons (Hebrews 11:17), their births were miraculous (17:15-19), they were offered as a sacrifice in Jerusalem (22) and restored (Hebrews 11:19). Both carried wood for their own sacrifice. Both willingly offered themselves as sacrifices. https://www.agapebiblestudy.com/charts/Typology%20of%20Issac%20and%20Jesus.htm Jacob: Both Jacob and Jesus were beloved sons. Both left their homeland to live in a foreign land. Jacob dreamed of a ladder bridging the gap between heaven and earth. Jesus bridged the gap between Man and God. Jacob labored 14 years to gain Rachael as his bride. Jesus, through the Spirit labors in our lives until the bridegroom returns. Jacob (Israel) wrestled with God and prevailed. Jesus will return and prevail on earth. Jacob had twelve sons. Jesus had twelve disciples. https://theinplacemissionary.wordpress.com/2015/01/13/old-and-new-testament-parallels-symbols-and-ponderings-series-part-5-jacob-as-a-type-of-christ/ Joseph: Both Joseph and Jesus were loved by their father (37:3), sent by their father (37:13), despised and rejected (37), falsely accused (39), promised a position of authority and accused of delusion, sold for money and put in prison (39-40), raised from the pit and exalted (49:22-26), were servants, resisted temptation, offered forgiveness (50:15-21), provided for people in need (47), and were not recognized. For more parallels between Joseph and Jesus, follow the link below. https://www.onepagebiblesummary.com/pad/pad_17.php

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:1-3) Some believe the Abrahamic Covenant to be unconditional, no action required by Abram/Abraham in that it was made while Abram was asleep (15:12). Others believe the covenant was conditioned on Abraham having to prepare for the covenant ceremony and follow it up with circumcision. If, on the other hand, one views the covenant as beginning in Chapter 12 where God commanded Abram to leave Haran (his comfort zone) before he would bless him, then it is conditional. The Abrahamic Covenant had three parts: First, the Lord promised to give Abraham and his descendants a land (defined in chapter 15:18-20). Second, he promised he would bless Abraham and a great nation would come from him. And third, that Abraham and his descendants would be a blessing to all nations, that he, the Lord, would bless those who blessed Abraham’s descendants and curse those who cursed his descendants. Further, the Lord instituted circumcision of males as a sign of the covenant in chapter 17:10-14. God made similar covenants to Isaac (26:3-4) under the condition he stay in the land and then to Jacob (35:11-13). On this side of the cross, we see the blessing of Abraham coming through the peace and the abundant life offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Throughout Genesis and the Old Testament, the Lord blessed people who stood by, protected, and supported the children of Israel. History tells us that those who have come against Israel have been cursed. And then there is the judgement of the nations often viewed as those who support Israel (sheep) and those who do not (goats) (Matthew 25:31-46). As believers, God calls us out of our comfort zone (sets us apart) into an assigned territory in which we are to serve and minister, be it large or small, as he desires, that is bless those around us through our gifts, talents, and skills. Have you left your comfort zone? What is your territory? Where has he called you to serve? Who are you blessing? Does the presence of the Spirit set you apart in language, behavior, and countenance? There can be no doubt that the blessing, of which believers are heirs, is justification by faith; and that the promise, according to which they are heirs of this blessing, is the gospel promise made to Abraham. Adoniram Judson https://contrast2.wordpress.com/2010/03/06/is-the-abrahamic-covenant-conditional-or-unconditional/

Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. (9:8-13)  The Noahic Covenant is unconditional. It does not depend or require an action on the part of man. It is God’s promise to man and all creation that he would never be another world-wide flood under any circumstances or conditions. Further, God provided a rainbow as a sign of this covenant, a reminder of this promise. The Lord’s promise to us is that no matter how bad things get, we are under God’s mercy and grace. Are you comforted by this promise? “ The covenant of grace could no more have been made by man, than he can form a bow in the clouds.” ― Arthur W. Pink, Divine Covenants

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (2:16-17) The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.” And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (3:14-19) The Adamic Covenant is “if you disobey (2:16-17) then you will be cursed” (3:14-19). The curse includes the following: hostility between Satan and man, painful childbirth for women, difficulties in marriage, a cursed ground that produces thorns and thistles, life will be difficult, and death will be a reality. The Adamic covenant includes the unconditional promise that a descendent of Eve, although wounded, would overcome the curse of sin and death, and Satan will be destroyed (3:15). Does life as we are experiencing today make sense to you considering Geneses 3? Is the presence of the Holy Spirit promised in the gospels and epistles a reality and are you living victoriously despite present-day trials and tribulations? Do you have assurance that you will live eternally in the presence of the Lord? Have you made Jesus Christ your savior and Lord? “And what is faith but the acceptance of heaven’s gifts, or the trusting in the record wherein those gifts are promised.” Arthur W. Pink, Divine Covenants https://www.gotquestions.org/Adamic-covenant.html https://biblefanboy.com/2019/03/31/the-biblical-covenants-adam-to-noah/

A Biblical Covenant is a contract or agreement established by God and his people specifying actions he will or will not take. In some cases the covenants are conditional, that is, actions on the part of God are dependent on actions by man, that is ”if … then” statements. Other covenants are unconditional, actions promised by God that are not dependent on man. Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” . . . And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” . . . The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (1:26, 28-30; 2:15-17)  God’s Part: He made everything and provided it to man. He blessed man by meeting all his needs. He planned for man to live and enjoy his creation. He gave man authority over the earth and all creatures and plants. He provided vegetation for food but prohibited man from eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil under penalty of death (If . . . then). The Lord also set aside the seventh day for rest. By this the Lord defined his vision for man and a physical and spiritual pattern for living. There is an image of order and harmony in these verses and a warning about breaking that harmony. Man’s Part: Man was to “be fruitful and multiply,” care for what God had provided, and to use the resources of creation beneficially. Does your life match the pattern God has established for you? Are you in a harmonious partnership with the Lord? Blessings come from living within God’s boundaries. https://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/topical.show/RTD/cgg/ID/21181/Edenic-Covenant-Universal.htm

Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land. (Genesis 12:10)  They also took their livestock and their goods, which they had gained in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him. (Genesis 46:6) Refuge: Twice in Genesis, famine forced the Hebrews to move to Egypt. First with Abram and Sarah and again with Jacob and his family. In the New Testament, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus sought refuge in Egypt when Herod was killing male children under two. Oppression and Slavery: In Exodus, Egypt oppressed the children of Israel leading to the plagues and the Lord’s rescue by parting the Red Sea. Enemy: Further, Egypt invaded Israel and Judah and ransacked the temple and the royal palace (1 Kings 14:25-26), and later deposed King Jehoahaz (2 Chronicles 36:2-4). New Life: For believers on this side of the cross, Egypt represents deliverance from sin and death. We have been slaves to sin and have served Satan. God calls all people to “go out and be separate” as he did the Children of Israel. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you (2 Corinthians 6:17).

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people [ a ] should be kept alive, as they are today. (Genesis 50:20) Jacob’s Burial: When Jacob died, Joseph and the Egyptians mourned his loss. Joseph instructed his servants (physicians) to embalm his body. Upon Joseph’s request, Pharoah’s gave him permission to take his body back to Canaan for burial. Thereupon, Joseph, his brothers and “a very great company” including Pharaoh’s servants and Josephs household accompanied the body. In Canaan, there was another seven days of mourning. After the burial in Machpelah, Joseph, his brothers and the entourage returned to Egypt. Fear: The narrative describes Joseph’s brothers being afraid that Joseph would take revenge for what they had done now that their father was gone and begged his forgiveness. Joseph forgave them, comforted them, and promised to provide for them and their families. Joseph’s Instructions: Joseph lived 110 years and saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation and the children of Manasseh’s son. As Joseph neared death, he promised his brothers that at some point in the future they would return to the promised land and when they did, they were to “carry up my bones” with them. The Promised Land: The Lord promised Abram that he would give his descendants land as a permanent residence, the promised land (Genesis 12:7). Until that time the children of Israel’s dwellings were tents, they were nomads, living where there was water and pasture for their sheep. While Genesis ends on the note of the promised land in the future, that concept carries over into the New Testament. We are promised a permanent, eternal residence, not made with human hands (2 Corinthians 5:1). Our bodies are a temporary dwelling for our soul, and we are destined to wander. And as a guarantor of that life God give us the indwelling Spirit. As believers, the promise of the future eternal life with God comes at salvation with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Have you accepted Jesus as your savior? Have you made him the Lord of your life? And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. (Revelation 21:3)