Font Size
The day of the Lord (v.15), which Obadiah and all the prophets said was near for all nations, including, and especially Edom, is a favorite expression of most of the prophets. It is described as a day when the proud, lofty, and exalted will be humbled (Isa 2:12). The day of the Lord is bitter, a day of wrath, distress, anguish, trouble, ruin, darkness, gloom, clouds, blackness (Zep 1:14-15).
Although the prophets in all of these passages may not have referred to the same “day of the Lord,” there is ample evidence that any day sinners persist in wanton disobedience to God is a fateful, dreadful day. Such was the case of Edom, which would reap what had been sown, with increase.
The figure of drinking on God’s holy hill has a striking parallel in the prophet Jeremiah who writes of drinking the cup of God’s wrath. All kings and officials and people of many (all) nations must drink from the fury of God’s cup of wrath (cf. Ob 16 and Jer 25:15-28).
In marked contrast to the dark, gloomy forecast for the house of Edom, the house of Jacob and the house of Joseph would be a fire and flame to consume the stubble of Esau until there were no survivors (vv.17-18). Wesley wrote that the remnant that would be delivered by Cyrus was “a type of Israel’s redemption by Christ” and that the people who “returned from captivity shall be holy to the Lord” (Notes, v.17).