July 1, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

With today's reading you'll start reading in the prophetic books as they fit into the time-line in the historical books.  This is part of what the chronological reading of the Bible is about.  It helps the reader to appreciate the role the prophets had during the years of Israel's decline and eventual captivity.

Obadiah 1 - This is the only one chapter book found in the Old Testament.  Though Obadiah was a Jewish prophet he wrote against the land of Edom.  Remember, Edom traced its lineage back to Jacob's son, Esau.  The Edomites often rebelled against the Israelites and would take delight whenever Israel was being judged and punished by God.  The Lord noted these times and His rebuke against Edom is spoke loud and clear in this little book. 

Psalm 82 - This is a Psalm against the unjust judges of His people.  They rendered verdicts that would hurt the poor and needy and show partiality to the wicked.  It's in this Psalm where God refers to some people as "gods."  He's speaking of those who are judges and serve in the place of God.  The word used for god/judge is the Hebrew word, Elohim, which is often used of God, Himself.

Psalm 83 - Here the Psalmist is crying out for vengeance against Israel's enemies, especially those who gloat over Israel's suffering and then try to capitalize on their troubles.  The Psalmist asks God to deal with these enemies as He did with Gideon's foes, Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna.  (Reread Judges 7 and 8 for the background).  Ultimately, when God brings judgment He brings people to know who He really is, verse 18.