Pride Falls, Justice Stands
A Study Guide for Trusting God When You’ve Been Betrayed
1. Introduction: Who Was Obadiah and What’s This Book About?
Obadiah was a prophet sent to deliver God’s message of judgment—not to Israel or Judah, but to Edom, a neighboring nation descended from Esau (Jacob’s brother).
The Edomites had stood by—or even helped—when Judah was attacked and plundered.
This short book is a warning: God sees betrayal, even from your so-called “brothers.”
Reflection: When others betray or harm us, we can trust that God will deal with injustice in His time and His way.
2. Pride Comes Before the Fall (Obadiah 1:1–9)
Edom is rebuked for arrogance: they trusted in their high mountain fortresses, alliances, and wisdom.
But God says He will bring them down, and no nation or friend will save them.
“Though you soar aloft like the eagle… I will bring you down, declares the Lord.” (v. 4)
Takeaway: Pride blinds us to our need for repentance and leads to destruction. No one is too secure to fall under God’s judgment.
3. Betrayal and Violence Against a Brother (Obadiah 1:10–14)
Edom is condemned for standing by—or even joining in—while Judah was attacked.
They looted, mocked, and captured survivors.
God says: “You should not have gloated… you should not have entered the gate… you should not have handed over his survivors…” (vv. 12–14)
Lesson: Indifference or delight in someone else’s downfall is a serious offense to God—especially when it comes from someone who should have cared.
4. The Day of the Lord: Justice for All Nations (Obadiah 1:15–18)
The message zooms out to all nations: “As you have done, it shall be done to you.” (v. 15)
God will repay evil with justice, and no nation will escape His judgment.
But there’s also hope: “But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape…” (v. 17)
Truth: The Day of the Lord brings judgment for the proud and salvation for the faithful.
5. Restoration and the Kingdom Belongs to the Lord (Obadiah 1:19–21)
God promises that His people will be restored—the land will be theirs again.
Those who once watched them fall will see them rise.
The final word: “The kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” (v. 21)
Encouragement: God always has the final word. No matter the betrayal, His justice will stand, and His people will be restored.
6. Key Verses to Memorize or Meditate On
Obadiah 1:3 – “The pride of your heart has deceived you…”
Obadiah 1:4 – “Though you soar aloft like the eagle… I will bring you down.”
Obadiah 1:15 – “As you have done, it shall be done to you…”
Obadiah 1:17 – “But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape…”
Obadiah 1:21 – “The kingdom shall be the Lord’s.”
7. Questions for Discussion or Journaling
Why was Edom judged so harshly for standing by during Judah’s suffering?
How can pride deceive us into thinking we’re untouchable or justified?
What does this book teach us about how God views betrayal—even from those close to us?
How should we respond when we see others fall or suffer?
In what ways does this short book point to the final justice of God through Christ?
What injustices have you faced that you need to trust God to make right?