Examining The Scripture CXXXIII: Cup of Wrath

To carry over the theme from the previous post Examining The Scripture CXXXII: Bushwhacked & Blindsided , we see Obadiah enlarge the target of his message in Obadiah 15-16. Many biblical scholars see the nation mentioned in verses 1 through 14as symbolic for all the godless world of nations. By viewing these verses this way they see The Day of the Lord is near for all nations.

(15) The day of the LORD is near
for all nations.
As you have done, it will be done to you;
your deeds will return upon your own head.

(16) Just as you drank on my holy hill,
so all the nations will drink continually;
they will drink and drink
and be as if they had never been.

What we see in these verses are an analogy or reciprocal repayment of retribution. The measure man torments another so too will his torment be. This follows along the lines of the measure of judgment you use on others dictates the type of measure you will be judged by. Edom and all nations reap what they sow in accordance with their own sins. All men are held accountable for their own actions.

Edom are presented in Obadiah as the example for all nations who rebel against God. This quite possibly is reference to the Great Tribulation and the return of Jesus Christ. When we see the Day of the Lord is can mean or refer to any time God judges by entering into world affairs. Edom’s humiliation and destruction is a shadow of what will be done to any nation that mistreats one of God’s chosen. It also signifies the establishment of God’s rule in human history. Regardless of whether this is the direct application or not it is clear that this serves as the vehicle or instrument by which the Lord commences His reign.

The reference to a drink on God’s holy hill is Edom having been involved in a drunken celebration when they entered the city. Other nations will oppose Israel will reap God’s judgment and be totally destroyed when Jesus returns to the world. Their land will be totally occupied by Israel. The “cup” or “drink” amounts to a metaphor for divine judgment-i.e. The Cup of Wrath. This symbolic/metaphoric statement has special significance to a Christian as mentioned by Jesus himself in Mark 14:36, “Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will…” The point is this: that a person or nation under judgment or divine wrath is sent reeling as helpless under its influence as a drunken man (Allen 162).

Allen, Leslie C. "Edom On The Day of Yahweh." The Books of Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1976. 162. Print.

Alexander, T.D., D.W. Baker, and B.K. Waltke. "Reason For Edom's Judgment." TOTC: Obadiah, Jonah and Micah (Tyndale Commentaries Series). Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1988. 36-40. Print.

Baker, Walter L., John Walvoord. "Obadiah: Edom’s Destruction" Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Bible Knowledge). Acambaro: Victor, 1985. 1380-1381. Print.