Strange Story: Obadiah vs 3 & 4 How Was Edom Destroyed?

The prophecy of Obadiah is dedicated almost entirely to predictions of the downfall and destruction of the kingdom of Edom. The reason was their treatment of Israel during Israel’s time of need during the Exodus. A secondary cause may have been that, during the reign of Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, they revolted against Israel and aided Israel’s enemies.

The way these prophecies were ultimately fulfilled is interesting.

In verse three of the single chapter of Obadiah he predicted the demise of those who lived “in the clefts of the rocks.” Here the word “rock” is the word “sela,” which was also the name of their capital city. Later it was called “Petra,” which is the Greek word for “rock.” So both “sela” and “petra” mean “rock.” The city was named “rock” because it was carved into the side of some cliffs.

The heart of the city, with its most important temples, was in a narrow gorge which is about a mile and a half long. This made that part of the city easily defendable by even a small army. Some scholars say 100 men could defend each entrance against thousands. Other parts of the city spilled out beyond the ravine, but the people there would run into the canyon if danger approached.

Because it was easy to defend, those living in Sela/Petra thought they could not be conquered.

There were and still are two springs nearby giving enough water to drink and to irrigate their fields. The people of Petra created impressive irrigation systems which allowed them to produce food in the middle of a desert.

In ancient times the two most important things for any city were a good source of water and the ability to protect yourself. Petra had both. That is why they had the attitude described in Obadiah vs 3, “Who will bring me down to the ground?”

The predictions made by God through Obadiah were fulfilled in various stages of destruction. Some of the kingdom was devastated by wars which they lost, but the capital city was spared from most of that destruction because it was easily defendable.

The demise of the capital city, “the rock,” came in a way that its inhabitants never would have anticipated.

Two things worked together to bring about the demise of Petra, although they did not happen at the same time.

1. The trade route was moved to a different road.

2. Two major earthquakes destroyed their irrigation system and some of the buildings.     

Without irrigation and without trade their “perfect city” had to be abandoned – you can’t eat rocks!

The prophecy of Obadiah was fulfilled in stages, but it was indeed fulfilled, and its fulfillment was complete. What had been the capital of a proud kingdom with a thriving economy is now only an interesting stop for tourists.

Take Aways

~Don’t become proud, even if you think you have it all going for you.

~The higher you go the further you have to fall.

~Realize that God has many ways He can fulfill His will.

There are many excellent photos of Petra on the internet. One source of such photos is the following blog.