The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Obadiah 1:1-10, “The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord GOD concerning Edom– We have heard a report from the LORD, and an envoy has been sent among the nations saying, “Arise and let us go against her for battle “–
2 “Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you are greatly despised.
3 “The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in the loftiness of your dwelling place, who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to earth?’
4 “Though you build high like the eagle, though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD.
5 “If thieves came to you, if robbers by night– O how you will be ruined!– Would they not steal only until they had enough? If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave some gleanings?
6 “O how Esau will be ransacked, and his hidden treasures searched out!
7 “All the men allied with you will send you forth to the border, and the men at peace with you will deceive you and overpower you. They who eat your bread will set an ambush for you. (There is no understanding in him.)
8 “Will I not on that day,” declares the LORD, “destroy wise men from Edom and understanding from the mountain of Esau?”
9 “Then your mighty men will be dismayed, O Teman, so that everyone may be cut off from the mountain of Esau by slaughter.
10 Because of violence to your brother Jacob, You will be covered with shame, and you will be cut off forever.”

There are several Obadiahs mentioned in the Scriptures, and there is no certainty of which Obadiah is the author of this book. The name itself means “The Worshipper of Jehovah,” and Robert Lee says, “It forms a sharp manifesto against the fierce Idumeans, the descendants of Esau, who were the perpetual enemies of Israel.”

Nations of the world should lookout! The nation of Israel is unquestionably the people of God. He promised to restore them to their native land; and on the 14TH of May 1948, He did just that! There can be no denial that Israel is still centered in the Eye of the LORD! His protection of her is as assured as is His destruction of those who dare to stand against her.

The descendants of Esau have historically opposed every move of the Israelites. Nations in
opposition to Israel have viewed her smallness without concern, only to be subdued by a
“what hit us?” attitude. Israel’s devastation of Egypt in the Six Day War should have been
sufficient for all “anti-Israeli” forces for all time. It brings to mind that old saying, “None is so
blind as him who will not see.”

Yet, how does all of this affect us? Does it make any difference to others than Israel? Yes, indeed, it does! There was a day within our recollection that America stood with Israel, providing her needs as she fought for her very existence! Were Israel to be assailed today,
would the United States’ Government stand with her? It’s a soul-stirring question, depending
largely upon who would be president. How does one become president other than by vote of the people!

We must be careful to stand with nations that stand with God, and simultaneously, with God as He stands with His people, Israel. In the prophecy of the Book of Obadiah, portions of the
prophecy have been fulfilled. Yet, as Obadiah says, “The Kingdom shall be the Lord’s!”

Pray for the peace of Israel. Pray for the Israeli leadership. To be sure, they are not always
right in their calculations, but the LORD is always right! Pray for Israel! She will survive!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom