Haggai Malachi: No Substitute for Obedience OT227 Lesson 02 of 02 Obadiah & Malachi: God s Concern for All His People Listening Guide I. Introduction to Obadiah and Malachi [1] When did Obadiah serve as a prophet? [2] When did Malachi serve as a prophet? [3] What is one thing that links these two prophets? [4] Who were the Edomites? [5] Why was there so much emphasis in these books on God s judgment of Edom? II. Book of Obadiah [6] How many chapters are in Obadiah? [7] What does Obadiah describe about Edom? [8] What two reasons does Dr. Stuart give for Edom s opposition to Judah? [9] Who are the Edomites descended from? OT227 Listening Guide 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries. All Rights Reserved. Lesson 02 1
[10] What was the source of antagonism between Jacob and Esau that continued into the days of Judah and the Edomites? (See Genesis 27 for the Jacob/Esau story.) [11] How did the Babylonians help the Edomites? [12] In what way did the Edomites gain even further revenge against the Judeans? A. Judgment Upon Edom (Obadiah 1:1 14) [13] What does Obadiah s description of the Edomites in verses 1 14 indicate about them? [14] What was God s threat to them? [15] What ironic judgment did God use to bring Edom down? [16] What two specific groups which Edomites were particularly proud of did Obadiah mention God would destroy? [17] Specifically, how did the Edomites seize Judah s wealth? B. Restoration of Israel (Obadiah 1:15 21) [18] What imagery does Obadiah use to show Israel s revenge against Edom? [19] What does God promise Judah in verses 15 21? [20] What message does Dr. Stuart say Christians can take from Obadiah? OT227 Listening Guide 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries. All Rights Reserved. Lesson 02 2
III. Book of Malachi A. Yahweh s Love (Malachi 1:1 5) [21] When Malachi refers to Jacob and Esau, who is he actually talking about? [22] How did ancient kings use the love/hate language? [23] How does God use the love/hate language in reference to Jacob and Esau (Judah and Edom)? [24] When was Malachi written, and what happened to Edom at the time? [25] How do Obadiah and Malachi relate to each other chronologically in their statements about Edom? [26] Why had the Persians helped Judah but not Edom? [27] What was the final result of God s judgment on Edom? [28] What famous person named in the New Testament is from the Edomite heritage? [29] How does knowing Herod s heritage influence your understanding of the fact that the Romans made his family line kings of the Jews during New Testament times? B. Sins Against Yahweh (Malachi 1:6 3:15) OT227 Listening Guide 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries. All Rights Reserved. Lesson 02 3
[30] What was happening in Judah in Malachi s day? [31] What tacit pact did Judah s priests and worshipers make? [32] What was the result of that conspiracy? [33] How does Malachi indicate how displeasing this conspiracy was to God? [34] What format does Malachi use to present his messages? [35] What should we look for when we read Malachi? [36] What were the priests failing to do? [37] How did the priests turn Judah s people away from God? [38] What detestable thing was happening in Judah during Malachi s ministry? [39] What kind of intermarriage was allowed and what kind was prohibited? [40] Do you think that same principle exists today? [41] Why did the Lord no longer pay attention to the offerings of Judah s citizens? OT227 Listening Guide 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries. All Rights Reserved. Lesson 02 4
C. Yahweh s Promises (Malachi 3:16-4:6) [42] What prophetic prediction does Malachi make in chapter 4? [43] What warning did Malachi say God would give before one of the greatest events, the coming of Christ, in this whole process? [44] What does Dr. Stuart say is one of the greatest events in this whole process? [45] On what note of hope do Malachi and the Old Testament end? Reflection Record one new fact or insight you discovered in this lesson. Application Even when delivering a message of judgment and deserved condemnation, God s prophets include a message of hope and restoration. Which view of God most influences your thinking about Him? Do you focus on the fact that He disciplines those whom He loves (Proverbs 3:11 12), or do you focus on the fact that He sent His Son to redeem those He loves? We must be aware of both truths, but what a difference it makes when we serve God in response to His love rather than obey Him because we fear His discipline. Are you compelled to obey God because of fear or honored to serve Him because of His love? OT227 Listening Guide 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries. All Rights Reserved. Lesson 02 5