Read Obadiah verses 1-16 Destruction of Edom.

You have been deceived by your own pride because you live in a rock fortress and make your home high in the mountains. Who can ever reach us way up here? you ask boastfully. But even if you soar as high as eagles and build your nest among the stars, I will bring you crashing down, says the Lord. (Obadiah 1:3-4 )

The Edomites were descendants of Esau. They were relatives of Israel descendants of Jacob. God expected they should relate with care (Deuteronomy 23:7). Instead, they refused any assistance (Numbers 20:14-20). This time they even plundered and took advantage of their defeat by the Babylonians.

Now the prophet Obadiah pronounces Gods impending judgement upon them on account of their pride. They took pride in the security and safety of their city as in a rock fortress high in the mountains. They boasted of the fact that none can bring them down. They were deceived by such self-confidence and sufficiency independent of God.

God would send them plummeting from the heights even if they should soar as high as eagles and build their nest among the stars. The nation of Edom, which eventually disappeared into history, remains one of the prime examples of the truth found in Proverbs 16:18: Pride goes before destruction.

We see these through the word besides in real life situations. Captain Smith of the Titanic reminded us that we can never take God with familiarity and pride when he said, ...even God cannot sink the ship. It sunk. Just how deceitful our heart is when we place our security in what we have achieved and be lifted with pride independent of God.

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. (I Peter

Prayer: Lord grant me the grace to stay humble and not be proud because I have arrived. Not be critical or judgmental because some others have fallen short. I will not take delight over the fall of my brethren but to reach out and be of blessing when I am able.

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