Obadiah 1:1

As we begin a short series on the minor prophet Obadiah, the theme of blood appears in several ways.  In the past, Yahweh made his covenant in blood first with Abraham, and continuing with his people through circumcision.  In the current setting of this book, blood in the present represents the natural, familial connection between Israel in exile and the people of Edom who ought to have come to Israel’s aid, but did not.  All of this points forward the future blood of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross to provide salvation for his covenant people.  If we are in Christ, we are assured that we share in Yahweh’s covenant, we are adopted into the family of God and we look forward with great hope to salvation that is ours through the cross.