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All About Edom (Part One)

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The competitive relationship between Esau and Jacob stands as a profound example of sibling rivalry, beginning even before their birth as they wrestled in Rebekah's womb with an intensity that seized her attention. Born as twins, they emerged as stark opposites: Esau, red and hairy, thrived in the outdoors, excelling in hunting, while Jacob, paler and smooth-skinned, was a mild man with a well-rounded personality, adept in various pursuits. As young men, their rivalry deepened with parental favoritism, heightening the tension between them. Jacob, with a keen sense for opportunity, exploited Esau's moment of weakness to negotiate for the birthright, valuing it far beyond Esau, who traded it for a mere meal, revealing his inability to discern its true worth. Later, with his mother's aid, Jacob tricked their father Isaac into giving him the blessing meant for the firstborn, further devastating Esau, who failed to grasp the full impact of his loss. Isaac's subsequent words to Esau, though appearing as a blessing, were a prophecy of hardship, foretelling a life away from the earth's richness and a constant struggle against Jacob's dominance, with only occasional reprieve through rebellion. Esau's reaction was one of deep hatred, vowing in his heart to kill Jacob after their father's death, a bitterness that has persisted through generations. This rivalry, rooted in the theft of both birthright and blessing, positioned Jacob as the leader of Abraham's family, inheriting a double portion and the promised blessings, while Esau was left to establish his own house without the same power or wealth. The enduring animosity between their descendants continues to reflect the traits and conflicts of their forefathers, shaping their interactions across millennia.

All About Edom (Part Four): Obadiah and Edom's Sin

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A sadness permeates Obadiah's prophecy against Edom, reflecting a lament for a people caught in rebellion against God. There is a faint hope that some Edomites might heed the warning and turn from the path of destruction. The prophecy reveals the deep-seated hatred in Edom, rooted in Esau's wounded pride and feelings of superiority over Jacob, which became a defining trait of Edomite character. This hatred manifested in historical acts of violence, notably when Edom joined Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces against Judah in 586 BC, reveling in the defeat and committing atrocities against the defenseless. Obadiah's message underscores the severity of Edom's punishment, lamenting the horrible end that awaits them as their wealth is ransacked and their wisdom diminished. God will blind Edom to their peril, removing their understanding and courage, leading to their betrayal by allies and ultimate annihilation. The evidence shows that Edom's anti-Israel actions will persist until God intervenes in the last days, promising that they shall be cut off forever for their heinous acts.

In the Name of Islam

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The relationship between Jacob and Esau, as shown in the Bible, reveals a deep and enduring rivalry despite their being twins. There is no doubt that God favored Jacob, having set him apart while still in the womb, unaffected by Jacob's actions or character at birth. Though Jacob was not a good person initially and had a flawed character, he underwent a miraculous change around the age of 60 or 70, after which God changed his name to Israel, meaning an overcomer with God. In contrast, Esau never changed, and the Bible identifies him as Edom, the father of the Edomites. Research indicates that wherever there are Israelites, Edomites are also present, maintaining their antagonism toward the Israelitish people to this very day. This rivalry often results in the Edomites being irritating, troubling, and sometimes dangerous to the Israelitish people, driven by a spiritual aspect influenced by satan's involvement. The spirit of the Israelitish people toward the Edomites, however, is more of an irritation and a sense of superiority rather than hatred. This ongoing conflict is evident in current times, as troubles stirred by these groups are mainly directed toward the Israelitish people, whether in France, Germany, or the nation of Israel where the Jews reside, clearly marking them as enemies.

All About Edom (Part Three): Obadiah

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Bible's most comprehensive prophecy about Edom appears in Obadiah. This "minor" prophet foretells the future for the descendants of Esau.

All About Edom (Part Five): Obadiah and God's Judgment

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The latter half of the prophecy of Obadiah provides clues to the timing and extent of Edom's prophesied demise for its hatred of the people of Israel.

Treasure Your Birthright

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

Jacob, though having a conniving spirit, nevertheless knew the superior value of the birthright, and struggled with everything he had to hang onto it.

Concerning Edom

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The prophet Obadiah sorrowfully dramatizes God's judgment upon Edom (Esau) for his hatred, haughtiness, and pride, and how and why Edom will be annihilated.

Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

By studying eating in the experiences of those in the Bible, we plumb a deep well of instruction from which we can draw vital lessons to help us through life.

Maintaining Good Health (Part 5)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the Bible, eating can be a symbol of fornication. Like Jacob and Christ, we must learn to curb our appetites, learning to distinguish holy from profane.

God Hates?

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

God hates hypocritical religious convocations when people pay lip service but no heart service to Him. Mankind does not know how to stop hate, but God will.

Esther (Part Three)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Haman was the treacherous offspring of King Agag, and Mordecai was the godly descendant of King Saul. Their pairing in Esther provides a sequel to I Samuel 15.

Meet the Minor Prophets (Part Two)

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The twelve books of the Minor Prophets—including Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah—are often overlooked in favor of the Major Prophets and the four gospels.

What Is Your Lentil Soup?

'Ready Answer' by Staff

The story of Esau and his selling his birthright for a bowl of soup is a cautionary tale for today. What we treasure will ultimately determine our destiny.

Maintaining Good Health (Part 6)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We can do nothing to gain the favor of God before our calling, but we are empowered by God to carry out a particular part of His plan to edify the body.

The Israel of God

Article by Charles Whitaker

Paul refers to the church as 'the Israel of God.' Why not 'the Judah of God'? Why did God not inspire Paul to call the church "the Jacob of God"?

Israel's Long War

'WorldWatch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

While the 2023 Israel-Hamas War shocked the world, it may not signal the end. These two peoples have been fighting for millennia. Other signs must be present.

The King of the South

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The King of the South (Daniel 11:40) might be a confederation of Arabic/Islamic nations continually at war with the people of Israel.

The Sovereignty of God: Part Three

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Consider two end-time, dominant forces: the Beast power of Revelation 13 and God. To whom will we yield to in the coming years?

A Pattern of Persecution

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Just as the child of the flesh persecuted the child of promise, the spiritual children of God can expect persecution from those living according to the flesh.

Malachi's Appeal to Backsliders (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The same attitudes in Malachi are prevalent today. The offenses mentioned are 1) arrogance, 2) mixed marriages, and 3) neglect of tithes.