Pride before the fall: Edom, Babylon's kings and the Proverbs
Obadiah's Edom, Nebuchadnezzar humbled in Daniel, Isaiah's warnings against the proud, the Proverbs and Philippians' portrait of Christ's humility all teach the same lesson: arrogance leads to downfall and humility leads to honor. The lesson applies equally to nations and to individuals.
Why did Edom believe it was untouchable? Show answer
Edom lived in the rocky cliffs of Petra and trusted that strong physical position, along with its allies.
Besides pride, what was Edom condemned for in Obadiah? Show answer
It stood aloof while Jerusalem fell, rejoiced over Judah's misfortune, looted the city and captured fleeing survivors, even though the two nations were family.
Who were Edom and Israel descended from? Show answer
Edom descended from Esau and Israel from his brother Jacob, which made Edom's betrayal especially grievous.
How did Nebuchadnezzar's humbling end? Show answer
He lost his mind and lived like an animal until he acknowledged God's rule.
How did Belshazzar's fate differ from Nebuchadnezzar's? Show answer
Belshazzar mocked God and was judged instantly, with the writing on the wall sealing his fate, so he had no period of restoration.
What did Daniel say when asked to interpret the king's dream? Show answer
He pointed away from himself, saying there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.
What does Isaiah say happens to nations that exalt themselves? Show answer
They will fall, because God humbles the proud and lifts the lowly.
Whose example does Isaiah use to show that God honors humble trust? Show answer
Hezekiah's. He trusted the Lord, and God delivered the city when Assyria besieged it.
According to Proverbs, where does wisdom begin? Show answer
With the fear of the Lord, meaning reverent awe and submission to God's authority, recognizing that we are not the center of the universe.
What sequence does the Philippians hymn describe for Christ? Show answer
He humbled himself, took the form of a servant and obeyed to the point of death on a cross, and then he was exalted and given the name above every name.
Do these sources promise humble people an easy life? Show answer
No. Daniel's friends faced the furnace, Christ faced the cross and Paul wrote from prison. Honor comes in due time, often after hardship.
Is humility in these books the same as timidity? Show answer
No. Humble figures such as Daniel and his friends boldly defied kings, because their humility was directed toward God rather than toward human power.