Obadiah
Book Overview
Author: Obadiah (name means "servant of the LORD") Date of Writing: Uncertain; possibly 848-841 BC or 586-585 BC (after Jerusalem's fall) Historical Context: Edom's betrayal of Judah during time of crisis; ancient hostility between brother nations Original Audience: Judah suffering from Edom's treachery Purpose: To pronounce judgment on Edom for violence against Judah and to promise Israel's restoration Genre: Prophetic oracle against a nation; shortest book in Old Testament
One-Sentence Summary
Pride brings Edom's downfall for betraying brother nation Judah, while God's kingdom ultimately prevails and judges all nations.
Book Structure
Single Prophetic Oracle (21 verses)
- Verses 1-9: Judgment pronounced on Edom's pride and false security
- Verses 10-14: Edom's sins detailed - violence and betrayal against Judah
- Verses 15-21: The Day of the LORD; Edom's destruction; Israel's restoration and triumph
Note: Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, focused entirely on judgment against Edom.
Key Verses
Obadiah 3-4 - "The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, 'Who can bring me down to the ground?' Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD." Significance: Pride based on natural advantages or achievements leads to inevitable downfall - no height is beyond God's reach to humble.
Obadiah 15 - "The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head." Significance: Principle of divine retribution - how we treat others, especially the vulnerable, determines how God will judge us.
Obadiah 21 - "Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the LORD's." Significance: Final triumph belongs to God's kingdom - ultimately fulfilled in Christ's eternal reign over all nations and powers.
Key Themes & Messages
Major Themes
-
Pride Before Destruction
- Edom's arrogant self-security condemned
- "Who can bring me down?" - pride leads to downfall
- False confidence in natural defenses and alliances
- God opposes the proud and humbles them
-
Judgment for Violence Against Brothers
- Edom descended from Esau (Jacob's brother)
- Stood by while enemies attacked Jerusalem
- Gloated over Judah's misfortune
- Participated in plunder and betrayed refugees
-
The Day of the LORD
- Coming day when God will judge all nations
- "As you have done, it will be done to you"
- Principle of divine retribution
- Nations accountable for treatment of God's people
-
God's Justice for All Nations
- Even small nations like Edom face God's judgment
- No nation escapes divine accountability
- God defends His people against their enemies
- Vindication comes through divine intervention
-
Israel's Ultimate Victory
- Deliverers will come to Mount Zion
- God's people will possess their inheritance
- Kingdom will be the LORD's
- Final triumph of God's purposes for His people
Central Message
Obadiah announces God's judgment on Edom for prideful betrayal of brother nation Judah in time of crisis. The brief prophecy demonstrates that God sees and judges violence against His people, that pride inevitably leads to humiliation, and that the Day of the LORD will bring justice to all nations. Despite present suffering, God promises His people will be restored and His kingdom will prevail.
Practical Application
For Daily Living:
- Stand With Family in Crisis: When relatives or close friends face trouble, actively support them rather than standing aloof or taking advantage
- Guard Against Pride: Regularly examine areas where you feel self-sufficient or secure, remembering that "pride goes before destruction"
- Don't Gloat Over Others' Troubles: Resist the temptation to feel superior or take pleasure when those you dislike face difficulties
- Recognize God Sees Everything: Live with awareness that no betrayal or cruelty escapes God's notice, whether you're victim or perpetrator
- Trust God's Justice: When wronged by others, trust that God will ultimately bring justice rather than seeking personal revenge
For Spiritual Growth:
- Examine your heart for schadenfreude (pleasure in others' misfortune) and root it out through repentance
- Develop confidence in God's ultimate victory and kingdom establishment, even when circumstances seem to favor the wicked
- Practice humility by acknowledging your dependence on God rather than your own strength, wisdom, or resources
- Cultivate loyalty and compassion toward spiritual family, especially during their times of suffering or persecution
Recommended Resources
Commentaries
Best Overall Joel, Obadiah, Jonah by Leslie C. Allen (NICOT) - Excellent treatment of Obadiah's brief but powerful message about pride and divine justice.
For Beginners Obadiah and Jonah by John Mackay (Mentor) - Brief, accessible exposition that draws out practical lessons from these short prophetic books.
For In-Depth Study Obadiah, Jonah, Micah by Billy K. Smith and Frank S. Page (NAC) - Solid evangelical commentary with good historical background and theological insight.
Technical/Academic Obadiah by Paul R. Raabe (Anchor Bible) - Detailed scholarly analysis with extensive treatment of Edom-Israel relationships and ancient Near Eastern context.