Obadiah was a prophet of God who lived in the 9th century BC. His name means “servant of the Lord” or “worshiper of Yahweh”. Obadiah is classified as one of the “Minor Prophets” in the Old Testament, meaning his book is relatively short compared to some of the other prophetic books. The Book of Obadiah is only 21 verses long, the shortest book in the Old Testament. Even though his book is short, Obadiah provides important messages from God that are still very relevant today.
Obadiah’s Background
The Bible tells us very little about Obadiah’s personal background. We don’t know his father’s name, where he was from, or any details about his family or upbringing. The only clue about Obadiah is his name, which indicates he was a devout follower of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Based on his short book, Obadiah was clearly a prophet who spoke God’s messages to the people. But beyond that, we have no biographical facts about this prophet of God.
Date of Obadiah’s Ministry
Scholars debate about exactly when Obadiah lived and prophesied. Some believe he lived in the 9th century BC during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel in the northern kingdom of Israel. This was a particularly wicked time in Israel’s history when the royal family promoted the worship of false gods like Baal. Other scholars date Obadiah’s ministry later, in the 6th or 5th centuries BC after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem.
There are reasonable arguments for both an earlier and later date for Obadiah. In favor of the earlier 9th century date, Obadiah’s prophecy focuses on the land of Edom. The Edomites took advantage of Judah during a time of attack and assault, which fits the invasion of Jerusalem in 2 Kings 8-9 and 2 Chronicles 21 during Ahab’s reign. For the later date, Obadiah’s descriptions of destruction and exile in verses 10-14 align with Babylon’s invasion of Judah in 586 BC. Currently, scholars remain divided about when exactly Obadiah delivered his prophecies.
Obadiah’s Message
The Book of Obadiah is a judgment oracle against Edom. The Edomites were descendants of Esau and lived south of Israel as neighbors. But instead of helping Judah in times of distress, Edom often took advantage and looted Judah’s land. So God delivered strong words for Edom through Obadiah. Verses 1-9 describe Edom’s coming humiliation and destruction because of their pride and violence against their brother nation of Judah.
Verses 10-14 highlight key sins committed by Edom. They rejoiced over Judah’s downfall, looted Judah’s land, prevented escape of refugees, and betrayed their relatives. Obadiah powerfully states “For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head.” (Obadiah 1:15, ESV)
The second half of Obadiah turns to describe Judah’s future deliverance and restoration. Despite Edom’s offenses, God promises to restore and avenge Israel. Verses 17-21 declare a day coming when Zion and Jacob will be holy, reclaim their land, and receive victory over Edom. The book ends by proclaiming “Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” (Obadiah 1:21, ESV).
In summary, Obadiah delivers God’s rebuke against pride and encourages His people to trust in divine justice. God sees how the nations treat His people. Though judgment may come, ultimately God will avenge and restore his children.
Key Themes in Obadiah
Some key themes emerge in this short but powerful prophetic book:
- Judgment for sin: Obadiah offers a stern warning that those who sin against God and mistreat His people will face judgment.
- Pride goes before the fall: Edom’s pride and arrogance fueled their downfall. This book serves as a cautionary message against pride.
- Do not gloat over others’ misfortune: Obadiah confronted Edom for having indifference and even joy when disaster came to Judah.
- Leave vengeance to God: Obadiah urges readers to let God dispense perfect justice in His timing.
- God protects and restores His people: Despite hard times, Obadiah encourages hope in God’s faithfulness to avenge and redeem.
Obadiah in the New Testament
There are no direct quotes from Obadiah in the New Testament. However, Jesus and the apostles did frequently mention key themes about judgment, pride, and trusting God’s justice that align with Obadiah’s message. For example:
- In Matthew 23, Jesus sternly warns the religious leaders against pride and hypocrisy, saying they will face condemnation.
- James 4:6 quotes Proverbs 3:34, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” This echoes Obadiah’s rebuke of Edom’s arrogance.
- Romans 12:19 quotes Deuteronomy 32:35, saying “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.” This relates to how Obadiah urges readers to let God dispense perfect justice.
So while Obadiah is not directly quoted, New Testament writers reinforce similar themes about avoiding pride, leaving vengeance to God, and trusting in divine justice from the mighty prophetic book.
Lessons Christians Can Learn from Obadiah
Though short, the Book of Obadiah provides multiple valuable lessons for Christians today including:
- Avoid pride: Obadiah confronts prideful indifference that leads to mistreating others. Believers today must guard against pride.
- Help others in distress: Do not exploit other’s hardship like Edom did to Judah. Follow compassion and mercy instead.
- Avoid taking joy in other’s misfortune: Christians must show empathy and not rejoice when even enemies face distress.
- Trust God’s justice: Leave judgment and vengeance to the Lord in His perfect timing.
- Have hope: Believe God’s promises that He will restore and redeem His people.
Christians should avoid Edom’s pitfalls of arrogance and exploitation of others. Instead, Obadiah urges empathy, mercy, hope in God’s redemption, and trusting His perfect justice.
How Obadiah’s Message Applies Today
Obadiah spoke God’s rebuke against indifference and hostility between relatives. In today’s world filled with division, conflict, and tribalism, Obadiah’s warnings remain extremely relevant. Believers today must avoid pride and show Christlike compassion. Bring people together rather than exploiting or rejoicing in other’s misfortune. Be peacemakers to overcome hostility with empathy and understanding.
Obadiah also reminds Christians that though injustice may prevail for a season, God’s justice will ultimately win. No matter how much sin and corruption seem to triumph in the world, Obadiah urges patience and trust that a day is coming when God will make all things right. He sees the injustice and has the final word. So Obadiah calls readers not to take revenge but believe in God’s redemption.
This prophet’s message provides both a stern rebuke against callous indifference and pride as well as encouragement that despite the world’s darkness, believers must hold to hope and trust in the God who will one day restore all things. Obadiah offers relevant perspective for the church today.
Notable Obadiah Commentaries
Many Bible scholars have written commentaries offering valuable analysis of the Book of Obadiah. Here are some notable and helpful commentaries on this short but impactful prophetic book:
- The Message of Obadiah, Nahum and Zephaniah by Gordon J. Wenham – An accessible commentary useful for bible study and teaching
- Obadiah: The Kingship Belongs to YHWH by Daniel I. Block – A deeply researched scholarly commentary from an influential Old Testament scholar
- Obadiah by Paul R. House – Part of The American Commentary series providing helpful verse-by-verse exposition
- Obadiah, Jonah, Micah by T. Desmond Alexander – Good academic commentary that is part of the Tyndale Old Testament series
- The Bible Speaks Today: Obadiah, Jonah, Micah by David W. Baker – Part of the Bible Speaks Today series with useful application for Christian teaching
These are just a few excellent in-depth resources for studying this powerful small prophetic book of the Bible.
Obadiah’s Relevance for Biblical Theology
Though brief, the Book of Obadiah provides a key contribution to the overarching biblical story. Here are some ways Obadiah advances theological themes of the Bible:
- It shows God’s justice and judgment against pride and mistreatment of God’s people.
- Obadiah urges trusting in divine justice rather than taking human revenge.
- The book contributes to biblical prophecy promising a future day of redemption and restoration for Israel.
- Obadiah illustrates God’s special protection and plans for the nation of Israel despite periods of judgment.
- The statement “the kingdom shall be the Lord’s” (Obadiah 1:21) points ahead to Christ’s coming messianic kingdom.
For these reasons, Obadiah offers an important voice in the Bible’s unfolding theological storyline, providing timeless principles and prophetic hope.
Obadiah Summary
In summary, here are key facts to know about Obadiah:
- Obadiah was a faithful prophet of God in Israel, likely living in the 9th-6th century BC.
- His short book powerfully confronts Edom’s pride and mistreatment of Judah.
- Key themes include judgment for sin, avoiding pride, leaving vengeance to God, and hope in God’s redemption.
- Though not quoted in the New Testament, Obadiah aligns with biblical themes of justice, humility, and divine restoration.
- Christians should avoid pride and indifference, show compassion, trust God’s justice, and believe His promises.
- Obadiah offers relevant words against division and pride as well as hope in God’s ultimate victory.
By earnestly studying this short prophetic book, Christians today can gain important biblical perspective and draw closer to the heart of God.