Writer:
The Book of Obadiah is attributed to the prophet Obadiah, whose name means “servant of Yahweh.” Little is known about Obadiah’s personal life or background, and there is no information in the text about his lineage, location, or other details. His prophecy focuses on the judgment of Edom, Israel’s long-standing enemy.
Date of Writing:
The exact date of the Book of Obadiah is debated, but it is commonly placed around 586 B.C. after the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. This dating is based on the references to Edom’s actions during the destruction of Jerusalem (Obadiah 1:11-14). Some scholars suggest an earlier date, during the reign of Jehoram (848-841 B.C.), but the post-exilic context is more widely accepted.
Important Events:
The Book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, consisting of only 21 verses. It focuses on the judgment of Edom and the future restoration of Israel.
Judgment Against Edom (Obadiah 1:1-16):
- The Vision of Obadiah: The book begins with a vision from God concerning Edom. Obadiah announces that God has declared war against Edom and that the nation will be brought low because of its pride (Obadiah 1:1-4).
- Edom’s Pride and Betrayal: Edom is condemned for its arrogance and self-confidence, particularly for its belief that its mountain strongholds made it invincible (Obadiah 1:3-4). The Edomites are also rebuked for their betrayal of Judah during the Babylonian invasion, where they stood by, rejoiced over Jerusalem’s downfall, and even participated in the looting (Obadiah 1:10-14).
- The Certainty of Edom’s Destruction: Obadiah declares that Edom’s allies will betray it, and the nation will be completely destroyed. The judgment is portrayed as inevitable, with Edom’s wisdom and strength proving useless against God’s decree (Obadiah 1:7-9).
The Day of the Lord (Obadiah 1:15-16):
- Universal Judgment: Obadiah extends the theme of judgment beyond Edom to all nations. He declares that the “Day of the Lord” is near for all nations, and as Edom has done, so it will be done to them. The nations that have oppressed God’s people will face divine retribution (Obadiah 1:15-16).
The Restoration of Israel (Obadiah 1:17-21):
- The Deliverance of Zion: Despite the judgment on Edom, the book concludes with a message of hope for Israel. Mount Zion will be delivered, and the house of Jacob will possess the land of Edom and other territories (Obadiah 1:17-20).
- The Kingdom of the Lord: Obadiah ends with the proclamation that the kingdom will belong to the Lord. God’s people will be restored, and the Lord will reign over all nations, bringing ultimate justice and peace (Obadiah 1:21).
Key Characters:
Obadiah:
- The prophet who delivers God’s message of judgment against Edom and the promise of Israel’s restoration.
God:
- God is depicted as the sovereign judge who brings justice against the nations, particularly Edom, for their pride and betrayal. He is also portrayed as the deliverer of Israel, who will restore His people and establish His kingdom.
The Edomites:
- The descendants of Esau, who are condemned for their pride and hostility toward Israel. Edom’s actions during the fall of Jerusalem are particularly singled out as reasons for their judgment.
The People of Israel (Jacob):
- The descendants of Jacob, who are promised restoration and victory over their enemies. Israel’s future inheritance of the land is part of God’s covenantal promise.
Key Doctrines and Themes:
The Sovereignty of God:
- The book emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all nations. Edom’s destruction is not a random event but a divine judgment orchestrated by God. This theme underscores that no nation, regardless of its power or pride, can escape God’s judgment (Obadiah 1:1-4).
The Consequences of Pride:
- Edom’s downfall is directly linked to its pride. The nation’s self-confidence, rooted in its perceived invulnerability, leads to its destruction. This theme highlights the biblical principle that pride goes before destruction (Obadiah 1:3-4).
Judgment for Betrayal and Injustice:
- Edom is judged for its betrayal of Judah during a time of crisis. The Edomites’ actions, including violence against their own kin (the descendants of Jacob), are seen as particularly egregious. This theme reflects the importance of justice and loyalty in God’s eyes (Obadiah 1:10-14).
The Day of the Lord:
- The “Day of the Lord” is a central theme in Obadiah, representing a time of divine judgment against the nations. This day is depicted as a reversal of fortunes, where those who have oppressed others will face retribution. It also points to the ultimate establishment of God’s kingdom (Obadiah 1:15-16).
The Restoration of Israel:
- Despite the judgment on Edom, Obadiah ends with a promise of restoration for Israel. God’s people will inherit the land and experience His blessing. This theme is consistent with the broader biblical narrative of God’s covenant faithfulness to Israel (Obadiah 1:17-20).
The Kingdom of God:
- The book concludes with the declaration that “the kingdom shall be the Lord’s” (Obadiah 1:21). This theme points to the future reign of God over all the earth, where justice will prevail, and His people will dwell in peace.
The Book of Obadiah, though brief, delivers a powerful message about the consequences of pride and betrayal, the certainty of God’s justice, and the hope of restoration for God’s people. It serves as a reminder that God’s sovereignty extends over all nations, and His plans will ultimately bring about the triumph of righteousness and the establishment of His kingdom.
