A Summary of the Book of Obadiah

Introduction

The book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, yet it carries a powerful message for both the nation of Edom and the people of Israel. At its core, Obadiah is a prophetic book that tells of God’s judgment against the nation of Edom for its pride, arrogance, and mistreatment of Israel. However, it also offers hope and restoration for the nation of Israel. As we explore this book, we will discover how God’s judgment and mercy work hand in hand, and how these ancient words can still speak to our lives today.

Part of the Twelve Minor Prophets in the Old Testament, the book of Obadiah is believed to have been written by the prophet Obadiah, whose name means “servant of Yahweh.” Although the exact date of its composition is uncertain, many scholars agree that it was likely written after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. In this brief but powerful book, Obadiah prophesies the fall of Edom and the restoration of Israel.

Key Takeaways

1. The book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament.
2. Obadiah is a prophetic book that addresses God’s judgment against the nation of Edom and offers hope for Israel’s restoration.
3. The fall of Edom serves as a warning against pride and arrogance.
4. God’s judgment and mercy work hand in hand.
5. The themes of God’s sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness are evident throughout the book.

Edom’s Pride and Arrogance

The book of Obadiah begins by addressing the pride and arrogance of the nation of Edom. Located southeast of Israel, Edom was a nation descended from Esau, Jacob’s twin brother. The people of Edom had a tumultuous relationship with the people of Israel, and the book of Obadiah highlights the deep-rooted animosity between the two nations.

In verses 2-4, God declares that Edom’s pride has deceived them. They felt secure in their mountainous homeland and believed that no one could bring them down. However, Obadiah prophesies that God will bring them down from their heights and humiliate them.

This message is a stark reminder that pride and arrogance can lead to our downfall. As Proverbs 16:18 states, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Edom’s Mistreatment of Israel

One of the primary reasons for God’s judgment against Edom was their mistreatment of the people of Israel. When Jerusalem was invaded by the Babylonians in 586 BC, the Edomites not only failed to help their neighbors, but they also took advantage of the situation by looting the city and capturing fleeing Israelites to hand them over to the Babylonians (Obadiah 1:10-14).

This betrayal and cruelty towards their brother nation were not overlooked by God. Obadiah prophesies that, as a result of their actions, Edom would be covered with shame and ultimately destroyed (Obadiah 1:15-16).

God’s Judgment and Sovereignty

The book of Obadiah demonstrates God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring judgment upon nations that oppose His people and His plans. God’s judgment against Edom serves as a warning to all nations that pride, arrogance, and mistreatment of others will not go unpunished.

In verse 15, Obadiah writes, “For the day of the Lord upon all the nations is near; as you have done, it shall be done to you; your reprisal shall return upon your own head.” This verse emphasizes that God sees the actions of nations and individuals, and He will ensure that justice is served.

Restoration and Hope for Israel

In the midst of the judgment pronounced against Edom, Obadiah also offers a message of hope and restoration for the people of Israel. Verses 17-21 speak of a time when Israel would regain its land and reestablish itself as a nation under God’s guidance.

This message of restoration highlights God’s faithfulness to His people, even in the midst of their exile and suffering. The book of Obadiah reminds us that God’s ultimate plan is to redeem and restore His people, and that nothing can stand in the way of His purposes.

The Timeless Message of Obadiah

Although the book of Obadiah was written over 2,000 years ago, its message still resonates with us today. It serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness, as well as a warning against pride and arrogance.

As we read the book of Obadiah, let us be mindful of the areas in our own lives where pride and arrogance may be taking root. Let us also be reminded of God’s faithfulness to His people and His promise to bring justice to those who oppose Him.

The Historical Context of Obadiah

To better understand the book of Obadiah, it is essential to consider its historical context. As mentioned earlier, the Edomites were descendants of Esau, while the Israelites descended from Jacob. These two nations shared a tumultuous history, with both nations struggling for supremacy and control of the land.

During the time of Obadiah, the nation of Israel had been weakened due to internal strife and external threats. The Babylonians, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, had invaded and destroyed Jerusalem, leading to the exile of many Israelites. The Edomites took advantage of this situation to assert their dominance over the region.

The historical context of Obadiah serves to underscore the relevance of its message. The Edomites’ pride and arrogance blinded them to the consequences of their actions, and their mistreatment of the Israelites led to their eventual downfall. This historical background serves as a backdrop for the prophetic message of Obadiah, reminding us of the importance of humility and compassion in our own lives.

The Significance of Obadiah for Today’s Christians

The book of Obadiah may be brief, but it contains vital lessons for Christians today. The story of Edom’s downfall serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and arrogance, reminding us to remain humble and dependent on God.

Furthermore, Obadiah’s message of hope and restoration for Israel demonstrates God’s faithfulness and commitment to His people. This message can encourage Christians today, reminding us that God is always working to redeem and restore His people, even in times of difficulty and suffering.

Finally, the book of Obadiah emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion. The Edomites’ mistreatment of the Israelites led to their downfall, and this serves as a reminder for us to treat others with love and respect.

By studying the book of Obadiah, Christians today can gain valuable insights into the character of God and the importance of humility, compassion, and faithfulness in our own lives.

In conclusion, the book of Obadiah, though short in length, provides valuable insights into the character of God and His dealings with both the nation of Edom and the people of Israel. Through its prophetic message of judgment and restoration, we are reminded of God’s sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness. As we study this often overlooked book, may we be challenged to examine our own lives for pride and arrogance, and to trust in God’s unwavering commitment to His people.

Obadiah and the Prophetic Tradition

The book of Obadiah is part of the larger prophetic tradition found throughout the Old Testament. Like other prophets, Obadiah was called by God to deliver a message to His people. In this case, Obadiah’s message was primarily directed towards the nation of Edom, but it also contained a message of hope for Israel.

The prophetic tradition plays a crucial role in the biblical narrative, as it serves to keep the people of God accountable for their actions and reminds them of God’s promises and expectations. The book of Obadiah, along with the other prophetic books, serves as an essential reminder that God is actively involved in the lives of His people and will not tolerate sin and injustice.

The Global Implications of the Book of Obadiah

While the book of Obadiah primarily addresses the nations of Edom and Israel, its message has broader implications for the global community as well. Obadiah’s warnings against pride, arrogance, and mistreatment of others serve as a timely reminder for all nations and individuals to be mindful of their actions and attitudes.

The global implications of Obadiah’s message are particularly relevant in today’s interconnected world, where the actions of one nation can have far-reaching consequences for others. By studying the book of Obadiah, we can learn valuable lessons about the importance of humility, compassion, and justice in our relationships with others, both on a personal and a global level.

Drawing Personal Application from Obadiah

As we read and study the book of Obadiah, it is essential to consider the personal applications of its message. The themes of pride, arrogance, and mistreatment of others are not limited to ancient nations but can manifest in our own lives as well.

As Christians, we should strive to live lives characterized by humility, kindness, and justice, taking to heart the lessons taught in the book of Obadiah. By examining our own attitudes and actions, we can identify areas where we may be falling short and seek God’s help in transforming our lives to better reflect His character.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the book of Obadiah, though short in length, provides valuable insights into the character of God and His dealings with both the nation of Edom and the people of Israel. Through its prophetic message of judgment and restoration, we are reminded of God’s sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness.

As we study this often overlooked book, may we be challenged to examine our own lives for pride and arrogance, and to trust in God’s unwavering commitment to His people. Additionally, let us draw personal application from its message, seeking to live lives characterized by humility, compassion, and justice in accordance with God’s will.

The book of Obadiah is a brief, prophetic book of the Old Testament, found in the section of The Latter Prophets, as part of the Hebrew Bible. It is traditionally attributed to a prophet called Obadiah, which means “servant of Yahweh”. The authorship of the book, however, is uncertain, and most likely comes from the 7th century BCE.



The book of Obadiah speaks out against the nation of Edom, which was located near the southern tip of ancient Israel. Edom had been established centuries earlier by Esau, the brother of Jacob (also known as Israel), after he was rejected by his father Isaac for his choice of wives. Esau became the progenitor of the Edomites, and a long-standing rivalry between them and the Israelites descended from Jacob continued for many generations.



The book of Obadiah prophesies the fall of Edom, detailing how they have persecuted Israel, betrayed them, and gloated in their downfall. It gives an account of how God will punish Edom for their pride and mistreatment of the Israelites and nations aligned with them.



Obadiah also speaks words of hope and redemption for the children of Israel, indicating that divine retribution will bring a great restoration for all of Israel. In the end, it is only the righteous who will be saved and the Lord will reign and those who opposed him will be destroyed. Obadiah prophesies that Israel will have great joy in its redemption, and that nations will come to worship Israel’s God.



The book of Obadiah serves as a reminder of the justice of God and of the Lord’s protection and redemption of His people. It serves as a warning to those who continue to oppress the Israelites and to the Edomites, reminding us of the consequences of our actions, and showing us the promise of blessing for those who follow God and obey His commandments.