S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Author: Obadiah verse 1 identifies the author of the Book of Obadiah as the Prophet Obadiah.Date of Writing: The Book of Obadiah was likely written between 848 and 840 B.C.Purpose of Writing: Obadi...

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November 15 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Appelt Supporter

The book of Obadiah is by one of the prophets, Obadiah, “servant of Yahweh” or “servant of the LORD.” As with all the writing prophets, the name of the prophet has a bearing on the book with his name. This is the case with Obadiah who served the Lord. He was true to his name as he was unknown as he wrote the vision given by his Master.

The book is about the nation of Edom and, indirectly, Israel. These are the descendants of the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah who were Esau and Jacob. Esau’s descendant was Edom meaning “red,” Genesis 25:30, and Jacob’s was Israel meaning “prince with God,” Genesis 32:28. 

In Genesis 25:22, God told Rebekah, that she was carrying two different nations or peoples. They would divide. One would be stronger, signifying the continuing struggle for power during their history. Also, the older (Esau) would serve the younger (Jacob), Genesis 25:23. 

Esau was the first son born, Genesis 25:25 and Jacob followed, grasping at his heel, Genesis 25:26. Jacob would later connive to obtain both the birthright, Genesis 25:29-34, and the blessing of the firstborn, Genesis 27:28-29, 35-36. 

Much later in history, Edom refused Israel passage through her territory, Numbers 20:14-21, but God warned Israel to not meddle with Edom, Deuteronomy 2:2-6, 23:7. Edom also opposed Saul, I Samuel 14:47. However, the nation was conquered by David and Solomon, II Samuel 8:14, I Kings 9:26. 

Then there was the rivalry between Judah and Edom. Jehoshaphat defeated Edom, II Chronicles 20:1-27, but Edom rebelled against Jehoram and set up their own king, II Kings 8:16-22. Amaziah brought them back under his control, II Kings 14:9-11, but then under Ahaz, Edom attacked Judah and took captives, II Chronicles 28:17.

Eventually Edom, who considered herself invincible was driven out of her strongholds of Sela (present day Petra) in Jordan into Judah’s South, the Negev. Judah conquered them, then called by the Greeks and Romans, Idumeans (Antipater and Herod were Idumeans). They forced them, to convert to Judaism, thus Esau served Jacob. 

Obadiah’s vision saw Edom suffering doom and destruction due to pride. Edom trusted in their refuge in the rock cities, Obadiah 1:2-4, their treasures, Obadiah 1:5-6, and their reputation of great wisdom (perhaps including Job of Uz, Eliphaz the Temanite, Job 1:1, 2:11, Lamentations 4:21), Obadiah 1:8-9, Jeremiah 49:7. If only Edom had become humble and had the treasure of true wisdom. 

But the reason for judgment was Edom’s unbrotherly treatment of Israel, in attacking the people of Judah, Obadiah 1:10-11, Ezekiel 35:5, Joel 3:19, encouraging conquering nations to defeat Israel, Psalm 137:7-9, and gloating over Judah’s calamities and gaining spoils when Judah was suffering distress, Obadiah 1:12-14. 

When Edom fought with the Jews in the rebellion against Rome, from AD 66-70, the nation was defeated from ever being a people again, Obadiah 1:10, 18. 

Israel shall be delivered and possess all that belonged to Edom, Obadiah 1:17-21. The vision God’s servant Obadiah saw will be fulfilled.

June 20 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report