The Prophet Obadiah

        Obadiah’s name means “servant of the Lord”. The book of Obadiah happens to be the shortest book in the Old Testament ^{[1 Chapter with 21 verses]} and is not quoted in the NT. Very little is known about Obadiah. He was more than likely a contemporary of both Elijah and Elisha. The majority of the book pronounces judgment on the foreign nation of Edom*, making Obadiah one of only three prophets who pronounced judgment primarily on other nations (Nahum and Habakkuk are the others). 

What was Edom’s specific sin against God? They had been found guilty of pride before the Lord (Obadiah 1:3). They had thought themselves greater than they actually were; great enough to mock, steal from, and even harm God’s chosen people. But the Lord will not stand idly by and let His people suffer forever (1:1). Through Obadiah, God reminded Edom of their poor treatment of His people (1:12–14) and promised redemption, not to the Edomites but to the people of Judah (1:17–18). 

Obadiah shows us that when people place themselves in opposition to God’s people, they can expect judgment, rather than restoration, at the end of life. In fact the final 5 verses of the book speak of JUDAH’S restoration, not Edom’s. God, in fact, wiped Edom off the face of the earth never to rise again. They simply disappeared into history, thus remaining one of the prime examples of the truth found in Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” 

Obadiah’s prophecy focuses on the destructive power of pride. It reminds us of the consequences of living in a self-serving manner, of following through on our own feelings and desires without considering their impact on those around us. DO NOT allow yourself to become prideful. This is the opposite of what is required of us. We are to be humble as we serve the Lord. 

            Up next is a two part look at the Prophet Jonah. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible; https://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-minor-prophets/obadiah; The MacArthur Bible Commentary.

* The Edomites trace their origin to Esau, the firstborn son of Isaac and Rebekah. His twin was Jacob with whom Esau had been at odds with even in the womb. Esau is the one who tricked his brother Jacob out of his birthright. Esau settled in a region of mostly rugged mountains south of the Dead Sea called Edom, a 40 mile wide area which stretches approximately 100 miles south of the Gulf of Aqabah.