The Book of Obadiah

This prophet's book was written to reveal God's deep anger at Edom for their prideful rejoicing over Judah's suffering and to deliver the message of God's coming judgment against Edom. Obadiah speaks of the end result of God's dealings with these two nations: for the Edomites - total destruction; for God's people, Israel - rescue and true freedom on "the day of the Lord."


The book of Obadiah has two main sections - In the first (1-14), God expresses His extreme disapproval of Edom and calls them to answer for their sins. Edom's greatest guilt stemmed from its pride and from the sin of rejoicing over Judah's downfall. These attitudes really represented a hatred and defiance toward God. As a result, God's terrible judgment would come against them, and Obadiah offers no hope that God would withdraw His judgment. The prophet gives no invitation to repent and turn to the Lord. In fact, the Edomites would be destroyed forever because of their violence and cruelty. The second section (15-21) refers prophetically to a coming "day of the Lord" when  all God's enemies will be destroyed, while God's people will be saved and His kingdom will triumph.


Four major features characterize Obadiah's prophecy. 1. It is the shortest Old Testament book. 2. Obadiah is one of three prophets (the others are Jonah and Nahum) who were called by God to direct their written message almost entirely to a nation other than Israel or Judah. 3. There are many similarities between the book of Obadiah and Jeremiah. 4. This book is not quoted or referenced in the New Testament.


Although the New Testament does not refer to Obadiah directly, the hostility between Esau and Jacob (which is the original reason for the conflict between Edom and Israel) continues and is addressed in the New Testament. Paul refers to the Esau-Jacob rivalry in Romans 9:10-13. He then goes on to remind us of God's message of hope: all who repent of their sins, both Jews and Gentiles, and call on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:9-13; 15:7-12).