Obadiah
maleExileMeaning: “Servant of the LORD”
The prophet of the Bible’s shortest book, who pronounced God’s judgment on Edom for its violence against Judah and gloating at Jerusalem’s fall.
Biography
Obadiah is the prophet of the shortest book in the Old Testament — a single chapter of just twenty-one verses. (His name was common; he is not to be confused with the many other Obadiahs in Scripture, such as Ahab's God-fearing steward.)
Judgment on Edom
His prophecy is directed against Edom — the proud, mountain-dwelling nation descended from Esau. Edom had gloated over Jerusalem's calamity and even helped capture the fleeing Judeans when Babylon fell on the city. Obadiah condemned their pride: "The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee... Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle... thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD" (Obadiah 1:3–4).
The day of the LORD
The book widens to the coming "day of the LORD" upon all nations, the principle that "as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee," and the closing hope that "saviours shall come up on mount Zion... and the kingdom shall be the LORD's" (Obadiah 1:15, 21).
Life Timeline
Prophesies God's judgment on Edom for gloating over Jerusalem
On the Bible timeline
Obadiah belongs to the The Divided Monarchy era (c. 930 – 586 BC).
- c. 930 BCThe Kingdom Divides
- 722 BCThe Fall of Samaria
- 586 BCThe Fall of Jerusalem
Themes & lessons from Obadiah
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Obadiah appears.
Scripture Appearances
1 verses in 1 bookObadiah1 verse
Obadiah 1:1
The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle.
Frequently asked about Obadiah
Who was Obadiah in the Bible?
The prophet of the Bible’s shortest book, who pronounced God’s judgment on Edom for its violence against Judah and gloating at Jerusalem’s fall.
What does the name Obadiah mean?
The name Obadiah means “Servant of the LORD”.
What did Obadiah do in the Bible?
Obadiah served as prophet.
Where does Obadiah appear in the Bible?
Obadiah is mentioned 1 time across 1 book: Obadiah.
What can we learn from Obadiah?
The story of Obadiah touches on themes of edomites, obadiah, vision — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Obadiah's life.
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