Obadiah
The Prophet Against EdomAuthor of the shortest Old Testament book, prophesying God's judgment against Edom for betraying Israel
Obadiah wrote the shortest book in the Old Testament - just 21 verses - but its message is profound. He prophesied against Edom, the nation descended from Esau, for their treachery against their brother nation Israel, especially during Jerusalem's destruction. The Edomites gloated over Judah's fall, looted refugees, and handed survivors over to enemies. Obadiah declared that God's justice would come: 'As you have done, it will be done to you.' The book ends with hope: 'The kingdom will be the LORD's.'
Original Name
עֹבַדְיָה (Ovadyah)
Meaning
Servant of Yahweh, Worshiper of Yahweh
Etymology
Obadiah combines 'eved' (servant) with 'Yah' (YHWH), meaning 'Servant of Yahweh' or 'Worshiper of Yahweh.' This common Hebrew name (appearing for several biblical figures) expresses devotion to God.
Linguistic Insights
Obadiah's name means 'Servant of Yahweh,' identifying him with the faithful remnant against proud Edom. The book emphasizes Edom's 'pride' (zadon - זָדוֹן) as their fatal flaw - the sin that deceived them. The prophetic phrase 'Day of the LORD' (Yom YHWH) appears, connecting this short prophecy to the broader prophetic tradition. The structure shows divine justice: measure for measure (middah keneged middah). Edom 'stood aloof' (amad mineged) when Jerusalem fell; now God would 'stand against' them. The prophecy uses vivid imagery of Edom's mountain fortress Petra/Sela being brought low despite being 'high as the eagle.'
Translation Notes
- •Most common Hebrew name in the OT (12+ individuals)
- •Shortest book in OT - 21 verses
- •Shares material with Jeremiah 49 - relationship debated
- •'Edom' (אֱדוֹם) related to 'adam' (red) - Esau's color
Related Terms
Prophesied against Edom's pride
Obadiah 1:1-4Condemned Edom's betrayal of Israel
Obadiah 1:10-14Announced the Day of the LORD for all nations
Obadiah 1:15-16Prophesied Israel's restoration
Obadiah 1:17-21Obadiah 1:3
"The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights."
Obadiah 1:15
"As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head."
Obadiah 1:21
"Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the LORD's."
Born
c. 586 BC (if post-exilic) or c. 845 BC (if during Jehoram's reign)
Died
Unknown
Lifespan
Unknown
Father
Unknown
Mother
Unknown
Spouse
Unknown