📖 The Book of Obadiah
Start reading →Old Testament · 1 chapter · Prophet
Edom's pride and coming judgment; Zion's ultimate deliverance.
Who wrote Obadiah?
Author
Obadiah
Written
c. 585 BC
Genre
Prophet
Shortest OT book (21 verses). Some date it to ~845 BC, others post-586 BC.
Why Obadiah was written
The shortest OT book announces God's judgment on Edom for gloating over Jerusalem's fall, and promises that 'the kingdom shall be the LORD's.'
Outline of Obadiah
- 11–14: Judgment on Edom for pride and betrayal of Israel
- 215–21: The Day of the LORD — all nations judged; Israel restored
Key verses
Obadiah 1:3-4Obadiah 1:15Obadiah 1:21
How Obadiah points to Christ
Edom represents the proud enemies of God's people across history. The promise that 'saviours shall go up to Mount Zion' (v.21) points to the final kingdom where Christ rules and all his enemies are defeated.
How Obadiah begins
1The 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.
Read Obadiah 1 →