Bible Character Explorer
Divided Kingdom • c. 850-586 BC (exact date debated)
Obadiah
Prophet of Edom's JudgmentThe prophet whose shortest Old Testament book pronounces judgment on Edom for gloating over Israel's downfall.
"For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."
Obadiah 1:15 (KJV)
Overview
Little is known of Obadiah personally beyond his name, which means 'servant of the LORD,' but his brief prophecy, the shortest book in the Old Testament, delivers a concentrated message of judgment against Edom, the nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Edom had stood by, and in some cases actively participated, when a foreign enemy attacked Jerusalem, looting the city, cutting off escaping refugees, and even handing survivors over to their captors rather than aiding their kinsman nation of Judah in its distress. Obadiah condemns Edom's proud confidence in its mountain strongholds and declares that the pride of their heart had deceived them, since God would bring them down regardless of their perceived security. The prophecy closes with the assurance that the day of the LORD is coming upon all nations, when the house of Jacob will possess its rightful inheritance and the kingdom will belong to the LORD.
Gospel Connection
Obadiah's closing declaration that 'the kingdom shall be the LORD's' anticipates the full establishment of God's reign accomplished through Jesus Christ, whose kingdom gathers together the true, redeemed house of Jacob and extends far beyond Israel's borders to welcome all nations who turn to him in repentance and faith.
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See how this life points to Christ in the Gospel Connection section above.