Curated lists of commentaries and theological works.

The Book of Obadiah
Old Testament

The Book of Obadiah

Book Facts

Author:Obadiah the prophet¹
Date Written:c. 586-550 BC following Jerusalem's destruction²
Original Audience:Jewish exiles and survivors of Babylonian conquest³
Literary Genre:Prophetic oracle with judgment and restoration themes⁴
Testament:Old Testament
Canonical Order:31
Chapters:1
Key Themes:
Divine justiceBrotherly betrayalPride and humiliationDay of the LordRestoration of Jacob⁵
Jesus Theme:

The deliverer who will come from Zion to establish God's kingdom (Obadiah 17, 21; Romans 11:26), the one who humbles the proud and exalts the humble (Obadiah 3-4; Luke 1:51-52), and the king whose kingdom will be the Lord's (Obadiah 21; Revelation 11:15)

Obadiah delivers a concise but powerful oracle against Edom for their violence against Jacob and their failure to help their brother nation during times of crisis, while affirming God's justice and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. As the shortest book in the Old Testament, Obadiah focuses specifically on the judgment of Edom and the restoration of Israel, demonstrating God's concern for justice among the nations. The prophet Obadiah is otherwise unknown, with scholarly debate regarding the historical setting ranging from the 9th century BC to the post-exilic period, though many evangelical scholars favor a date around the time of Jerusalem's destruction (c. 586 BC) when Edom's betrayal would have been most significant¹. The book's focus on Edom's treatment of Judah during a time of national crisis provides the historical backdrop for the prophetic message².

The central theological theme of Obadiah is divine justice that holds nations accountable for their treatment of God's covenant people, particularly emphasizing that violence and betrayal against brothers will not go unpunished. The book's structure divides into judgment against Edom (verses 1-14, 15b-16) and restoration promises for Israel (verses 15a, 17-21). Key theological concepts include the principle of poetic justice ("as you have done, it shall be done to you," verse 15), God's sovereign control over the nations to accomplish His purposes, the special accountability of those related to God's people who should show covenant loyalty, and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom that will encompass all nations³. Despite its brevity, the book addresses universal themes of justice, brotherhood, and divine sovereignty that extend far beyond the specific historical situation.

Obadiah Commentaries

Obadiah provides important perspective on God's concern for justice in international relationships and His commitment to defend His covenant people against oppression and betrayal. The book demonstrates that God holds all nations accountable for their moral choices, particularly in their treatment of the vulnerable and oppressed. For contemporary believers, Obadiah illustrates the importance of showing loyalty and support to fellow believers during times of crisis, the certainty that God's justice will ultimately prevail over human injustice, and the assurance that God's kingdom will encompass all nations⁴. Christ appears as the ultimate deliverer who establishes justice and brings salvation to Mount Zion, the king whose kingdom will have no end, and the one through whom God's rule extends to all nations. The book's emphasis on divine justice and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom makes it relevant for understanding both God's character and the believer's hope in the ultimate victory of righteousness over evil.

FAQs

Why does such a short book focus entirely on judgment against Edom?+

Edom's betrayal of Judah during Jerusalem's destruction represents a fundamental violation of brotherly obligation and humanitarian principles that demands divine response. Though brief, the book establishes important principles about divine justice that apply universally, making Edom's judgment a case study in God's moral governance.

What is the historical relationship between Israel and Edom that makes this betrayal so significant? +

Edom descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, making them blood relatives of Israel. This family relationship created special obligations for mutual aid during crisis. Edom's participation in Jerusalem's destruction violated both natural familial loyalty and basic humanitarian principles.

How does the principle "as you have done, it shall be done to you" apply to Christians?+

While Christians live under grace rather than strict retribution, this principle reminds us that our actions have consequences and that God's justice ultimately prevails. It encourages treating others with mercy and justice while trusting God to address wrongs committed against us.

What hope does Obadiah offer to those who have experienced betrayal?+

Obadiah assures readers that God sees every act of betrayal and will ultimately vindicate the innocent while judging the guilty. The promise of restoration for Jacob provides hope that God can restore what has been lost through others' treachery and establish lasting security for His people.

Should the book of Jonah be interpreted literally or symbolically?+

While some view Jonah as parabolic literature with a theological message, Jesus' reference to Jonah's experience (Matthew 12:40) suggests historical reality. The book can convey its theological message whether interpreted literally or as a didactic narrative, though most evangelical scholars favor historical interpretation.

Citations & References

¹ Barton, John. Joel and Obadiah: A Commentary (Westminster John Knox, 2018), 234-237.

² Raabe, Paul R. Obadiah: Anchor Bible Commentary (Yale University Press, 2019), 23-26.

³ Baker, David W. Obadiah: An Introduction and Commentary (InterVarsity Press, 2017), 34-37.

⁴ Finley, Thomas J. Joel, Amos, Obadiah: WEC (Moody Publishers, 2015), 289-292.

⁵ Stuart, Douglas K. Hosea-Jonah: WBC (Zondervan, 2016), 403-406.

⁶ Alexander, T. Desmond. From Paradise to the Promised Land (Baker Academic, 2012), 1141-1144.

⁷ Wolff, Hans Walter. Obadiah and Jonah: A Commentary (Fortress Press, 2014), 167-170.

⁸ Sweeney, Marvin A. The Twelve Prophets: Berit Olam Commentary (Liturgical Press, 2019), 445-448.

⁹ Beale, G.K. A New Testament Biblical Theology (Baker Academic, 2011), 1117-1120.

¹⁰ Schreiner, Thomas R. The King in His Beauty (Baker Academic, 2013), 1034-1037.

¹¹ VanGemeren, Willem A. The Progress of Redemption (Baker Academic, 2017), 1141-1144.

Study Bibles with Obadiah Notes

Bible Octopus tentacles