Who is the author of Obadiah?

Background of the Book

The opening words of Obadiah read: “This is the vision of Obadiah. This is what the Lord GOD says about Edom…” (Obadiah 1:1). This concise book, consisting of a single chapter, has traditionally been recognized as authored by the prophet Obadiah himself. While historical records contain comparatively little direct biographical information regarding its writer, the title and internal clues within the text strongly point to Obadiah as the prophetic voice behind this message.

Meaning of the Name Obadiah

The name “Obadiah” in Hebrew can be rendered “Servant of the LORD” or “Worshiper of Yahweh.” His designation aligns with his role as a prophet who communicated a divine judgment against Edom and comforted the people of Judah, indicating devotion and service to God in the context of ancient Israel.

Internal Evidence from the Text

1. Opening Attribution: Obadiah 1:1 specifies, “This is the vision of Obadiah,” identifying him as the recipient of the prophecy. The book does not attribute the message to a separate source, supporting the straightforward conclusion that the prophet himself penned it.

2. Style and Theme: The writing style in Obadiah displays a prophetic tone consistent with other prophetic works of the Old Testament. Themes of divine justice, retribution against Edom, and future hope for the people of Jacob parallel the style of contemporary prophets, reinforcing that a single prophetic author delivered the message.

3. Coherence with Other Scriptures: Though there is no direct mention of Obadiah in many historical narratives, the prophecy’s concerns—particularly Edom’s downfall—echo judgments seen in passages like Jeremiah 49:7–22. The thematic similarities suggest an authentic prophetic ministry consistent with the era in which Edom’s hostility toward Judah was addressed.

Possible Historical Context

There are two primary proposals for the date of Obadiah, each of which helps establish the context for the prophet’s life and writing:

1. Ninth Century BC (Around Jehoram’s Reign): Some scholars place Obadiah’s ministry around the time Edom rebelled against Judah (2 Chronicles 21:8–10). This view maintains that the catastrophic events described relate to earlier incursions into Judah.

2. Sixth Century BC (After the Fall of Jerusalem): Another widely held perspective posits that Obadiah ministered following the 586 BC destruction of Jerusalem. Edomite aggressions against fleeing Judeans or collaboration with Babylon are believed by many to be the background to Obadiah’s pronouncement of doom upon Edom (see Psalm 137:7 for a reference to Edom’s role).

Regardless of which historical scenario one accepts, most conservative traditions continue to attribute the writing to the prophet Obadiah himself, living at a time when Edom’s hostility and subsequent judgment formed the core of the prophecy’s message.

Textual and Manuscript Support

1. Dead Sea Scrolls: Though the book of Obadiah is short, portions of the Minor Prophets discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls demonstrate the high degree of care taken in preserving prophetic texts. The ancient copies align closely with the Masoretic Text that underlies modern English translations, including the. Such consistency underscores the reliability of this text and its ancient acceptance as Scripture.

2. Masoretic Tradition: The preserved Hebrew text is part of the same tradition that includes the works of the other prophets. Scribes meticulously transmitted the content with stringent checks (including counting letters) to ensure accuracy, providing further confidence that the original words attributed to Obadiah have reached modern readers with remarkable fidelity.

3. Ancient Citations and Usage: Early church and synagogue traditions consistently list Obadiah among the Minor Prophets. While it does not appear to have garnered extensive outside citation in comparison to larger prophetic books, such uniform recognition supports the view that it was always ascribed to a single individual named Obadiah.

Key Theological Contribution

Although relatively short, Obadiah carries a strong theological punch. It showcases:

• Divine Judgment: Edom’s downfall serves as an example of how God deals with nations that aggress against His people (Obadiah 1:2–4).

• Restoration of God’s People: A central tenet is the promise of deliverance for those faithful to God, culminating in, “But on Mount Zion there will be deliverance, and it will be holy, and the house of Jacob will reclaim their possession” (Obadiah 1:17).

• Sovereignty of God: Obadiah’s portrayal of the Lord underscores His supreme authority over nations, reinforcing a broader biblical theme that no power stands beyond His reach.

Archaeological and Historical Insights

While direct archaeological references naming Obadiah remain elusive, the historical setting of tensions with Edom is corroborated by ancient records and inscriptions indicating ongoing conflict along the southern border of Judah. Edom’s eventual downfall aligns with broader archaeological evidence of shifting power dynamics in the region, consistent with the general outline of events that Obadiah foretold.

Witness of the Unity of Scripture

Obadiah’s content integrates flawlessly with other biblical books addressing Edom. Prophets like Amos, Isaiah, and Jeremiah also predict or record judgments on Edom (Jeremiah 49:7–22; Isaiah 34:5–15). This coherence across multiple authors and centuries affirms Obadiah’s authenticity and the consistent message of Scripture. Such thematic unity strengthens confidence that a single prophet named Obadiah composed this brief yet potent warning.

Conclusion

The consensus across the centuries, bolstered by the direct attribution within the opening verse and by the uniform testimony of manuscripts and traditions, is that the Book of Obadiah was authored by the prophet Obadiah. His name, meaning “Servant of the LORD,” aligns with his role delivering a stern warning against Edom while reassuring God’s people of future restoration.

Obadiah’s message endures as a timeless reminder of God’s sovereignty, His protective care for those who follow Him, and the certainty of divine justice. The prophet’s identity remains closely tied to his book’s solemn and hopeful proclamation, underscoring that he was indeed the author who received and conveyed the vision recorded in these verses.