Introduction:
Obadi'ah, also known as Obadiah, is a minor prophet in the Old Testament. His name means "servant of Yahweh" or "worshiper of Yahweh." The Book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, consisting of only one chapter with 21 verses. Despite its brevity, the book carries a powerful message of divine justice and the sovereignty of God over the nations.

Historical Context:
The exact date of Obadi'ah's prophecy is debated among scholars, but it is generally placed around the time of the Babylonian exile, possibly between 586 and 553 BC. The prophecy is directed against Edom, a nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob. The Edomites were long-standing enemies of Israel, and their hostility is a central theme in Obadi'ah's message.

Content and Themes:
The Book of Obadiah primarily addresses the judgment of Edom for its pride and violence against Judah. The Edomites are condemned for their actions during the Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem, where they not only rejoiced over Judah's downfall but also participated in the plundering and capture of fleeing Israelites.

1. Judgment Against Edom:
Obadi'ah begins with a vision concerning Edom, declaring that God has summoned the nations against Edom (Obadiah 1:1). The prophet emphasizes Edom's arrogance, stating, "The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks" (Obadiah 1:3). Despite their seemingly impregnable position, God promises to bring them down.

2. Retribution and Justice:
The central theme of Obadi'ah is the principle of divine retribution. The Edomites' betrayal and violence against their brother nation, Israel, will be repaid in kind. "As you have done, it will be done to you; your recompense will return upon your own head" (Obadiah 1:15). This reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, underscoring God's justice.

3. The Day of the Lord:
Obadi'ah speaks of the "day of the LORD" as a time of judgment not only for Edom but for all nations. This eschatological theme points to a future time when God will establish His kingdom and bring justice to the earth. "The day of the LORD is near for all nations" (Obadiah 1:15).

4. Restoration of Israel:
The prophecy concludes with a promise of deliverance and restoration for Israel. The house of Jacob will possess their inheritance, and the kingdom will belong to the LORD (Obadiah 1:17, 21). This restoration is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

Theological Significance:
Obadi'ah's message highlights the sovereignty of God over the nations and His commitment to justice. The book serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and enmity against God's people. It also offers hope for the faithful, assuring them of God's ultimate victory and the establishment of His kingdom.

Legacy and Influence:
The Book of Obadiah, though brief, has been influential in both Jewish and Christian traditions. It is often cited in discussions of divine justice and the fate of nations. The prophecy against Edom serves as a historical example of God's judgment, while the promise of restoration for Israel points to the hope of redemption and the coming of God's kingdom.Obadi'ah (16 Occurrences)

1 Kings 18:3
And Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. --Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly;
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1 Kings 18:4
for it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took a hundred prophets, and hid them fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.--
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1 Kings 18:5
And Ahab said unto Obadiah: 'Go through the land, unto all the springs of water, and unto all the brooks; peradventure we may find grass and save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts.'
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1 Kings 18:6
So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
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1 Kings 18:7
And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him; and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said: 'Is it thou, my lord Elijah?'
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1 Kings 18:16
So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
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1 Chronicles 3:21
And the sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah, and Jeshaiah; the sons of Jeshaiah: Rephaiah; the sons of Rephaiah: Arnan; the sons of Arnan: Obadiah; the sons of Obadiah: Shecaniah.
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1 Chronicles 7:3
And the sons of Uzzi: Izrahiah; and the sons of Izrahiah: Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Isshiah, five; all of them chief men.
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1 Chronicles 9:16
and Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.
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1 Chronicles 12:9
Ezer the chief, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third;
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1 Chronicles 27:19
of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah; of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel;
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2 Chronicles 17:7
Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben-hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah;
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2 Chronicles 34:12
And the men did the work faithfully; and the overseers of them were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to preside over it; and other of the Levites, all that had skill with instruments of music.
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Ezra 8:9
Of the sons of Joab, Obadiah the son of Jehiel; and with him two hundred and eighteen males.
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Nehemiah 10:5
Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah;
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Nehemiah 12:25
Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were porters keeping the ward at the store-houses of the gates.
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Obadi'ah (16 Occurrences)
Obadi'ah. Obadiah, Obadi'ah. Obal . Multi-Version Concordance Obadi'ah (16
Occurrences). 1 Kings 18:3 And Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. ...
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Obal (1 Occurrence)

/o/obal.htm - 7k

Obadiah (21 Occurrences)

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