Introduction

The name Obadiah, meaning "servant of Yahweh" or "worshiper of Yahweh," is a significant one in the biblical narrative. While the Book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, consisting of only one chapter, the name itself appears multiple times throughout the Scriptures, referring to various individuals. This entry focuses on the character traits and biblical references associated with Obadiah, particularly in the context of being a "good child" in the eyes of God.

Biblical References

1. Obadiah the Prophet: The most well-known Obadiah is the prophet who authored the Book of Obadiah. This book is a prophetic oracle against Edom, emphasizing themes of divine justice and the sovereignty of God. While the text does not provide personal details about the prophet's life, his role as a messenger of God underscores his faithfulness and obedience to God's call.

2. Obadiah in the Time of Ahab: Another notable Obadiah is found in 1 Kings 18. This Obadiah served as the palace administrator under King Ahab. Despite the idolatrous practices of Ahab and Jezebel, Obadiah remained faithful to the Lord. He is particularly remembered for his courageous act of hiding one hundred prophets of the Lord in two caves, providing them with food and water during Jezebel's persecution (1 Kings 18:4). This act of bravery and devotion highlights his commitment to God and His people, exemplifying the qualities of a "good child" who honors God above all else.

3. Obadiah in the Lineage of David: In 1 Chronicles 3:21, Obadiah is mentioned as a descendant of David, indicating the continuation of a godly lineage. This reference, while brief, connects Obadiah to the broader narrative of God's covenant with David and the promise of a righteous lineage.

4. Obadiah among the Levites: In 1 Chronicles 9:16, an Obadiah is listed among the Levites who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This inclusion among the Levites, who were set apart for temple service, suggests a life dedicated to worship and service to God, further illustrating the characteristics of a "good child" in biblical terms.

Character Traits of Obadiah

· Faithfulness: Obadiah's life, whether as a prophet or a servant in Ahab's court, is marked by unwavering faithfulness to God. His actions demonstrate a deep commitment to God's commands and a willingness to stand for righteousness, even in the face of danger.

· Courage: The Obadiah who served under Ahab displayed remarkable courage by protecting the prophets of the Lord. His bravery in the face of potential retribution from Jezebel is a testament to his strong faith and moral integrity.

· Obedience: As a prophet, Obadiah's willingness to deliver God's message against Edom reflects his obedience to God's will. This obedience is a key characteristic of a "good child" who seeks to honor God through their actions.

· Service: Whether in the temple or in the king's court, Obadiah's life is characterized by service to God and His people. This dedication to serving others is a hallmark of a life lived in accordance with God's purposes.

Conclusion

The various individuals named Obadiah in the Bible collectively illustrate the qualities of a "good child" who is devoted to God. Through faithfulness, courage, obedience, and service, Obadiah serves as an example for believers seeking to live a life pleasing to the Lord.1 Kings 18:12
And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from you, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry you where I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find you, he shall slay me: but I your servant fear the LORD from my youth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Obadiah
... fear and perplexity, you will find old good deeds, which ... the heavens above them brass;
and Obadiah had found ... Perhaps his children at home were even then crying ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon ix obadiah.htm

Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety
... no gracious parents, I cannot tell how Obadiah came to ... kind teacher, tender nurse,
or perhaps good servant in ... who dared to gather little children round about ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/obadiah or early piety eminent.htm

The Prophecy of Obadiah.
... The prophecy of Obadiah is divided into three parts ... Pg 406] a space for the children
of Israel ... them;" and immediately afterwards the one good shepherd"Christ ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophecy of obadiah.htm

Elijah
... man knew where to find him; and, as Obadiah said when ... you want to be powerful"and
it is good to be ... to govern people, whether it be your children and household ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xix elijah.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... not only gave him her breast-milk, but the sincere milk of the word.' Season your
children with good principles betides, that they may, with Obadiah, fear the ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, his Namesake, King of ...
... 1. Jehoshapat had a good number of children; but he ... 2. For they say that the widow
of Obadiah [7] Ahab's steward, came to him, and said, that he was not ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 jehoram succeeds jehoshaphat.htm

The Voice of Stern Rebuke
... lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which ... And ye shall teach them your
children, speaking of ... to Samaria, Ahab had proposed to Obadiah, the governor ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 10 the voice of.htm

On the Diversity of Spiritual Gifts.
... Yet neither did Elijah despise Obadiah the steward, who feared ... of the lions, nor
the three children who were ... be pious is from any one's good disposition; but ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on the diversity of.htm

The Benefits of an Early Piety
... it, therefore, remarked to the praise of Obadiah, that he ... and oblige them to wish
you good luck in ... of grace by your subscriptions; the many children which are ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the benefits of an early.htm

Malachi
... Obadiah) in poof of that love, i.2-5; and ... faithful Jewish wives who had borne them
children, and married ... difference between the destinies of the good and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/malachi.htm

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