Minor Prophets · Old Testament
Obadiah
c. 586 BC
- Section
- Minor Prophets · Old Testament
- Events span
- c. 586 BC
- Written
- c. 586 BC
- Author
- Obadiah
The shortest book in the Old Testament, Obadiah is a single oracle against Edom (the nation descended from Esau) for its violence and gloating when Babylon sacked Jerusalem. It warns that “as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee,” and promises deliverance on Mount Zion.
Historical setting: Most likely Judah just after Jerusalem's fall to Babylon, betrayed and plundered by neighboring Edom.
Chronological placement: Most likely written just after Babylon's destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, which the Edomites cheered.
Key themes
- Judgment on Edom
- Pride goes before a fall
- Divine justice
- The day of the LORD
- Deliverance for Zion
Key events
- God announces judgment on Edom, whose pride in its mountain strongholds has deceived it
- Edom is condemned for its violence and gloating when Jerusalem was destroyed
- The day of the LORD is near for all nations: "as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee"
- Deliverance will come on Mount Zion, and the kingdom will be the LORD's
Key lessons
- Pride deceives; Edom trusted its mountain fortresses and thought itself untouchable, but no height puts anyone beyond God’s reach. Obad 3–4
- How we treat God’s people matters to him; Edom is judged not only for violence but for standing by and gloating when a brother nation fell. Obad 10–12
- Judgment is not the end of the story: deliverance comes on Mount Zion, and the kingdom will belong to the LORD. Obad 21
“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.”