Minor Prophets · Old Testament
Obadiah
c. 586 BC
- Section
- Minor Prophets · Old Testament
- Events span
- c. 586 BC
- Written
- c. 586 BC critical view: c. 586–550 BC
- Author
- Obadiah critical view: Obadiah (otherwise unknown)
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.
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
“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.”