The book of Obadiah

The bitter rooth of treachery

The historical background and purpose of the prophet.

Obadiah probably lived about 850 years BC. It is not sure that he is the author of the book.

The background of Obadiah’s message is in Genesis – and about the brothers Esau (the oldest) and Jacob. Jacob was stealing both inheritance and the blessing of the firstborn brother Esau, by tricking his father. The brothers' relationship was confrontational, and later continued the conflict between the nations that they were the progenitors of: Edom (Esau's descendants) and Israel (Jacob's descendants).

Obadiah speaks to Edom that they must take the consequences of that they rejoiced that Israel was invaded, and opposed them. Edom had also killed refugees from Israel. Since they had ignored previous warnings, God had decided the fall of Edom. They shall cease as a nation, and the neighboring nations will take over the country.

This happened also, since the Edomites disappeared from the area in AD 70, as Obadiah had predicted.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

I think the SVB’s ( 1174) introduction to Obadiah gives a good summary of Obadiah’s message by telling that if I find security in my own strength, I am on shaky ground. God is the only one that can give me true strength and security. This shows Gods character.

Further on tells the scripture in 1:15 about God as a judge: “The day is near when I, the LORD, will judge all godless nations! As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you. All your evil deeds will fall back on your own heads.”

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

It’s not so easy to see Gods redemptive plan in this book, but I wonder if the v.17-18 describes this in a way:

“But Jerusalem will become a refuge for those who escape; it will be a holy place.
And the people of Israel will come back to reclaim their inheritance”.

And the ending verses may also point forward “ Those who have been rescued will go up to Mount Zion in Jerusalem, to rule over the mountains of Edom. And the Lord himself will be King!” v.21