The name "Obadiah"means "servant of the Lord". Nothing is known about this prophet beyond his identification with this short book, The date of Obadiah is debated, with theories ranging from the ninth century to the fourth century B. C. The most likely date for this book is either the ninth century (which would make Obadiah a contemporary of Elisha) or shortly after the exile (586 B.C., which would make him a contemporary of Jeremiah). The question revolves around which event in Israel's history Obadiah 11-14 refers to: (1) the invasion of Jerusalem during the reign of Jehoram (853-841 B. C., -- II Chronicles 21: 8 - 20), or (2) the Babylonian attacks on Jerusalem (605-586.)
Obadiah predicts God's judgment in the destruction and extinction of the kingdom of Edom. The Edomites, who were the descendants of Esau, prided themselves in the security of their mountain strongholds upon Mount Seir, south of the Dead Sea. They ridiculed the people of Judah in their misfortunes, at the hands of invaders. Beginning, in the ninth century B. C., the Edomites themselves participated in at least four plunderings of Jerusalem.
The Edomite invasion in the days of Jehoram king of Judah (II Kings 8: 20; II Chronicles 21:16 - 17) may have been the occasion for Obadiah's prophecy. By the time Malachi's prophecy, about 430 B. C., this prediction of Edom's expulsion from Mount Seir by the Nabatean Arabs may have been a reality more after the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
The Doom of Edom
Above is a portion of an archaeologist drawing of the area of Edom. Edom was the rocky range of mountains east of the Arabah, stretching about 100 miles north and south, and about 20 miles east and west. It was well watered, with abundant pasturage.
PETRA, carved high in a perpendicular cliff, overlooking a valley of marvellous beauty, far back in the mountain canyons, was the capital. Edomites would go out on raiding expeditions, and then retreat to their impregnable strongholds high up in the rock gorges.
The Vision
This is the vision that the Sovereign Lord revealed to Obadiah concerning the land of Edom.
We have heard a message from the Lord that an ambassodor was sent to the nations to say, "Get ready, everyone! Let's assemble our armies and attack Edom!" The Lord says, "I will cut you down to size among the nations, Edom; you will be small and despised. You are proud because you live in a rock fortress and make your home high in the mountains..
Who can ever reach us way up here?" you ask boastfully.
Edom had rejoiced over the misfortunes of both Israel and Judah, and yet the Edomites and Jews descended from two borthers..Esau and Jacob. But just as these two brothers were constantly fighting, so were Israel and Edom. God pronounced judgment on Edom for its callous and malicious actions toward his people.
They considered Petra a city impregnable because it was cut into rock cliffs and set in a canyon that could be entered only through a narrow gap. What Edom
perceived as its strengths would be its downfall.
God would send them plummeting from the heights, and they would be humbled, thieves would come in and steal all their wealth, God would cause their allies to turn against Edom and the so-called wise would be destroyed. Edom was noted for its wise men. There is a difference, however, between human wisdom and God's wisdom. The Edomites may have been wise in the ways of the world, but they were foolish because they ignored and even mocked God.
Obadiah gave God's message to the Edomites. Because of their indifference to and defiance of God, their cowardice and pride, and their treachery toward their brothers in Judah, they stood condemned and would be destroyed.
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Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, and gives a dramatic example of God's response to anyone who would harm his children.
This concise prophecy ends with a description of the "day of the LORD" when judgment will fall on all who have harmed God's people.
Today, God's holy nation is His church...all who have trusted Christ fro their salvation and have given their lived to him. These men and women are God's born-again and adopted children. As you read this book, catch a glimpse of what it means to be God's child, under His love and protection. See h oww the heavenly Father responds to all who would attack those whom he loves.
GOD IS LOVE
In olden days the Bible tells,
of men who tried God and failed.
They wanted to be the strong and wise,
But learned His ways would abide.
After prophets and visions told
alas, they learned not to be so bold.
Giving in was hard to do,
Even then God's love shown through.
His infinite plan for all ages,
would be put in place by stages.
Until, the FULLNESS OF HIS GRACE
Would cover the earth and be displayed.
AND HIS LOVE WILL SEE YOU THROUGH
THESE TRYING TIMES....
Compiled and Written by
Shirley Barr ~ JULY 10, 2005
References used: Application Study Bible
Halley's Bible Handbook
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