Introduction of the Book of Obadiah – Commentary and Explanation
Alright, let’s talk about a book you probably don’t hear much about. It’s short. Real short. Just one chapter, in fact. But don’t let that fool you. The Book of Obadiah might be the smallest book in the Old Testament, but it’s got a powerful punch. It’s not just some obscure prophetic rant tucked away in the dusty corners of Scripture. Nope. It’s relevant. It’s sharp. And it’s a message we still need to hear today.
So, who was Obadiah? Why did he write this short but intense prophecy? And why should we care?
That’s what this Study is all about. We’re gonna unpack it—bit by bit—and get to the heart of what God was saying back then... and what He’s still saying now.
Who Was Obadiah?
To be honest, we don’t know a whole lot about Obadiah. His name means "servant of the Lord" or “worshiper of Yahweh,” which is beautiful in itself. But there’s no big family history, no fancy introduction, no dramatic backstory. He just kind of appears, says what needs to be said, and that’s it.
Some scholars think Obadiah might’ve been a court official under King Ahab (1 Kings 18), the one who hid the prophets from Jezebel. Others think it was someone else entirely—maybe just a prophet who lived during the time when Jerusalem was invaded, likely around the 6th century BC, maybe during or just after the Babylonian exile. But truthfully, we can’t pin it down for sure.
And maybe that’s the point. This isn’t about Obadiah the man—it’s about Obadiah’s message. And boy, that message is loaded.
What’s This Book About?
The Book of Obadiah is mainly about judgment. But not just any judgment. It’s a very specific one—it’s God’s judgment on Edom.
Now, who is Edom, and why are they getting called out?
Edom was a nation descended from Esau, Jacob’s brother. Remember the whole Jacob-and-Esau sibling rivalry back in Genesis? Yeah. That beef didn’t die off with them. It kept going for generations—centuries, actually. Edom and Israel were like feuding cousins, always at odds.
And what really set God off here in Obadiah is Edom’s pride and how they treated Israel—especially when Israel was down and broken.
Let’s walk through it.
Pride Comes Before the Fall
“The pride of your heart has deceived you…” (Obadiah 1:3)
Edom thought they were untouchable. Their cities were built in high places, up in the rocks, like little mountain fortresses. They looked down on everyone—literally and figuratively. They trusted in their location, their alliances, their wisdom. They were full of themselves.
But God saw it all. And He wasn’t impressed.
Pride is one of those sneaky sins, isn’t it? It can creep in when you feel secure, successful, or superior. Edom had all three going for them. And instead of using their strength to help their brother nation—Israel—they used it to mock, to loot, and to betray.
This wasn’t just about geography or politics. This was about the heart. And God hates a proud heart.
And here’s the thing: Edom didn’t just passively sit by when Jerusalem was being attacked. They stood there and watched, cheered it on, and even joined in. That’s what makes this prophecy burn so hot.
When Brothers Betray
“On the day you stood aloof… you were like one of them.” (Obadiah 1:11)
God holds Edom accountable for what they did—and what they didn’t do. Sometimes sin isn’t just in the action. It’s in the inaction. In the silence. In the shrugging of shoulders while others suffer.
Edom’s betrayal was deeply personal. These were relatives. These were brothers. There was supposed to be loyalty, even if they didn’t get along all the time.
Instead, Edom became opportunistic scavengers, taking advantage of Israel’s pain. They looted Jerusalem after the Babylonians had come through. They cut down survivors trying to escape. They turned them over to the enemy.
Cold. Ruthless. Heartless.
No wonder God speaks with such force through Obadiah. There’s a divine fury behind these words. Not out of pettiness, but out of justice.
Because you don’t mess with God’s people and think you’ll just walk away clean.
God Sees, God Judges
“As you have done, it shall be done to you…” (Obadiah 1:15)
This is one of the heaviest verses in the book. And one of the most sobering.
There’s a boomerang effect to sin. You throw it out, and eventually, it comes back around. What Edom did to others would be done to them. What they dished out—they’d have to swallow.
That’s justice. Divine justice.
And it’s not just about Edom anymore. In verse 15, the focus shifts:
“For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations.”
All the nations. Now this prophecy goes global.
Edom might’ve been the specific target, but their behavior is a picture of what God detests in all people—pride, cruelty, betrayal, gloating over others’ suffering.
And here’s something to sit with: God keeps track. He sees it all. Nothing escapes His eyes. Every injustice, every act of oppression, every time someone stands by while evil runs rampant—He sees.
That’s both comforting and terrifying, depending on where you stand.
A Future for Jacob
Now, here’s where the tone shifts.
Up to this point, it’s been all judgment, judgment, judgment. But then, starting in verse 17, we get a glimpse of hope.
“But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy…” (Obadiah 1:17)
God’s not done with Israel. Even though they’ve been wounded, defeated, exiled—there’s still a future. A remnant will return. Holiness will be restored. And the house of Jacob (Israel) will take possession of what was once lost.
There’s a beautiful reversal happening here.
The very ones who were looted will reclaim. The ones betrayed will be vindicated. The ones scattered will be gathered.
Obadiah closes with this line:
“The kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” (Obadiah 1:21)
That’s the big picture. The headline over all history. God wins. His kingdom prevails. Not Edom’s. Not Babylon’s. Not any earthly empire. But God’s rule.
Why Obadiah Matters Today
Okay, so maybe you’re wondering... this is all interesting history and theology, but what does Obadiah have to do with me right now?
A lot, actually.
Let’s pull out some modern applications:
1. Pride is still dangerous
Whether it’s personal pride, national arrogance, or even religious pride—God still opposes it. Pride blinds us. It deceives us into thinking we’re safe, strong, in control. Just like Edom.
And just like Edom, that pride can lead to a fall.
So yeah, we’ve got to check our hearts. Where have we become too confident in ourselves? Where have we stopped leaning on God?
2. We’re responsible for how we treat others—especially in their pain
Edom stood aloof when Judah was down. Worse—they exploited the moment. That’s a warning.
Are we stepping in when people are hurting, or are we standing back? Are we helping, or are we using their pain for our gain (even subtly)?
Let’s not be like Edom.
3. God is a God of justice
He may not bring it on our timeline, but He will bring it. The wicked won’t get away forever. The silent sufferers won’t be forgotten.
And honestly? That gives me peace. Because the world feels unfair a lot of the time. But Obadiah reminds us—justice is coming.
4. There is restoration on the other side of judgment
God doesn’t judge just to destroy. He judges to purify, to restore, to redeem. Mount Zion will be holy again. There will be escape. There will be possession.
And that points us to Jesus. The ultimate fulfillment. The One who brings justice and mercy together on the cross.
A Few Final Thoughts
I think one of the biggest lessons from Obadiah is this: Don’t underestimate the “small stuff.”
Small book. Big message.
Sometimes, the things we skip over, the verses we ignore, the prophets we’ve never really read—those are the ones holding the word we need to hear the most.
Obadiah teaches us that God pays attention to how people treat one another. That nations are accountable for how they use their power. That pride is deadly. That brotherhood matters. And that, ultimately, God’s kingdom will reign.
It’s a short book—but it reads like a thunderstorm. Quick, intense, and unforgettable.
Some Personal Reflection Questions
Let’s wrap this up with some real-life reflection. Because Bible study ain’t just about head knowledge—it’s about heart transformation.
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Where have I let pride creep into my life?
Maybe I think I’ve got it all figured out. Maybe I’m trusting more in my strength, my bank account, my achievements than in God. Time to humble myself.
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Have I ever stood aloof when someone needed help?
It’s easy to stay uninvolved. But silence can sometimes speak louder than words. Am I doing what I can?
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Do I gloat when others fall?
Even just a little? Even internally? That quiet “they got what they deserved” voice? Yeah… God sees that too.
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Do I believe God is still just and still in control, even when I don’t see it?
That’s tough sometimes. But Obadiah says yes. Justice will roll down. Eventually.
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Am I living like the kingdom belongs to God—or to me?
That last verse? It’s not just a closing line. It’s the whole point. “The kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” That’s the banner over everything.
Final Word
So yeah, Obadiah might only take 2 minutes to read, but it’ll linger a whole lot longer if we really let it sink in.
Let’s not be Edom—proud, passive, and cruel.
Let’s be like Christ—humble, engaged, and full of mercy.
And let’s remember: even in the chaos of betrayal, injustice, and destruction... God is writing a bigger story. One that ends with His kingdom, His justice, His glory.
Thanks for sticking with me through this intro. Now go read that little book. Out loud if you can. Let the words echo.
You'll never see it the same again.
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