Obadiah
Prophet Against Edom
c. 586-580 BCE
Biography
Obadiah probably prophesied in the years immediately after Jerusalem's fall in 586 BCE. Edom, Israel's cousin-nation (descended from Esau), had not only failed to help Judah but had joined in the looting and celebrated the destruction (Ps 137:7; Lam 4:21-22). Obadiah's oracle promises Edom's own destruction: "As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head" (Ob 15). The prophecy concludes with restoration promise: "saviors shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD's" (Ob 21). The eschatological reversal is part of the Day-of-the-Lord tradition.
Key Verses
“As you have done, it shall be done to you”
“in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape”
“the kingdom shall be the LORD's”
Spiritual Significance
Obadiah's judgment on Edom applies the principle that God holds nations accountable for their treatment of his people.
Typological Connection
The eschatological "kingdom shall be the LORD's" anticipates Christ's kingdom.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Compact prophetic force; clear eschatological vision.
Weaknesses
None recorded.
Lessons
God holds nations accountable. Cousin-betrayal is especially grievous. Judgment on oppressors is also salvation for the oppressed.
Related Characters
Edom
object of prophecy