The Writings of Obadiah

Not much is known about the prophet Obadiah except he wrote the shortest book in the Old Testament.  His writing may be short but his message as lasted for centuries and still today gives direction and hope to Christians around the world. 

Obadiah was a faithful man of God who felt deeply betrayed by the Edomites who were his blood relatives. Have you experienced a painful betrayal by someone you love? Have you been able to forgive and move forward with your life?  The Edomites were the descendants of Esau and were bitter enemies of the Jews.  Obadiah, as a prophet of God, teaches that destruction comes to proud and rebellious people but deliverance comes to faithful and humble people. The book of Obadiah tells the story of the bitter family feud that began back in the days of the twin brothers, Jacob and Esau, who were to born to Isaac and Rebekah.   Obadiah writes about a contrast between two natures – the worldly and proud nature represented by Esau and the spiritual nature represented by Jacob.  Jacob was chosen and set apart by God. 

When Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem the Edomites helped by capturing the fleeing Israelites.  The Edomites continued to be like their ancestor Esau, with these evil attitudes of hate, greed and being prideful. They lived in caves in a mountain fortress and they would go on raiding expeditions and then retreat to what they thought was their impregnable fortress.  The Edomites depended only on their own ability.  Obadiah’s message is that we are to depend on God for our protection and safety.

The book of Obadiah closes with the promise of deliverance for the house of Jacob, and that it will possess its inheritance as well as its Holy Land.  Obadiah predicts the coming of the day of the Lord and the establishment of Christ’s Kingdom.