Obadiah: The kingdom will belong to the LORD

Where Obadiah sits

In the story

Act IV, Israel · Exile, c. 605–539 BC

In the Bible

Old Testament · Prophets · book 31 of 66

Before it in the story

Lamentations

After it in the story

Ezekiel

Obadiah follows Jerusalem’s grief with the promise that Edom’s betrayal will be judged and the LORD’s people restored.

Obadiah summary

Edom trusts its heights, allies, wisdom and warriors, but the LORD announces its downfall. Its violence against brother Jacob includes delight in Jerusalem’s distress, plunder and betrayal of fugitives. The judgment matches these deeds. The warning then reaches all nations, while Zion receives a promise of deliverance, holiness and restored inheritance. The kingdom belongs to the LORD.

Obadiah in context

Written by

Obadiah, named in the opening verse; his family and personal history are not supplied.

Written to

Judah’s people hear judgment concerning Edom and hope for their own restoration.

Setting

Edom lies south and east of the Dead Sea. The prophecy concerns its hostility during a foreign attack on Jerusalem, most naturally the Babylonian destruction.

When

Probably soon after Jerusalem’s fall, conventionally dated 586 BC; some chronologies use 587 BC. Earlier dates have also been proposed.

Why

To expose proud security and betrayal, assure the afflicted of God’s justice and announce His saving reign.

Themes of Obadiah

• Pride brought down
• A brother betrayed
• Justice for all nations
• Deliverance and the kingdom

Obadiah chapter by chapter

1. 1
   Obadiah 1: The kingdom will belong to the LORD

   The LORD judges Edom’s pride and violence, brings the nations to account and restores His people under His reign.

See the outline of Obadiah