Obadiah- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: Obadiah
• Audience: The people of the kingdom of Judah and the Edomites
• Original Hebrew Name: עבדיה
• Translated Greek Name: Ὀβδιού
• Common English Name: Obadiah
• Transliteration: Ovadyah
• Meaning: Servant of Yah
• Date Created: c 882-870 BCE (or possibly 626-586 BCE)
• Content Reference Time: c 580-500 BCE
• Key Individuals:
  • The Edomites
• Key Themes:
  • The destruction of Edom for their indifference when Judah was attacked (Obadiah 1-16)
  • The restoration of Israel and the house of Jacob (Obadiah 17-21)
• Date Canonized: c 499-100 BCE
• Abstract:

  Obadiah is the shortest book in the Tanakh.  It is a prophecy against the Edomites for their collusion with the Babylonians after the destruction of Jerusalem. The Edomites occupied some Judean villages and actively helped the Babylonians capture Israelites who were fleeing the destruction of Jerusalem. Edomites (descendants of Esau) were related to the Israelites and should have helped them but instead betrayed them. Their betrayal angered G-d, who delivered a message through Obadiah that He would repay Edom for their treachery and that their dealings would "return on their own head." Obadiah also prophesied that in His faithfulness to His people, G-d would restore the house of Jacob.

• Location Created: unknown
• Content Location: Edom, Jerusalem
• Teaches:
  • G-d requires justice.
  • G-d humbles the prideful and the haughty.
• Chapters: 1
• Verses: 21