Obadiah - Authorized King James Version (KJV)

Introduction

Obadiah is a prophetic book in the Old Testament that communicates divine messages of warning, judgment, and hope to God's people. The prophecies combine historical relevance to their original audience with enduring theological significance and, in some cases, messianic predictions.

Like other biblical prophetic literature, Obadiah addresses covenant violations, calls for repentance, and proclaims both divine judgment and promised restoration. The prophecies demonstrate God's righteousness, sovereignty over history, and faithful commitment to His covenant purposes.

Throughout Obadiah, readers encounter powerful imagery, poetic language, and symbolic actions that reinforce the prophetic message. The book reveals God's perspective on historical events and human affairs, often challenging conventional wisdom and cultural assumptions.

Historical Context

Obadiah addresses Edom's betrayal of Judah, most likely during the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem (586 BCE). Edom's cooperation with Babylon and expansion into southern Judah created lasting animosity reflected in the prophecy.

Edomite Relations

Despite kinship ties through Esau and Jacob, Edom and Israel maintained complex and often hostile relationships. Edom's strategic location controlling trade routes between Arabia and the Mediterranean made it a significant regional power.

Major Themes

The book develops several significant theological themes:

Divine Judgment

God's righteous response to persistent sin demonstrates His holiness and justice. This judgment particularly addresses covenant violations, idolatry, social injustice, and religious hypocrisy.

Repentance and Restoration

God's judgment aims at restoration, with calls to return to covenant faithfulness. The book presents God's willingness to forgive and restore those who genuinely repent.

The Day of the LORD

The prophetic anticipation of divine intervention brings both judgment for the wicked and vindication for the faithful. This eschatological focus places present circumstances in the context of God's ultimate purposes.

Messianic Hope

Promises of a coming deliverer point toward God's ultimate solution to human sin and suffering. These messianic prophecies maintain hope even in the darkest circumstances.

Key Passages

Read Complete Obadiah Commentary

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
2 Timothy 2:15