Obadiah

Introduction (from Study Materials published by West Palm Beach Church of Christ)

The book of Obadiah has generally been given two probable dates for its writing: 845 BC or 586 BC. The choice of dates depends largely on identifying the attack on Jerusalem mentioned in verse 12 of the book. If Obadiah is referring to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, the later date would be accepted. However, since there is no mention of a complete desolation or the carrying away of captives, Obadiah probably is referring to a destruction brought about by the Philistines and Arabians (2 Chronicles 21:8-18). Also, the language of Obadiah is much different than that of the time of Jeremiah.

The writer of the introduction at Bible.org places the date at 586 BC, the destruction of Jerusalem.

Text:

1-4 Proud Edom Will Be Brought Low

1 The Vision of Obadiah concerning Edom. No one can be sure of the identification of the prophet. The book doesn’t identify him, nor do other OT books or historical background. (from Bible.org.)

2-4 Though Edom is a proud country, God will make them the least among all the nations.

5-9 Pillage and Slaughter will Repay Edom’s Cruelty

5-6 Those who plunder you will leave nothing behind.

7-9 Your friends have deceived you and set a trap for you; the LORD will destroy both your wise and your warriors.

10-16 Edom Mistreated His Brother

10-11 You will be cut off for the way you treated your brother Jacob; you stood by and helped those who destroyed Jerusalem.

12-14 You should not have gloated over the destruction of Jerusalem, preventing fugitives from escaping, handing over survivors.

15-16 Your deeds will return on your own head.

17-21 Israel’s Final Triumph

17-18 Jacob shall become a fire that consumes the house of Esau.

19-21 The wanderers and exiles of Judah will possess Edom; those who have been saved shall “go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’s.”