The Old Testament Book of Obadiah continues the minor prophets section and is the shortest book of the Hebrew Bible. Scholars named the book after the Hebrew word for “servant of Ya[weh]” and little to no information is known about the author themselves.

They can place it in the historic timeline as it addresses a nation to Judah’s east, Edom, that did not support Judah when Babylon attacked and possibly even helped. And, as the New Oxford Annotated Bible notes, Obadiah “makes three interlocking claims: Edom, a nation east of Judah, is currently in distress; this distress is just recompense of for its treatment of Judah, its brother; and in a future reversal of fortunes Judah’ exile will possess the land of Edom.”

What is remarkably interesting archaeologically about the area of Edom and surrounding countries, is how they are able to confirm the instability of the region with their exploration and discoveries. Following these countries integration into Babylon, the Jewish community symbolically used the term ‘Edom’ to refer to any nation who oppose God.

Obadiah 1:1-4

“The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom: We have heard a report from the Lord, and a messenger has been sent among the nations: “Rise up! Let us rise against it for battle!” ²I will surely make you least among the nations; you shall be utterly despised. ³Your proud heart has deceived you, you that live in the clefts of the rock, whose dwelling is in the heights. You say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?” ⁴Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, says the Lord.”

Prayer

Almighty God, we have seen your great power and yet, love in our lives. May we live not as the people of Edom, but always as people of your holy mountain. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.