Journal: Emmaus Journal
Volume: EMJ 14:1 (Summer 2005)
Article: Obadiah: Accountability in Relationships
Author: Bob Spender

Obadiah:
Accountability in Relationships

Bob Spender

Introduction and Background

Obadiah has been identified as one of the most neglected of the Minor Prophets, yet this little book, marked by powerful emotions and vivid imagery, records an important message from the Lord. Any investment of time in reading and rereading this book is well spent.

Author

Nothing more is known of Obadiah than what can be gleaned from his book. His name means “Servant of the Lord” (Yahweh), and none of the other eleven Obadiah’s of the Bible appear to be the same individual, although later Jewish tradition identified him as the prophetic protector of Ahab’s reign (1 Kings 18:3–16). Most likely he was from Judah, and he may have witnessed the fall of Jerusalem. If so, his prophecy may well combine prior warnings with a later perspective.

Date

Jerusalem’s destruction is the key event for dating the book, but consideration should also be given to its language, literary links, and location among the Minor Prophets. The ninth century destruction of Jerusalem by the Philistines and Arabs (2 Chron. 21:16–17) or the Babylonian destruction of 586 BC (2 Kings 25:1–17) surface as the most plausible occasions for dating the book. While

EMJ 14:1 (Summer 2005) p. 76

arguments for both dates can be mustered, the mention of exiles (v. 20) along with references to the past (vv. 11, 15) suggest the Babylonian destruction as the better choice. In addition, Edom’s involvement in the sixth century destruction is clearly attested by Scripture (Ps. 137:7; cf. Lam. 4:21–22), while the nation’s involvement in any ninth century destruction is unknown.

Message

Obadiah spoke to Edom, the survivors of Judah, and the surrounding nations, but like all biblical prophets his message has relevance for God’s people today. More people seem to know that Obadiah is the shortest Old Testament book than what it is about. Primarily the book is about God’s judgment upon Edom for crimes done to his people. In addition, it is about the responsibility of one person to another under the ultimate sovereignty of God.

Structure

The book of Obadiah can be divided into three sections. In the first section (vv. 1–9) the Lord speaks about Edom and to Edom. “Esau” and “Edom” occur five times in these nine verses that are characterized by direct address, as the Lord announces, “I will bring you down,” (v. 4).1 The next section (vv. 10–14) is marked by the repetition of the phrase “on/in the day” and points to the time when the Edomites rejoiced over the destruction of Israel, even aiding the enemy in that destruction. Finally, the prophet turns from the day of Edom’s guilt to the day of the Lord’s judgment as his message spreads out to encompass all nations in a future time of judgment called the Day of the Lord (vv. 15–21). The twenty-one verses that begin with a report from the Lord end with the reminder that the kingdom belongs to the Lord.

Short as it is, the book...