Page 46 - The Minor Prophets - Student textbook

Study Section 8: The Book of Obadiah

8.1 Connect

Obadiah did not have much to say as he wrote the shortest book in the Old Testament, only
one chapter in length. But what he said in a very few words was a powerful message to the
Edomites who lived in Edom, a country to the south and west of Judah. They were relatives
of the Jews. As kin, they should have been supportive of God’s working with Israel, but in
fact, opposed Israel in about every way possible. As we will see, Obadiah basically shared
with the Edomites that their opposition against Israel would result in their TOTAL
destruction. After God’s judgment, all of Edom and its inhabitants would be no more. You would think
that the Edomites would listen to Obadiah, but as with most of the Minor Prophets, few listened and
repented of their evil ways. Let’s see how all that works out…..

8.2 Objectives

1. The student should be able to describe the purpose of the writing of Obadiah.

2. The student should be able to state the audience to whom the book was written.

3. The student should be able to answer the key questions presented in the lesson.

8.3 The Book of Obadiah

From https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Obadiah.html

(Pictured to the right is an Edomite goddess Qitmit)

Author: Obadiah verse 1 identifies the author of the Book of
Obadiah as the Prophet Obadiah.

Date of Writing: The Book of Obadiah was likely written between 848
and 840 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, is
only 21 verses long. Obadiah is a prophet of God who uses this opportunity to condemn Edom for sins
against both God and Israel. The Edomites are descendants of Esau and the Israelites are descendants
of his twin brother, Jacob. A quarrel between the brothers has affected their descendants for over
1,000 years. This division caused the Edomites to forbid Israel to cross their land during the Israelites'
Exodus from Egypt. Edom's sins of pride now require a strong word of judgment from the Lord.

Key Verses:

Obadiah verse 4, "Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I
will bring you down," declares the LORD."

Obadiah verse 12, "You should not look down on your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice

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