[Errors in the King James Bible]
The book of Obadiah is considered one the twelve writings collectively referred to as the Minor Prophets. Among this group it is the fourth youngest, with only Haggai (520 B.C.), Zechariah (520 to 518) and Malachi (c. 400) being younger. It is also the smallest writing of all the Minor Prophets.
[Timeline of the Minor Prophets]
Obadiah's book is additionally a part of the second of three major Old Testament divisions known as the Prophets. The other two sections are the Law and the Writings (Psalms).
Date Written, Location
The book of Obadiah was written in 590 B.C. likely from Edom.
The Author
Almost nothing is known about Obadiah. The Bible does not record where he lived, how God called him to be a prophet, his occupation when he was called and so on.
[Israel and Judah's Captivity Map]
[Israel's Migration After Captivity Map]
About all we know is that Obadiah wrote in 590 B.C. when the Kingdom of Judah's last ruler, King Zedekiah, sat on the throne. The king would rule for only four more years, however, until 586 when the Babylonians overran the kingdom for the last time. The king was captured by Babylon's Nebuchadnezzar and had his eyes put out. He was then bound with fetters and taken captive to Babylon (2Kings 25).
The Bible is also silent regarding the death of Obadiah. One tradition places his final resting place in Sebastia (Sebaste) in the northern part of the modern West Bank of Israel.
Time Period
Obadiah's prophecies against Edom were written after the Babylonian Empire attacked Judah and Jerusalem both in 605 and 597 B.C.
[Was Babylon the Greatest Empire?]
Obadiah Chapter Outline
Chpt. 1: The central theme of the book of Obadiah is God's condemnation of Edom.
Edom is first judged for its pride based on its belief that its high mountainous location protected it not only from invaders but also God's judgment.
The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? (Obadiah 1:3).
The Edomites are related to Israel through Esau who was the twin brother of Jacob (later renamed Israel). Edom is further condemned for continuing to seek revenge against Israel and actively seeking its destruction rather than aiding their brothers (Obadiah 1:10 - 14).
[Division of Promised Land Map]
This short book closes by revealing God will restore Jacob's (Israel's) fortunes and give his people their full inheritance in the Promised Land. They will then be used to utterly destroy Edom after which they will take full control of their land (Obadiah 1:17 - 20).