Obadiah

Obadiah

Finding the Context:

The book of Obadiah was written to the people of Judah (1:17-21). We see this because God is promising at the end of the book to restore Israel and Judah. The author is the prophet Obadiah (1:1). We do not know much else about him. The main theme of Obadiah is injustice (1:10-14). Edom had been taking advantage of the fact that Israel was being punished. During Israel’s time of need, Edom took their wealth, gloated when they were exiled, rejoiced in their suffering and acted like their enemy despite the fact that they were Israel’s relatives, being descendants of Esau. Obadiah was written to encourage Judah and inform them that God knew about the way they had been treated. He wanted them to know that He was going to eventually take vengeance on Edom and restore Judah (1:17-21).

Theme Tracing:

1.     What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

God is ultimately portrayed as a God of justice (1:15). He is the just Judge who sees everything. Nothing escapes His eye and He will act for those who are treated unjustly.  God’s people do not need to fear when they are treated wrongly because God is a God who sees injustice and He is the One who takes vengeance on those who treat others wrongly.

2.     What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

God’s redemptive plan is given in 1:17,20,21. God promises to bring back His people and give them their inheritance. He says that His people will come back to Jerusalem. He then ends the book stating that “The Lord Himself will be king” which could be seen as announcing the future coming of the Messiah as king.