Obadiah

1–14 The short book of Obadiah divides into two main sections: Obad 1–14 and Obad 15–21. The first follows the typical prophetic genre of an oracle against the nations. This oracle is directed entirely against Edom, Judah’s neighbor to the southeast. The picture of Edom gloating over Jerusalem’s downfall—probably at the hands of the Babylonians in 586 bc—is similarly criticized in oracles of Ezekiel (Ezek 25:12–14; 35:1–15). Isaiah and Jeremiah also include oracles of judgment against Edom (Isa 34:5–17; Jer 49:7–22).

Introduction to Obadiah

The Minor Prophets

How to Study the Bible

1 The vision of Signifies a revelation given by Yahweh; a common phrase used by the prophets. See note on Isa 1:1.

Prophetic Commissioning and the Divine Presence

Obadiah Meaning “servant of Yahweh”; fitting for his prophetic service to his people. Obadiah the prophet is unknown outside of the book bearing his name.

concerning Edom Obadiah is commanded to bring forth a message of judgment on one of Judah’s closest neighbors. See Jer 49:7 and note.

Oracles against the Nations Table

We have heard a report Obadiah’s phrasing in Obad 1–4 is substantially similar to Jer 49:14–16. Obadiah also shares common Hebrew phrases as well as concepts with Joel, Amos, and Ezekiel (compare Joel 2:32; 3:19–20; Amos 9:12; Ezek 35), so there may have been a common stock of prophetic phrases that Jeremiah and Obadiah both adapted for their oracles against Edom.

a messenger Judah has received information from Yahweh concerning Edom and has obediently sent out a messenger.

the nations The Hebrew term here is commonly used for non-Jewish people (Gentiles). Yahweh calls for Judah to send out a messenger to other nations so they can help destroy Edom.

Gentiles

let us rise against it for battle The message to the nations involves two aspects of faith: rising to action and following through with the commandment (up to and including battle).

2 insignificant among the nations. You will be utterly despised Edom was never very large in terms of population or territory. This proclamation emphasizes their general insignificance on the larger world stage. Not only will they be insignificant but others will also look on them with contempt.

3 The pride of your heart Pride is often emphasized as the cardinal sin of the nations, resting in their own power and opposing Yahweh (e.g., Isa 14:13–15; Jer 48:29; Ezek 28:1; compare note on Isa 2:12–18.

the clefts of a rock Edom was a mountainous region south and east of the Dead Sea. The Hebrew word for “rock” or “cliff” also is the name of an Edomite fortress (Sela; see 2 Kgs 14:7).

Who can bring me down to the ground A rhetorical question highlighting Edom’s complacent trust in their impregnable mountain security. Yahweh will answer the rhetorical question in Obad 4.

5 thieves came to you Obadiah appears to be expanding on Jer 49:9, reversing the references—first thieves, then grape gatherers—and inserting the line about plunderers.

6 Esau has been pillaged Using the name of Esau to stand for the entire country of Edom (compare Jer 49:10), just like the name of Jacob is often used to refer to Israel (e.g., Hos 12:2). On Esau, see note on Gen 25:25.

7 have prevailed against you Compare Jer 38:22.

8 the wise men from Edom Edom had a reputation for wisdom. Compare Jer 49:7.

the mountain of Esau Referring to Edom in this way is unique to Obadiah (Obad 9, 19, 21).

9 O Teman An important Edomite city. See Jer 49:7 and note.

10 Because of the violence done to Probably alludes to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 bc, but the narrative of this event in 2 Kgs 25 doesn’t mention the Edomites being involved. They are likely being criticized for their inaction (see Obad 11 and note).

11 On the day you stood nearby Biblical tradition blames Edom for cruelly gloating over Jerusalem’s demise (Psa 137:7; Ezek 25:12–14; 35:12–14; Lam 4:21–22). Here, their offense appears to be standing idly by and not attempting to assist Judah.

strangers took his wealth The Babylonians took the treasures from the temple before they burned it down (2 Kgs 25:13–17).

cast lots over Jerusalem The practice of casting lots was used to divide the spoils of war. See note on Joel 3:3.

like one of them In terms of guilt, Edom may as well have actively assisted Babylon. Their inaction and gloating over their neighbor’s fall made them complicit in the greater crimes.

12–14 The series of eight statements in Obad 12–14 are worded as divine prohibitions that Edom should obey. The detail describing the actions suggests this is a literary device referring to past offenses and framing them as divine prohibitions to emphasize Edom’s guilt. An alternative way of understanding the eight “do not” statements is translating them as “you should not have”—scolding them for past mistakes instead of commanding future obedience.

12 you should not have opened your mouth wide on the day of distress Compare Psa 137:7.

13 you should not have stretched out your hands to his wealth Edom did expand into some of the former territory of southern Judah after 586 bc. Compare Ezek 35:10 and note.

14 to cut off his fugitives Instead of offering a safe refuge for the survivors of Judah, Edom apparently killed or captured them.

15–21 The second part of Obadiah focuses on Yahweh’s final judgment of the nations and the corresponding restoration of His chosen people.

15 the day of Yahweh The Day of Yahweh is a time of judgment against the nations of the world for their opposition to His rule. See note on Joel 1:15.

Just as you have done, it will be done to you Compare Ezek 35:15.

16 all the nations will drink continually Obadiah’s language here presupposes the fully developed metaphor of the cup of wrath from Jer 25:15–29; 49:12 (see note on Jer 25:15).

my holy mountain A reference to Zion, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

17 Mount Zion there will be an escape Compare Joel 2:32.

18 the house of Jacob will be a fire Referring to Israel as the agent of judgment against Edom. Compare the wording of Isa 10:17.

the house of Joseph Referring to Israel as a whole. Joseph was a son of Jacob and father of Ephraim and Manasseh. The territories of Ephraim and Manasseh formed the core of the northern kingdom’s territory. See note on Hos 4:17.

19 Those of the Negev Each region of Israel is depicted as taking possession of the nearest disputed territory or enemy territory. See note on Isa 21:1; note on Jer 32:44.

those of the Shephelah The Shephelah consisted of the western foothills of Judah on the border of the coastal plain, which was primarily the territory of the Philistines. See Jer 32:44 and note.

the Philistines See note on 1 Sam 4:1.

Ephraim See note on Hos 4:17.

Samaria See note on Jer 31:5.

Benjamin The tribal territory between Judah and Ephraim. Benjamin was usually part of the southern kingdom. Here, the tribe is allotted the fertile Gilead region, across the Jordan to the northeast.

Gilead A region east of the Jordan River. See note on Jer 8:22.

20 Zarephath A Phoenician coastal village in the region of Sidon (see 1 Kgs 17:9). See note on Ezek 26:1–28:19.

in Sepharad Probably Sardis in western Asia Minor. Exiles from distant lands will return to reclaim their share of the promised land.