Lifespan

Unknown.

Ministry

Mostly unknown. Probably a prophet of Judah who prophesied after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.

Preparation and Calling

Unknown.

Interaction with God

According to the words of Obadiah, the contents of his book came to him in a vision.

Social Situation

Edom and Judah had been political rivals for a considerable time. The inhabitants of Judah felt that Edom had wronged them on a number of occasions, including denying passage to Moses and the Israelites when they were moving to Canaan. This vision describes how God will take vengeance on Edom and how Israel will return from captivity to rebuild the temple.

Key Teachings

God’s power is sure and will rule when and where He desires. Obadiah also speaks of saviors on Mount Zion, which has reference to salvation for the dead.

Living with the Prophet

The book of Obadiah is only 21 verses long, but it teaches something very important. In verse 15, the text reads: “As thou has done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.” Sometimes this principle is known as the Law of the Harvest, meaning that whatever we reap, we sow. What we do to others will be done to us. Think back on this past week. How have you treated others? Would you like to be treated in the same way? If you are not pleased with the way you answered these questions, change your ways. Now.

Sources

Learning Bible, the book of Obadiah

Holy Bible, the book of Obadiah

Oxford Companion to the Bible, s.v. “Obadiah, the Book of”