Obadiah — Introduction & Outline

Nothing is known of the author except that his name means "Servant of YHWH." Twelve men have the same name in the Old Testament. Obadiah was probably from Judah since he mentions events relevant to Jerusalem.

The invasion of Jerusalem (10-14) is the only historical clue for dating Obadiah. The three best possibilities are: 1) During the reign of Jehoram (848-841 B.C.) when the Philistines and Arabians invaded Judah (2 Chr. 21:16-17) and Edom revolted against Judah (2 Kings 8:20- 22; 2 Chr. 21:8-20); 2) The invasion by Jehoash of Israel in 790 B.C. (2 Kings 14; 2 Chr. 25); and 3) The final destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in 586 B.C. (2 Kings 24-25). The second view is least probable, partly because verse 11 calls the invaders "strangers," an odd term for those of the northern kingdom.

The date of the earliest invasion (845 B.C.) is preferred mainly because Obadiah does not mention the complete destruction of Jerusalem or the Babylonians as do other prophets who speak of the event in 586 B.C. Besides, Nebuchadnezzar would not have "cast lots" for Jerusalem (11). Also, Obadiah is quoted by Jeremiah (Jer.49: 7-22). Since his prophecy is called "a vision of Obadiah" (1) it improbable that he copied Jeremiah. Thus 845 B.C. is the likely date of writing.

Animosity between Edom and Israel dates back to the conflict between Jacob and Esau, the father of the Edomites. Esau migrated to the mountains of Seir and later refused to let the Israelites pass through on their way to Canaan. Notable conflicts occurred between the Edomites and Saul, David, Solomon, Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, Amaziah, and Ahaz. They were later controlled by Assyria and Babylon and forced to move to Idumea by the Nabateans in the fifth century. The Idumeans faded from history after defending Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

The Edomites were a hardy and proud people who lived in the natural refuge of the rugged mountains southeast of Judah beyond the Dead Sea. Their chief city, Seir, was virtually invulnerable. The Edomites probably participated in the invasion of Judah which God allowed as punishment for the wickedness of the reign of Jehoram (2 Chr. 21:16ff.). Elijah and Elisha were contemporaries of Obadiah.

Obadiah was written to announce the final destruction of Edom because of their arrogance and violence toward God's people, Israel. In contrast, it also reaffirms the restoration of Israel in the future.

The prophecy announces the destruction of Edom (1-14) and the future Day of the Lord (15-21). The judgment of Edom will humble their pride and be a complete destruction (1- 9). The cause of judgment is their violence against Judah exhibited by their rejoicing, looting, and taking of captives when Judah was invaded (10-14).

In the Day of the Lord (15-21), God will judge all nations (15-16) and deliver Israel (17-21). Though Edom will be destroyed, Israel will be established forever and possess the lands around them in the kingdom (17-21). In this way, God will ultimately avenge and bless His people.

1. The Destruction of Edom 1-14

   1. The certainty of Edom's destruction 1-9

      1. God summons the nations for destruction. 1
      2. God will bring down Edom's pride. 2-4

         1. Edom will be least among the nations. 2
         2. Edom's pride deceived her. 3
         3. God will humble Edom. 4
      3. Edom's destruction will be thorough. 5-6

         1. The illustrations of complete destruction. 5

            1. More thorough than robbers at night 5a
            2. More thorough than grape gatherers 5b
         2. The statement of complete destruction. 6
      4. Edom will be deceived by her allies. 7
      5. God will destroy Edom's wise and mighty men. 8-9

         1. God will destroy the wise men. 8
         2. God will destroy the mighty men. 9
   2. The reasons for Edom's destruction 10-14

      1. The main reason is violence against Judah. 10
      2. God condemns Edom's specific actions against Judah. 11-14

         1. Edom was indifferent to Judah's troubles. 11
         2. Edom rejoiced over Judah's destruction. 12
         3. Edom looted Judah's possessions. 13
         4. Edom apprehended Judah's survivors. 14
2. The Day of the Lord 15-21

   1. God's judgment of the nations. 15-16

      1. It is a day of retribution. 15
      2. It is a day of thorough judgment. 16
   2. God's deliverance of Israel 17-21

      1. The remnant will be established on Mount Zion. 17
      2. The house of Esau will be destroyed. 18
      3. The remnant will possess the land. 19-20

         1. They will possess Edom. 19a
         2. They will possess Philistia. 19b
         3. They will possess Samaria. 19c
         4. They will possess Gilead. 19d
         5. They will possess Canaan as far as Zarephath. 20a
         6. They will possess the Negev. 20b
      4. God will establish His kingdom. 21