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Author |
Obadiah |
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Date |
Obadiah was written during one of the invasions of Jerusalem. If written when the city was destroyed by the Philistines and Arabians, the date can be set between 848 and 840 BC. If written during the invasion of Jerusalem by Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar, the suggested date is about 586 BC |
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Time Span |
While the length of Obadiah's ministry is not certain, his prophecies cover thousands of years. |
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Title |
The book is named after its author: Obadiah. The name Obadiah means “servant of the Lord.” |
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Background |
Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, is only 21 verses long. Obadiah is a prophet of God who uses this opportunity to condemn Edom for sins against both God and Israel. The Edomites are descendants of Esau, and the Israelites are descendants of his twin brother, Jacob. A quarrel between the brothers has affected their descendants for over 1,000 years. This division caused the Edomites to forbid Israel to cross their land during the Israelites' Exodus from Egypt. Edom's sins of pride now require a strong word of judgment from the Lord. |
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Where |
Judah |
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To Whom |
To the Edomites |
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Content |
Obadiah's message is final and it's sure: the kingdom of Edom will be destroyed completely. Edom has been arrogant-gloating over Israel's misfortunes-and when enemy armies attack Israel and the Israelites ask for help, the Edomites refuse...and choose to fight against them, not for them. These sins of pride can be overlooked no longer. The book ends with the promise of the fulfillment and deliverance of Zion in the Last Days when the land will be restored to God's people as He rules over them. |
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Themes |
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Key |
“Pride”, “Brother.” The Edomites' security (living in a fortified city in Mt. Seir) causes an evil “pride” to develop. Their “brother” descendants are thus treated with treachery and abandonment. The only kind of “pride” which is good, and will cause man to treat his- “brother” with compassion and love, is that which is placed in the Lord. |
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