Obadiah

Author: Obadiah
Date of Writing: 6th century BC
Type of Book: Prophetic
Theme: God's judgment upon Edom

The name Obadiah means "servant of Yahweh". There is almost no evidence within the book to even hint at the date this book was written. We have no clues as to where Obadiah came from - which tribe of Israel he was from, in which kingdom he resided - or which kings or prophets were his contemporaries.

This book is also unusual in that it is the only prophetic book addressed to a people other than Israel. This book is a pronouncement of judgment upon the Edomites, who were the descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob. Several times throughout the history of Israel, the Edomites refused to help their cousins from Israel, and even gloated when they saw Israel's misfortunes. As a result, they fell under the judgment of God. The last time this happened was when the Babylonians took Judah into captivity in 586 BC, which is why many commentators date Obadiah around this time.

This prophecy provides a good reminder that we are our brother's keeper. It is also a warning to us that when our brother - or even our enemy - falls under judgment, we shouldn't gloat over the consequences of their judgment. God always judges in an attempt to bring about repentance. He takes no pleasure in doling out the consequences of sin, and we shouldn't either.

-from Pastor Chuck Smith: The Word for Today Bible