Obadiah – Who Was Obadiah?
Obadiah is one of the Twelve Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. The Book of Obadiah is the shortest of these prophetic books. It contains one chapter and 21 verses.
The name Obadiah means “servant of the LORD” or “worshipper of the LORD.”
The Bible does not provide much personal information about Obadiah. We are not given detailed information about his family, background, or life. However, the short prophetic book bearing his name contains an important message about God’s justice, judgment, and sovereignty.
The Main Message of Obadiah
The central message of Obadiah is God’s judgment against Edom.
The Edomites were descendants of Esau. There was a long-standing conflict between Edom and Israel. Obadiah speaks against Edom because of its pride, violence, and its attitude toward Jerusalem during the time of Judah’s suffering.
Edom trusted in its high and secure mountain position and became proud of its strength.
The Pride of Edom
One of the most important verses in the book is:
“Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD.
— Obadiah 1:4
This verse reminds us that human pride cannot stand before God. No matter how high a person or nation may rise, God is sovereign over all.
The Day of the LORD
Another major theme in Obadiah is “the Day of the LORD.”
Bible Verse Obadiah 1:15 declares that the Day of the LORD is near upon all nations. The passage also teaches an important principle of God’s justice: what a person or nation does will ultimately return upon them.
Obadiah 1:15 teaches that the consequences of one’s actions will come back upon them.
Hope for God’s People
Obadiah is not only a message of judgment. The book also contains hope and restoration for God’s people.
Obadiah 1:17 says:
“But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy.”
The book ends with a powerful declaration:
“And the kingdom will be the LORD’s.”
— Obadiah 1:21
This gives the book a message of hope: although God judges pride and injustice, His purposes will ultimately prevail and His kingdom belongs to Him.
Lazarus Come Out Youth Revival Ministries 