Obadiah, The Prophet and the Judgment of Edom (Part Two)

There is more than one Obadiah in the Scriptures, which often surprises readers at first. We tend to think of one name belonging to one person, but in the ancient world many names were used again and again, just as names are repeated in our own day. The name Obadiah comes from the Hebrew Ovadyah (עֹבַדְיָה), meaning “servant of Yahweh” or “servant of the LORD,” making it a name of honor and devotion. It is no wonder that several men bore this name throughout biblical history.

When we open the Bible and read “Obadiah,” we must sometimes pause and ask, Which Obadiah is being spoken of? There was Obadiah, the faithful servant who feared the LORD and hid one hundred prophets from the murderous hand of Jezebel (1 Kings 18:3-4). There were other men named Obadiah mentioned in genealogies and records in 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. Then there is Obadiah, the prophet through whom the LORD gave the shortest book of the Old Testament.

In ancient times, people were often distinguished not by modern last names, but by their father’s name, hometown, tribe, calling, or some identifying detail. Scripture gives us examples such as Jesus of Nazareth, Mary Magdalene of Magdala, or Simon Peter with a distinguishing name added. Had our modern custom existed, we might have read of “Obadiah son of this one” or “Obadiah of that town,” and saved ourselves some wondering.

Yet among all the men who carried the name, the prophet Obadiah stands before us with a message still burning with truth. His book may be brief, but the voice of God within it is weighty, righteous, and enduring. These teachings about him will focus on that Obadiah, the prophet whose words declare the justice of the LORD, the downfall of pride, and the certainty that the kingdom belongs to God.

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In a time long ago, when the kingdoms of Israel and Judah were divided, a man named Obadiah lived as a servant of God. His name meant “Servant of the Lord,” and he truly embodied the meaning of his name. While many around him had turned their hearts away from the God of Israel, Obadiah remained faithful. His voice would soon ring out as a prophet, calling the nations to account for their actions.

The kingdom of Edom, to the southeast of Israel, had long been a thorn in the side of God's people. The Edomites, descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, harbored deep animosity toward Israel. When Israel was attacked and in distress, the Edomites had not only stayed silent but had cheered on Israel’s enemies. In their pride, they had mocked the suffering of God’s people. They had stood by and watched as Israel fell into ruins, their hearts hardened, filled with arrogance and cruelty.

The Edomites believed they were sooo invincible. They lived in the rocky, fortified mountains, high above the plains below, where they thought no one could reach them. They felt safe, too powerful to be defeated by anyone. But they had forgotten something very important: No one is beyond God’s judgment.

Obadiah, a humble man, was chosen by God to deliver a powerful message to the proud Edomites. One day, as he prayed, God spoke to him. "Obadiah, rise and go to Edom. Speak to them. Let them know that their pride will lead to their downfall. I have seen their wickedness and their cruelty toward My people, and I will not let it go unpunished."

Obadiah’s heart sank. He knew this would not be an easy task. He would have to deliver a message of judgment, a message no one wanted to hear. But he was a faithful servant of God, and he knew that he must obey.

With the words of the Lord burning in his heart, Obadiah journeyed to the land of Edom. The people there, high on their mountain strongholds, looked down on the small man who walked into their midst. They were confident in their power and sneered at him, wondering who this prophet was and what he could possibly say that would shake their pride.

Standing before them, Obadiah proclaimed, "The Lord God of Israel has spoken! Your pride has deceived you. You who live in the clefts of the rock, who make your dwelling on high, who say to yourselves, 'Who will bring me down to the ground?'—though you soar like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord."

The people of Edom scoffed at Obadiah’s words. They had long believed that no one could touch them, that their security was untouchable. But Obadiah pressed on.

"The day of judgment is coming, and I will bring justice to the nations. The Edomites have rejoiced over the fall of Israel. They have been gloating, waiting for Israel’s destruction, and now it will be their turn. The day will come when their allies will turn against them, and their wealth and power will crumble."

Obadiah went on to explain that the Edomites had turned their backs on their brothers, the Israelites, in their time of need. They had not come to their aid when invaders attacked, and worse, they had participated in looting the city of Jerusalem, taking advantage of Israel's vulnerability. Because of their cruelty and pride, the Lord had seen their actions and would not leave them unpunished.

"But," Obadiah declared, "though the Lord will bring judgment upon Edom, there is hope for Israel. The house of Jacob shall possess their inheritance, and the kingdom will be restored. Mount Zion shall be victorious, and the people of God shall rise again. Deliverance shall come from the Lord, and His people will triumph."

As Obadiah spoke, the Edomites were silent. Though they did not believe his words at that moment, the seeds of judgment had been planted in their hearts. The proud and mighty would fall, and the people of Israel would one day be restored.

Obadiah’s message was not just a warning for Edom; it was a message of hope for Israel. The nations that had oppressed and scorned Israel would face the wrath of God. But for God’s people, there would be a time of healing, a time of deliverance.

Obadiah left the land of Edom with the same quiet faith he had always carried. His role was done. He had delivered God’s word. The rest was in God’s hands. And though Edom would not repent, the prophecy of Obadiah would eventually come to pass. Edom’s pride would be humbled, and Israel’s hope would be restored.

The story of Obadiah is one of judgment and redemption, a reminder that while the proud may seem untouchable, no one escapes the righteous judgment of God. But for those who trust in Him, deliverance and hope are never far away.

image by leonardo.ai at my instruction