One of the Old Testament “minor prophets,” Obadiah delivers a prophetic message focused on God’s judgment against Edom. However, he concludes with a hopeful vision of the final judgment and God’s kingdom being restored.
So, what can we learn from Obadiah today? Is he related to other famous men named Obadiah that we see in Scripture?
Let’s find out.
How Many Men Named Obadiah Are in the Bible?
The name Obadiah appears many times in the Old Testament, the most well-known being the minor prophet. A common name, Obadiah means “servant of Yahweh,” and several have this name, each playing various roles across Israel’s history.
Another notable Obadiah, a contemporary with the prophet, can be found in 1 Kings 18:3-16. As a servant to the evil King Ahab’s reign, Obadiah remained faithful to God. He famously hid 100 prophets of the Lord in two caves to protect them from Queen Jezebel’s persecution. The Old Testament highlights his faithfulness and courage, especially when encountering Elijah.
1 Chronicles mentions several Obadiahs, each belonging to different genealogies and tribes: Obadiah, a descendant of David (1 Chronicles 3:21); Obadiah, a son of Izrahiah, of the Issachar tribe (1 Chronicles 7:3); Obadiah, a descendant of King Saul of tribe Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:38 and 9:44); and finally, Obadiah, a Levite, and gatekeeper, a descendant of Jeduthun (1 Chronicles 9:16).
King Jehoshaphat sends an Obadiah as one of his officials to teach the towns of Judah, instructing them in God’s Law (2 Chronicles 17:7). During the post-exilic period, Ezra 8:9 refers to Obadiah as one of the leaders returning from Babylon to Jerusalem. Nehemiah 10:5 lists Obadiah among those who sealed the covenant to follow the Law after the exile. Ezra 10:26 also mentions an Obadiah as a Jew who had married foreign women, an issue Ezra addressed upon returning to Jerusalem. Since Ezra and Nehemiah were contemporaries, these two Obadiahs may have been the same man.
What Does It Mean that Obadiah Was a Minor Prophet?
The 12 Old Testament minor prophets are called minor for their shorter length than prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
hile they may be obscure, they declare powerful messages of warning, judgment, and hope to Israel and surrounding nations. They address social justice, faithfulness, and repentance, urging the people in Israel and Judah to return to God. Other common themes include the Messiah coming and the Gentiles becoming part of God’s redemptive plan.
Obadiah’s prophecy consists of one chapter with 21 verses. While it is the shortest book in the Old Testament, Obadiah shares powerful oracles for his day and ours.
Is Ahab’s Servant Obadiah Also Obadiah the Prophet?
Jewish tradition sometimes identifies Ahab’s servant Obadiah with the prophet Obadiah. This tradition holds that the faithful servant’s experiences and actions during Ahab’s reign gave him the spiritual insight and conviction to become a prophet later. The Midrash and other rabbinic writings often feature “what if?” musings and sometimes connect biblical figures to create a continuous narrative of faithfulness and divine mission.
Modern biblical scholars are more skeptical. They argue there isn’t sufficient evidence to connect Ahab’s servant Obadiah with the prophet.
For one thing, the book of Obadiah doesn’t provide a clear timeframe for the prophet’s life. While Ahab’s reign dates to the ninth century BC, the events in Obadiah’s prophecy suggest a context that could align with several different periods, including the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, much later than Ahab’s reign.
For another, the two Obadiahs have different contexts and roles. 1 Kings portrays the servant in a narrative setting and never mentions his role as a prophet. Additionally, if the servant prophesied during Ahab’s reign, it seems strange that he would prophesy against Edom and speak of Jerusalem rather than the evil happening in his home country.
Therefore, while possible, we don’t have any biblical or historical evidence identifying these as the same man.
What Did the Prophet Obadiah Warn Israel?
Obadiah’s prophecy centers on Edom’s betrayal and violence against Israel, particularly during times of crisis. Verses 10-14 explicitly detail Edom's transgressions: “Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever. On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them” (Obadiah 1:10-11).
The nation of Edom shared history and ancestry with Israel. Isaac had twin sons, Jacob and Esau, and while Jacob retained the Abrahamic covenant and became Israel, Isaac also blessed Esau, and he became a great nation, later called Edom. Due to these connections, Edom’s violence against Israel, or “his brother Jacob,” becomes more problematic.
The prophet condemns Edom for gloating over Judah’s misfortune, taking advantage of their distress, and even capturing and killing those who escaped. Obadiah 1:12-14 warns against such actions: “You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble. You should not march through the gates of my people in the day of their disaster, nor gloat over them in their calamity in the day of their disaster, nor seize their wealth in the day of their disaster.”
Obadiah warns all nations, including Israel and Judah, about the consequences of betrayal, pride, and violence. God sees and judges all nations’ actions, culminating in a final judgment known as the Day of the Lord. Obadiah 1:15 states, “The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.” Divine justice and retribution apply to all, including Israel.
Obadiah’s prophecy concludes with hope and restoration for Israel. In verses 17-21, he foretells the deliverance and future prosperity of the house of Jacob. “But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and Jacob will possess his inheritance. Jacob will be a fire and Joseph a flame; Esau will be stubble, and they will set him on fire and destroy him” (Obadiah 1:17-18). This promise reassures Israel of God’s ultimate plan for their redemption and triumph over their enemies.
The promises of the Day of the Lord and ultimate redemption are still a future hope for all believers, echoed in the New Testament, primarily the book of Revelation.
What Can We Learn from the Servant Obadiah about Serving God?
Obadiah demonstrates that it is possible to stay faithful even in challenging environments. He remained steadfast in his devotion to God even while serving under one of Israel’s most notorious rulers.
Forst, despite living under the corrupt regime of Ahab and Queen Jezebel, Obadiah feared the Lord more than the earthly king. This reverence guided his decisions. During Jezebel’s persecution, he hid 100 prophets in two caves and supplied them with food and water (1 Kings 18:4).
Second, his unwavering faithfulness highlights the importance of maintaining a strong personal relationship with God, regardless of external circumstances. He teaches us that our commitment to God should not waver, even when we live under the rule of evil men and women.
Third, Obadiah’s courage teaches us that standing up for righteousness often requires personal sacrifice and risk. Despite the danger, he defended God’s servants, showing the importance of courageous action in the face of injustice.
Fourth, Obodiah shows us the importance of maintaining our morals. As Ahab’s chief steward, Obadiah held a position of significant responsibility and influence. Despite the corruption around him, the text implies that he lived honorably. 1 Kings 18:12 highlights his concern for Elijah’s safety, reflecting his integrity and honesty. He showed that serving faithfully in hostile environments is possible without compromising our principles. His life illustrates how we can serve diligently and honorably, even under oppressive leadership.
Fifth, Obadiah showed where our courage should stem from. When Elijah instructed Obadiah to inform Ahab of his presence, Obadiah feared for his life, knowing Ahab’s wrath. Yet, he trusted Elijah’s word and obeyed (1 Kings 18:15-16). This act demonstrates his trust in God’s providence, in the assurance that God’s purposes prevail. We can rely on divine guidance and protection, especially when faced with daunting tasks.
What Can We Learn from the Prophet Obadiah about Serving God When It’s Unpopular?
Despite its brevity, this short prophecy contains important lessons.
First, Obadiah demonstrated boldness in proclaiming God’s judgment against Edom. His prophecy, “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks” (Obadiah 1:3), directly confronts Edom’s arrogance. Proclaiming such a message against a powerful neighbor was risky. From Obadiah, we learn the importance of boldly speaking God’s truth, even when it contradicts popular sentiments or invites hostility.
Second, Obadiah’s dedication to his prophetic calling shows unwavering faithfulness. Despite his unpopular message, he didn’t compromise on his role as a prophet. He reminds us that our primary allegiance is to God and his directives, not others’ approval. God has called each believer to participate in his redemptive plan, and Obadiah’s example encourages us to stay true to our divine calling, regardless of external pressures or unpopularity.
Third, Obadiah’s challenge to Edom highlights a commitment to justice. He condemns Edom for standing aloof during Jerusalem’s downfall and participating in the violence against Judah (Obadiah 1:10-14). Judah may have deserved judgment, yet God also judged Edom for taking advantage of its downfall. We must stand for grace and mercy for our nation and individuals. None of us deserve God’s mercy, and we shouldn’t celebrate another’s destruction.
Fourth, we should remember that all will stand before God, which should humble us. Obadiah’s prophecy emphasizes divine justice will come (Obadiah 1:15). God will hold all accountable for their actions. Obadiah’s trust in God’s justice teaches us to humbly remain steadfast in our convictions. We know that God’s righteous judgment will prevail, even if it seems delayed.
Fourth, we must remember that healing and justice go together. While Obadiah’s message is predominantly judgment, it also promises restoration. “But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and Jacob will possess his inheritance” (Obadiah 1:17). This hope for deliverance and restoration instructs us to have enduring faith and hope. Despite unpopularity or adversity, God’s ultimate plan includes restoration and blessing for those who remain faithful.
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This article is part of our People of Christianity catalog that features the stories, meaning, and significance of well-known people from the Bible and history. Here are some of the most popular articles for knowing important figures in Christianity:
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