The Minor Prophets

Obadiah

  • Where it fits: Best framed near Judah’s fall in 586 (Babylon) and the crisis of exile.
  • Core message: Pride destroys, and God defends His people when others exploit their suffering.
  • Big themes: judgment on Edom, who gloated over Israel and Judah’s (Edom’s brother nation) suffering, consequences of betrayal, and God’s justice.
  • Structure:
    1. Condemnation of pride
    2. Condemnation for standing by (or joining in) Judah’s downfall
    3. Hope: God’s kingdom ultimately wins
  • Why it matters: Obadiah shows God is grieved when someone rejoices over another’s grief
Obadiah’s prophecy of Edom’s destruction is fulfilled in 312 when the Nabataeans overran Petra.