Introduction

The book of Obadiah, the shortest in the Old Testament, delivers a prophetic vision of God’s judgment against Edom, the descendants of Esau, for their pride, betrayal, and violence against Israel, their brother nation. The prophecy culminates in the hope of Israel’s restoration under God’s eternal reign.

Key Points

• Main Point: God promises to judge Edom (and all nations) for their arrogance and betrayal against His people, and proclaims to restore them by establishing His sovereign kingdom.
• Purpose: Trust God’s justice and faithfulness in delivering us from our enemies.

Obadiah 1:1

The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord GOD concerning Edom:
We have heard a report from the LORD,
and a messenger has been sent among the nations:
“Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!”

Obadiah prophesies against Edom, the nation descended from Esau (Gen 36:1). Though distant relatives of Israel, Edom repeatedly opposed and betrayed God’s chosen people (Num 20:14–21; 2 Sam 8:13–14; 2 Chr 28:17). Now, God declares judgment against them, rallying the nations to rise up against Edom in battle. This prophecy is not just about Edom’s fall but about God’s justice on those who harm His people.

Obadiah 1:2–4

Behold, I will make you small among the nations;
you shall be utterly despised.
The pride of your heart has deceived you,
you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling,
who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?”
Though you soar aloft like the eagle,
though your nest is set among the stars,
from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD.

Edom took pride in its high mountain strongholds, assuming invincibility (v.3). But God, who raises up and brings down nations, declares that their pride has deceived them. Though they “soar like the eagle” (v.4), they will be humbled. This is a warning against self-reliance and arrogance—true security is found in God, not in worldly strength.

Obadiah 1:5–7

If thieves came to you, if plunderers came by night—how you have been destroyed!—
would they not steal only enough for themselves?
If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave gleanings?
How Esau has been pillaged, his treasures sought out!
All your allies have driven you to your border;
those at peace with you have deceived you;
they have prevailed against you;
those who eat your bread have set a trap beneath you—
you have no understanding.

Unlike common thieves who leave something behind, Edom will face total devastation. Even their supposed allies will betray them. This highlights how misplaced trust in human power leads to ruin, whereas trust in God is the only lasting security.

Obadiah 1:8–9

Will I not on that day, declares the LORD,
destroy the wise men out of Edom,
and understanding out of Mount Esau?
And your mighty men shall be dismayed, O Teman,
so that every man from Mount Esau will be cut off by slaughter.

Edom prided itself on its wisdom and military might, but neither will save them. True wisdom comes from fearing the LORD (Prov 9:10), not from self-sufficiency. Those who oppose God will ultimately find their knowledge and strength worthless before Him.

Obadiah 1:10–11

Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob,
shame shall cover you,
and you shall be cut off forever.
On the day that you stood aloof,
on the day that strangers carried off his wealth
and foreigners entered his gates
and cast lots for Jerusalem,
you were like one of them.

Edom’s greatest sin was its betrayal of Israel, standing by as foreign invaders plundered Jerusalem (v.11). Instead of helping their brothers, they rejoiced in their downfall and took part in their suffering. God’s judgment is not arbitrary—He repays the deeds of the wicked with perfect justice.

Obadiah 1:12–14

But do not gloat over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune;
do not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their ruin;
do not boast in the day of distress.
Do not enter the gate of my people in the day of their calamity;
do not gloat over his disaster in the day of his calamity;
do not loot his wealth in the day of his calamity.
Do not stand at the crossroads to cut off his fugitives;
do not hand over his survivors in the day of distress.

Edom’s heartlessness is exposed: they mocked Israel’s suffering, looted their cities, and even blocked their escape (v.14). This was not just hostility—it was betrayal. God calls out their injustice, reminding us that He sees and remembers every act of cruelty, and He will hold oppressors accountable.

Obadiah 1:15

For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations.
As you have done, it shall be done to you;
your deeds shall return on your own head.

God expands His judgment beyond Edom to all nations that oppose Him. The “Day of the LORD” is a day of reckoning when divine justice will be carried out. This principle—“as you have done, it shall be done to you”—applies universally. God is not indifferent to sin; He will repay the wicked for their deeds.

Obadiah 1:16–18

For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so all the nations shall drink continually;
they shall drink and swallow, and shall be as though they had never been.
But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy, and the house of Jacob shall possess their own possessions.
The house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau stubble;
they shall burn them and consume them, and there shall be no survivor for the house of Esau, for the LORD has spoken.

While the nations drink the cup of God’s wrath (symbolizing their judgment), Mount Zion will be a place of deliverance for God’s people. Israel, once devastated, will be restored. Edom, in contrast, will be consumed like stubble in fire (v.18). This reversal reminds us that God defends His people and establishes justice in His time.

Obadiah 1:19–20

Those of the Negeb shall possess Mount Esau,
and those of the Shephelah shall possess the land of the Philistines;
they shall possess the land of Ephraim and the land of Samaria,
and Benjamin shall possess Gilead.
The exiles of this host of the people of Israel
shall possess the land of the Canaanites as far as Zarephath,
and the exiles of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad
shall possess the cities of the Negeb.

God’s people, who were once exiled, will return and reclaim their inheritance. Their restoration will stretch far and wide, reversing their past losses. This foreshadows the ultimate restoration found in Christ, who redeems and gathers His people into His eternal kingdom.

Obadiah 1:21

Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion
to rule Mount Esau,
and the kingdom shall be the LORD’s.

The book ends with a vision of God’s ultimate reign. “Saviors” (likely referring to appointed leaders under God) will rule justly over former enemies, and the LORD will be King over all. This prophecy points forward to Christ, the ultimate Savior, whose kingdom will reign forever (Rev 11:15).

Conclusion

The book of Obadiah paints a vivid picture of God’s justice over Edom for their pride and betrayal, His promise of judgment on all nations, and the ultimate restoration of His people. God’s sovereignty shines as He assures Israel of His covenant faithfulness and calls His people to trust in His deliverance.

Summary

1. God proclaims judgment on Edom for their pride and betrayal (1:1–9).
2. Edom’s violence and callousness against Israel are condemned (1:10–14).
3. The day of the LORD will bring judgment on all nations (1:15–16).
4. Israel’s restoration is promised, along with the possession of their land (1:17–20).
5. God’s kingdom will prevail, bringing ultimate justice and peace (1:21).