Introduction

Many Prophetic Books contain prophecies against several nations, but the book of ‘Ovadyah focuses exclusively on the nation of Edom. ‘Ovadyah’s short message centers on the approaching Day of the Lord and the promise that Isra’el will possess the land of Edom. Presumably, ‘Ovadyah (v. 1) was the author of this book, but nothing else is known about him. His common Hebrew name, denoting “servant of God,” is shared by at least a dozen persons in the Tanakh.

The date of ‘Ovadyah’s writing is disputed, with a wide range of proposed dates from the tenth to the fifth centuries B.C., depending on when the invasion and plunder of Yerushalayim (vv. 11–14) occurred. The two most popular views are during the reign of King Jehoram of Judah (ca. 848–841 B.C.) and shortly after the final destruction of Yerushalayim by the Babylonians (587/586 B.C.).

The former date (ca 845 B.C.) was when the Philistines and Arabs plundered Yehudah (2 Chronicles 21:16-17), and the Edomites revolted (2 Kings 8:20), presumably then becoming allies of the invaders. Since the text does not explicitly indicate the cooperation of the Edomites with the Philistines and Arabs, the latter date (mid-sixth or even fifth century B.C.) fits the biblical data better, including Obidiah 20 (the dispersed exiles of the Isra’elites and of Yerushalayim to be restored), as opposed to dates before the dispersion of Isra’el (by 722 B.C.) or of Y’hudah (605–586 B.C.). This postexilic view is also supported by the mention of Edomite involvement in Yerushalayim’s downfall (Obidiah 10–14, gloating over the fall of Yerushalayim, as in other sixth-century B.C. texts – Lamentations 4:21a; Ezekiel 35:15; cp. Lamentations 2:15–17 – and participating in the plunder) which would result in the Lord’s promised justice For the Day of Adonai is near for all nations; as you did, it will be done to you; your dealings will come back on your own head. ‘Ovadyah 15).

Judgment on Edom’s arrogant presumption: God’s judgment was predicted for Edom because of her arrogance in trusting geographical security (vv. 3–5), diplomatic treaties (v. 7), and the counsel of her famed wise men (v. 8; Jer 49:7) instead of the true God of Isra’el. Edom was doubly deceived, depending on their own human understanding (Ob 3, 8) and believing in the loyalty of their human allies (v. 7). Thus, God would bring them down from the lofty cliffs and caves of their mountains. He would cover the Edomites with shame because of their arrogant gloating and gleeful participation in the downfall of their brother Ya’akov, the nation of Yehuda (vv. 10–14). [1]

Preface

¹ This is the vision of ‘Ovadyah. Here is what Adonai Elohim says about Edom. As a messenger was being sent among the nations saying, “Come on, let’s attack her,” we heard a message from Adonai:

Here is what Adonai Elohim says was a formulaic expression among the prophets, indicating that the prophet reports God’s own speech. The prophet, as the called and sent messenger of the Adonai Elohim, introduces the divine speech that begins in v. 2. But first, ‘Ovadyah provides background information. God is now recruiting the nations to revolt against Edom (e.g., Isaiah 13:2–5).

Pride Rebuked

² “I am making you the least of all nations, you will be beneath contempt. ³ Your proud heart has deceived you, you whose homes are caves in the cliffs, who live on the heights and say to yourselves, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ ⁴ If you make your nest as high as an eagle’s, even if you place it among the stars, I will bring you down from there.” says Adonai.

God, through his prophet, begins to address Edom. Prophetic discourse typically personifies a nation as a collective unity. Edom is insignificant among nations and, in fact, is despised. Just as Edom gloated over Y’hudah (vv. 12–13), so other nations hold it in contempt; this is said in contrast to Edom’s own pride. The Edomites dwell in the mountainous region east of the Arabah, with elevations up to 5,000 feet (1.5 km) above sea level. Their inaccessible location has given them false hopes of invulnerability. Usually, a rhetorical question expects no answer, but God answers it: Who can bring me down to the ground?… I will bring you down (vv. 3–4). God opposes the proud and arrogant (cf. Proverbs 15:25; James 4:6). Even if you place it among the stars, it is hyperbole even for eagles.

Vulnerability Exposed

⁵ If thieves were to come to you, or if robbers by night (Oh, how destroyed you are!), wouldn’t they stop when they’d stolen enough? If grape-pickers came to you, wouldn’t they leave some grapes for gleaning? ⁶ But see how ‘Esav has been looted, their secret treasures searched out! ⁷ Your allies went with you only to the border; those at peace with you deceived and defeated you, those who ate your food set a trap for you, and you couldn’t discern it. ^[2]

Typically, by God’s command, thieves and grape gatherers leave something behind. In contrast, Edom will be thoroughly plundered with nothing remaining. Just as Edom acted as a thief (v. 13), so its own hidden treasures will be ransacked. ‘Esav is used as a substitute name for Edom and evokes the Ya’akov-’Esav narratives (Deuteronomy 2:5; Jeremiah 49:8–10; Malachi 1:3–4). According to Genesis 36, ‘Esav was the father of the Edomites. The past-tense verbs speak about a future event as though it were already completed (see note on vv. 5–6). Just as Edom betrayed its own brother Jacob (vv. 10, 12), so Edom’s own allies will turn against it. In the most likely historical setting, this would refer to the Babylonians (v. 11). In 553 B.C. Babylon campaigned against Edom. During the subsequent Persian period, Edom’s land was settled by the Nabateans.

In Obadiah 1-7, God’s judgment against Edom for its pride provides a timely reminder of the dangers of arrogance in everyday life. If you find yourself struggling with feeling superior or dismissive towards others – perhaps due to your achievements – take a moment to reflect on how pride can lead to isolation and destruction. Commit to practicing humility this week by intentionally valuing and uplifting someone who feels overlooked in your family or social circle. This could involve reaching out to a friend or family member and genuinely asking how they are doing, listening without judgment.

In our next post, we will continue to learn more about the Prophecy of ‘Ovadyah.

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[1] Gregory W. Parsons, “Obadiah,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Commentary, ed. E. Ray Clendenen and Jeremy Royal Howard (Broadman & Holman, 2015), 941.

[2] Obadiah 1–7.