One Book Wonders Lesson 1: A Proud Nation Brought Down

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, yet the strong, prophetic message of this little known prophet merits careful study. Historically, the setting of the book reaches back to the discord between Jacob and Esau (see Gen. 25:21-26), a conflict which led to national hostility between their descendents, the Israelites (Jacob) and the Edomites (Esau). The vision of Obadiah (1:1) pronounced severe judgment upon the Edomites. In Obadiah there is no hope for Edom. For their arrogance and cruelty to Judah their doom was sealed. However, for Israel, Obadiah offered consolation and hope. The major themes of Obadiah include judgment for sin, the righteousness/justice of God, and God’s faithfulness to Israel.