The Strand Study Bible

OBADIAH

Author : Obadiah Theme : The Fall of Edom Book’s Main Character : The Nation of Edom

About the Author : Obadiah, whose name means “servant of Jehovah ,” was a Judean prophet who prophesied against the nation of Edom approximately 585 BC. He began his writing ministry approximately one year after the destruction of Jerusalem, by Nebuchadnezzar (in August of 586 BC). Obadiah was a contemporary of Jeremiah, in Jerusalem and of Daniel and Ezekiel, in Babylon. About the Book : Obadiah preached his message of doom, concerning the nation of Edom, in approximately 585 BC (one year after Jerusalem’s fall to Babylon). Since Edom’s birth as a nation, she had become a constant and continual thorn in Israel’s side (Num 20:14-20, I Sam 14:47, I Ki 11:14-28 and II Chro 20:28 & 21:8). During Babylon’s third and final invasion of Jerusalem, Edom stood by and took advantage of God’s chastening of His people (Obad 10-12). Obadiah’s message to Edom (yea, to the world) shows that God does not look kindly upon other nations who laugh at His people when they are being chastened. Helpful Background : After Nabopolassar’s conquest of Nineveh (Assyria’s capitol) in 612 BC, the nation of Babylon began to emerge as a new world power. By 606 BC, Babylon had not only conquered Assyria (destroying its Assyrian/Egyptian coalition at Carchemish), but invaded Syria and Palestine as well. While pursuing the fleeing Egyptians to the very border, Nebuchadnezzar (Nabopolassar’s son) decided to invade Jerusalem in 605 BC. During that invasion, Daniel and the wealthy were taken captive (II Ki 24:1 and Dan 1:1-3). Nine years later, in 597 BC, Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem a second time. This time, Nebuchadnezzar took Ezekiel, King Jehoiachin, and 10,000 middle class people captive (II Ki 24:10-12 and II Chro 36:10). Nine years after that, in January of 588 BC, the third and final invasion began. The siege lasted for a year and a half. Although briefly interrupted by an Egyptian threat (Jere 37:3-5), the siege ended in August of 586 BC. King Zedekiah (along with countless other Jews) were taken captive as Jerusalem was burned and destroyed (II Ki 25:1-10). Notes of Interest : 1. Obadiah is not quoted in the NT 2. Prophecies are referred to 19 times in Obadiah . 3. Prophecies concerning CHRIST are referred to 3 of those 19 times. 4. There is 1 inset map used in the book of Obadiah . It is numbered chronologically (#258). Outline of Obadiah : 1. The Utter Destruction of Edom (Obad 1) Obadiah 1 The promise of Edom’s 1. “ Adonai ; Divine Ruler” Note - In this case Adonai is the ground? 4 6 Though thou 8 exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, 4 thence will I bring 9 thee down, saith the LORD. P fall to Babylon (Fulfilled - 582 BC) 1 The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the 1 LORD 2 GOD concerning 3 Edom; We have heard a rumour fromthe LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the hea- then, 4 Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle. P 2 5 Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised. 3 6 The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the 7 rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to 7 4 All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have de- ceived thee, and prevailed against thee; they that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none understanding in him. P 1:1a The phrase “ the visions of Obadiah ” means that Obadiah is speaking for the LORD GOD here. This is why the “words” of the LORD OF HOSTS are not in blue within the book of Obadiah. 1:1b “ We ” means that Obadiah received this message, along with someone else. That someone else was Jeremiah (Jere 49:14-16). 1:3 Edom was proud of the fact that her capitol (Petra) was seemingly impregnable ( Who shall bring me down ). Because Petra is a mountainous region with extremely rugged terrain, Edom’s capitol could only be reached via a narrow canyon protected by 200-foot walls. 1:5 Thieves normally take only what is valuable. However, when God is through with Edom, He will make sure there is nothing left –not even their pride (Jere 49:7-22). 1390 referring to God the Father - Gen 15:2 . 2. “ Jehovah ” Note - In this case Jehovah is referring to God the Father - Gen 2:4 . 3. Jere 49:7-22 & Ezk 25:12-14 & 35:1-15 4. Fulfilled - 582 BC (Fall of Edom) 5. Jere 49:15 6. Jere 49:16 7. or, “Sela; Edom’s capitol” 8. Job 20:4-7 9. Mal 1:3-4 5 If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou 4 cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? if the grapegatherers came to thee, would they not leave some grapes? P 6 4 How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up! P (Note - Obadiah’s prophecy took place around the 20th year of King Nebuchadnezzar’s reign) Date Written - c. 585 BC/AM 3415