SUMMARY
The prophet Obadiah prophesies against proud Edom.
ANALYSIS
Suggestions abound as to the identity of Obadiah, mentioned in the first verse of the eponymous book. Ancient Jewish tradition suggests that the prophet Obadiah is to be identified with the Obadiah who protected 100 prophets and assisted ElijahA miracle working Israelite prophet who opposed worship of Baal. More during the reigns of AhabKing of Israel who opposed Elijah. More and JezebelQueen who promoted worship of Baal and who opposed Elijah. More (1 Kings 18:1-16, BT Sanhedrin 39b). In this reading Obadiah was an Edomite converted to following the God of Israel. For that reason, Obadiah has a particularly negative word for his fellow countrymen who did not convert with him. Modern scholars mostly identify the book of the prophet Obadiah as a post-exilic reflection on the pride and greed that the Kingdom of Edom displayed as their former suzerain, JudahJudah was the name of Jacob's fourth son and one of the 12 tribes. More, was defeated by the Babylonians.
In any case, the word of God through Obadiah is leveled directly against the Edomites, living relatively safe lives in their mountain fortresses (v 3). The punishment will be worse than simply robbing Edom’s riches (v 4-5). Instead, the complete humiliation and removal of Edom from the places of safety is in view.
Edom is a frequent target for prophetic rebuke: (Numbers 24:17-18; PsalmA psalm is a song of praise. In the Old Testament 150 psalms comprise the psalter, although some of the psalms are laments and thanksgivings. In the New Testament early Christians gathered to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. More 60:8-9; 137:7; IsaiahIsaiah, son of Amoz, who prophesied in Jerusalem, is included among the prophets of the eighth century BCE (along with Amos, Hosea, and Micah)--preachers who boldly proclaimed God's word of judgment against the economic, social, and religious disorders of their time. More 21:11-12; 34:5-17; 63:1-6; JeremiahProphet who condemned Judah's infidelity to God, warned of Babylonian conquest, and promised a new covenant. More 49:7-22; Lamentations 4:21-22; EzekielEzekiel was a priest and prophet who was raised in Jerusalem and exiled to Babylon in 597 BCE. More 25:12-14; 35:1-15; Joel 3:19-21; AmosProphet to the northern kingdom who condemned Israel's oppression of the poor, calling for justice to "roll down like waters." More 1:11-12, 9:11-12; Malachi 1:3). This section of Obadiah (v 1-6) contains great similarity to Jeremiah 49:9-16. One author may have influenced the other, or they could be mutually drawing on another source that is lost to us. In any case, voices against Edom abound throughout Scripture. Obadiah is a targeted book that is part of a much longer tradition of prophetic vehemence against Edom.
