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Obadiah 1:1 (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up)
There is some debate as to when Obadiah was written, as the text itself gives no indication when the prophet may have penned it. However, from the way in which Edom is described in reacting to certain misfortunes that Judah experienced, scholarly opinion leans toward one of two historic periods. They are both, nonetheless, inconclusive. The earlier period falls between 800 and 750 BC, placing Obadiah contemporary with Joel and Amos, who was likely in his prime, and a rather elderly Elisha. Obadiah may have bridged the latter two. The later date would consign the book to after the fall of Jerusalem (c. 587-586 BC). If this were the case, Obadiah's prophetic contemporaries would have been Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Modern scholars lean toward this later date because they feel Obadiah describes the actions of the Edomites when the Babylonians came and overthrew Jerusalem. However, there was an earlier time in the days of Joram (or Jehoram) when a similar confederacy arose in which Edom may have been involved. Thus, the book of Obadiah could fit into both periods. A deciding factor is where Obadiah appears in the Minor Prophets: The prophecy is linked with Joel and Amos; the three books are consecutive. Had its typical events occurred after the fall of Jerusalem, the prophecy would probably have been placed with Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Since Obadiah appears with the first of the Minor Prophets in the inspired compilation of the canonical books, its authorship seems to coincide more with the earlier prophets than the later ones. However, the book's date is not critical because its prophesied events are to occur in the future—in the time of the end. Obadiah means "servant (or worshipper) of Yah," which may have been his actual name or a title to mask his identity. It could refer to anyone who worships God. The Bible contains eight or ten Obadiahs, but none seems to fit the man who wrote the prophecy. History does not record whether he was well placed in the kingdom or whether he was a Jew, Levite, or a member of another Israelite tribe. All we know is that he was a servant of Yahweh. This is in contrast to a prophet such as Amos, of whom we know a great deal: The words of Amos, who was among the herdsmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. (Amos 1:1) Amos is specific in terms of his time, place, identity, and occupation. He mentions the contemporary kings of Judah and Israel and even throws in a specific event—the great earthquake of c. 760 BC—to be thorough! On the other hand, Obadiah seems to have been inspired to keep these details hidden. He places himself in the background, identifying himself only as a servant, for God's message is what he wants his book to convey. From the text itself, he appears to have been a competent writer, one who wrote passionately and poetically. He seems to have had a soft and empathetic heart, even toward his enemies. Beyond that, the man Obadiah is an enigma. The prophecy can be outlined simply: » Verses 1-4: God's pronouncement of judgment on Edom. » Verses 5-9: How Edom will be annihilated. » Verses 10-14: Why Edom will be annihilated. » Verses 15-16: Edom and the Day of the Lord. » Verses 17-21: Israel's complete triumph over Edom. Obadiah is a study in God's punishment of a people for the things that they have done. They will be made to suffer the consequences of their hostile attitudes and aggression against Israel, as well as their constant attempts to impede the purpose of God through Israel.
Richard T. Ritenbaugh
All About Edom (Part Three): Obadiah
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