Getting to Know the ProphetsSample

Obadiah

Often when we hear someone say, "it's not about me,” they are the exact people who struggle with making it all about themselves. Obadiah, however, took this message to heart. We know very little about this prophet, apart from his recorded words. Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, and since prophets are categorized by the size of their books, this squarely earns him minor prophet status.

Scholars struggle to date the prophecies of Obadiah, though most place him in the 840s BC, before Joel. We learn from his writing that Obadiah was likely from the Southern Kingdom of Israel somewhere near Jerusalem. His name means “worshipper of Yahweh” (Yahweh was God’s covenantal name). His message? Woe to Edom! The Edomites were neighbors and enemies of God’s people, and this prophet made it clear that those who opposed God and God’s people would ultimately face their demise, but those who humbled themselves before God would be redeemed. History proved this true through Edom’s demise and Judah’s redemption. And Scripture affirms the future of all humanity will face this same fate. Ultimately, our only hope is in turning to God.

1. Many of us place our eternal hope in God, but what are some ways we can hope in God each day?

Prayer: God, my ultimate hope is in YOU! Help me live daily as a person with hope.