The Book of Obadiah

The Book of Obadiah is one of the shortest books in the Bible. It has only one chapter. Even though it is short, it shares an important message. This book comes from a prophet named Obadiah. We do not know much about him, but his words are strong and clear.

The main focus of the book is a nation called Edom. Edom was a neighbor of Israel, but they were not friendly. In fact, when trouble came to Jerusalem, Edom stood by and did nothing. Worse, they even helped the enemy. Obadiah speaks against Edom’s pride and their actions.

God gave Obadiah a vision. In that vision, he saw that Edom would fall. Their pride would lead to their downfall. Obadiah says that even strong cities can be brought low when they act with pride and cruelty. He reminds us that no one is too great to face judgment.

The book ends with hope. It speaks about God’s people returning to their land. It tells us that in the end, the Lord will rule. Even though it is a short book, Obadiah teaches us that justice matters. It also shows us that God sees what happens and will make things right.

The Book of Obadiah was likely written after Jerusalem was attacked. Many think it was written after the city fell to the Babylonians around 586 BC. During that time, the people of Judah were taken far from home. Their land was broken. Their temple was destroyed. While this happened, Edom watched and did nothing. Some even helped the attackers.

Obadiah speaks during this hard time. He warns Edom that their actions were wrong. He tells them that they will not get away with their pride and cruelty. This short message was meant to remind people that God sees everything. Even in the middle of pain, God is still in charge.

We do not know much about the prophet Obadiah. His name means “servant of the Lord.” He does not say where he is from or who his family is. He is not mentioned in other books. But his message speaks loudly.

Obadiah’s words remind us that justice will come. His warning to Edom shows that those who hurt others will be held accountable. Even though his book is small, it fits into the bigger story of the Bible.

The Book of Obadiah is written like a warning. It sounds like someone standing up and speaking out. It uses clear and sharp words. The style is strong and to the point. There is no extra talk. Every line has a purpose.

Obadiah uses images to make his message clear. He talks about people being brought down from high places. He compares Edom to thieves and people who pick grapes. These pictures help the reader understand the message in a simple way.

There is also a shift in tone. At first, the book speaks against Edom. But then it starts to look forward. It talks about God’s people coming back. It ends with a promise that the Lord will rule over all nations.

Even though the book is short, the words are powerful. Obadiah says a lot in just a few verses. It is a good example of how a small book can carry a big message.

The Book of Obadiah teaches lessons that connect with Catholic faith. Even though it is short, the book speaks about sin, justice, and hope. These are key parts of Catholic teaching.

• Pride leads to a fall
  Edom thought they were safe because of their strong cities. But pride made them blind. Catholics believe that pride is a root of sin. Obadiah reminds us to be humble.
• God sees injustice
  Edom stood by and watched Judah suffer. They even took part in the pain. Obadiah shows that God does not ignore wrong actions. He is just and fair. This reminds us to care for others and not turn away when people suffer.
• Hope for the faithful
  The end of the book speaks of return and healing. Catholics believe God brings mercy and restores what is broken. Obadiah points to the promise that God’s people will be gathered again.
• The Lord rules in the end
  The last verse says the kingdom belongs to the Lord. Catholics believe that Jesus is King and that God’s rule is forever. Obadiah helps us remember that no matter what happens, God is in charge.

These themes speak to both the past and the present. Obadiah teaches us to trust in God, live with mercy, and walk in humility.

The Book of Obadiah has only one chapter, but it can be divided into three main parts. Each part has a clear message. The verses help us see where each section begins and ends.

• Judgment on Edom (verses 1–9)
  This part tells about a message from God. Edom is warned that their pride will lead to their fall. Their strong places will not save them. Even their friends will turn against them.
• Edom’s Actions Against Judah (verses 10–14)
  These verses list what Edom did wrong. They stood by when Jerusalem was attacked. They did not help. Instead, they added to the pain. God speaks clearly about how this was a sin.
• The Day of the Lord and Hope for Zion (verses 15–21)
  This last part speaks about the future. God will bring justice to all nations. His people will return. In the end, the Lord will rule from Mount Zion.

Each section builds on the one before it. Together, they show that God cares about justice, remembers His people, and rules over all.

Even though Obadiah is an old book, its message still fits our lives today. It talks about pride, justice, and how we treat others. These things are still important now.

Obadiah reminds us that pride can lead to problems. When people think they are better than others, they often fall. This can happen in families, at school, or even between countries. We are called to be humble and kind.

The book also speaks about standing by during the pain of others. Edom did nothing when Judah was attacked. That was wrong. Today, we are asked to care for those who suffer. We should not turn away or stay silent.

Finally, Obadiah points to hope. God sees everything. He brings justice in His time. As Catholics, we trust that the Lord will make things right. Obadiah helps us stay faithful, humble, and ready to act with love.

Obadiah is the only book in the whole Bible that is not read at Mass. It does not appear anywhere in the Roman Catholic lectionary. That means no verses from Obadiah are used in daily or Sunday readings.

This can be surprising. Other very short books are included at least once. But Obadiah is left out. That does not mean the book is not important. It still teaches lessons about justice, pride, and hope.

Sometimes we forget about books we do not hear at Mass. But Obadiah is still part of God’s Word. It is still useful for prayer and study. Just because it is not in the lectionary does not mean it should be ignored.

Reading Obadiah on our own or in a group can help us hear its message. It is short, but it speaks clearly. It still has something to say to us today.

Family Divided

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reads the entire Book of Obadiah, which is just one chapter long. He explains that Obadiah is speaking to the people of Edom, who are descendants of Esau. The message is a warning about their pride and failure to help when Jerusalem was attacked.

Fr. Mike connects Obadiah to the story of Jacob and Esau. Even though the two brothers made peace, their descendants did not stay close. Edom stood by while Judah was destroyed, and even celebrated their suffering. Obadiah speaks out against this.

Fr. Mike points out how easy it is for families to drift apart over time. He says it takes real effort to stay connected and to love each other. The story of Edom and Israel shows what happens when that effort is missing.

He closes by encouraging listeners to choose love, even when it’s hard. He reminds us that the people we are called to love are often the ones closest to us.

The Bible

The Book of Obadiah is short but still has meaning. Even though we do not hear it at Mass, it teaches us about pride, justice, and God’s care for His people. It reminds us to stay humble and to help others in need.

If you want to understand more about how this book fits into the whole Bible, visit our More about the Bible page. It’s a good place to start if you are new to Scripture or just want to go deeper.

What is the Book of Obadiah about?

It is a short book that speaks against Edom, a nation that hurt God’s people. It warns them about their pride and tells them they will be judged.

Who was Obadiah?

Obadiah was a prophet. We do not know much about his life. His name means “servant of the Lord.” He gave a message from God after Jerusalem was attacked.

Why did God speak against Edom?

Edom stood by when Judah was in trouble. They even helped the enemy. God saw this and gave a warning through Obadiah.

What can Catholics learn from Obadiah?

We learn that pride is dangerous. We should not ignore the suffering of others. We are called to trust that God sees all things and will make them right.

The Book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, but its message is strong. It speaks out against the nation of Edom, who turned their backs on Judah in a time of trouble. Obadiah warns them that their pride and cruelty will not be forgotten.

Edom and Israel were related through Esau and Jacob, but that family bond was broken. When Jerusalem fell, Edom stood by and even helped the attackers. Obadiah speaks God’s words to them, saying they will face the same kind of judgment they allowed to happen to others.

The book also gives hope to God’s people. It promises that one day, the Lord will bring justice. The people of Judah will return. God’s kingdom will be restored. Even though it is short, Obadiah reminds us that God sees all things and will make things right in His time.

Have you ever read Obadiah? It only takes a few minutes, but it gives a lot to think about. Pride, justice, and God’s care for His people are all packed into this little book.

Take a few moments to read it on your own. Then come back and share what stood out to you. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. What did Obadiah make you think about?