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Verse-by-Verse Commentary

The Book of Obadiah

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, a single chapter with a weighty warning: God's judgment on proud Edom for gloating over the fall of its brother Jacob, and the promise that the kingdom shall belong to the LORD. This commentary walks through the whole book verse by verse.

1 Chapter ·Complete ·KJV Throughout ·Hebrew Word Studies

About This Commentary

The Book of Obadiah is the shortest in the Old Testament, a single chapter of twenty-one verses. It pronounces God's judgment on Edom, the nation descended from Esau, Jacob's twin brother. Proud in its high rock strongholds, Edom had stood by gloating and even helping when Jerusalem fell to its enemies. Obadiah declares that Edom's pride will bring it down, that God will repay it for its cruelty toward its brother, and that the day of the LORD is coming upon all nations.

This commentary walks through the whole book verse by verse, with the Hebrew words that sharpen the meaning, verified background, and an Apostolic reading. Obadiah warns against the deceit of pride and the sin of standing aloof from a brother's suffering, and it ends with the Bible's great hope: 'the kingdom shall be the LORD's.' References are given at the foot of the chapter.

Because Obadiah is a single chapter, this commentary covers the entire book.

Author

Obadiah, whose name means 'servant/worshiper of the LORD.'

Setting

A prophecy against Edom after the fall of Jerusalem.

Length

The shortest book in the Old Testament: 21 verses.

Theme

Pride brought low, and the triumph of God's kingdom.

Translation

King James Version (KJV) throughout.

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