Minor Prophet • One-Chapter Study

Obadiah

The Judgment of Edom and the Kingdom of the LORD

The shortest book in the Old Testament opens one of Scripture’s longest-running conflicts: Jacob and Esau, Israel and Edom. This study traces that conflict from Genesis through the prophets and into the Day of the LORD, when Edom is judged, Israel possesses her possessions, and “the kingdom shall be the LORD’s.”

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Complete Study

One Chapter. One Complete Study.

Obadiah contains only twenty-one verses, so the introduction and complete verse-by-verse commentary are combined into one study. Along the way, students receive an extensive background on Edom, the descendants of Esau, and the centuries-long conflict between Edom and Israel.

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Obadiah — Complete Study

Introduction, historical background, doctrinal study, and commentary on all twenty-one verses.

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The Story Behind the Prophecy

Edom: The Brother Nation

Obadiah cannot be fully understood without knowing Edom. The Edomites descended from Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, making their hostility toward Israel especially significant. What began as a family conflict grew into a centuries-long struggle between two nations.

01

From Esau to Edom

The conflict begins before Jacob and Esau were even born. Their struggle in Rebekah’s womb foretold two nations whose paths would repeatedly collide. Esau’s descendants became Edom, and the ancient family division became a national one.

02

Betrayal at Jerusalem

When Jerusalem fell, Edom did not come to the aid of its brother Jacob. The Edomites stood aloof, rejoiced over Judah’s destruction, entered the city, took its substance, and helped cut off those who tried to escape.

03

Into the Day of the LORD

Obadiah reaches beyond Jerusalem’s ancient fall. The prophecy moves into the Day of the LORD, when Edom faces final judgment, Jacob possesses his possessions, deliverance comes upon mount Zion, and the kingdom becomes the LORD’s.

A Doctrinal Key

Edom Is Not Finished

This study identifies modern-day Edom with Saudi Arabia. Obadiah therefore reaches far beyond the ancient conflict between Edom and Israel. The historical record establishes a pattern that continues prophetically into the last days.

The study follows Edom through Scripture into the Tribulation and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, when the long conflict between Esau and Jacob reaches its appointed conclusion.

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Where Obadiah Ends

“And the kingdom shall be the LORD’s.” Obadiah 1:21

Obadiah begins with Edom’s pride and closes with the LORD’s Kingdom. Edom is brought down, Jacob possesses his possessions, deliverance comes upon mount Zion, and the centuries-old struggle finally reaches its end under the reign of Christ.

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