Book 31 of 66 · Old Testament

Obadiah

The Bible's shortest book — a single oracle of judgment against Edom for its violence to its brother Israel.

1 chapters21 versesWritten in HebrewSet Judah, against neighbouring Edom

Overview

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament: a single chapter. It is one oracle against Edom, the nation descended from Esau, for standing by — and even helping — when Jerusalem was plundered. It warns that Edom's pride will bring it down, and ends with the promise that "the kingdom shall be the Lord's."

Book facts

Author: ObadiahNamed in the first verse; otherwise unknown.
Date written: Uncertain — perhaps c. 586 BCLikely after Edom helped plunder Jerusalem.
Original language: HebrewA single chapter of Hebrew poetry.
Setting: Judah, against neighbouring EdomAfter Edom took part in Jerusalem's fall.

How it came to be

Obadiah is named in the opening verse; nothing else is known of him. The book is a single oracle against Edom, the nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother.

It was most likely written after Edom shared in the plunder of Jerusalem.

What is arguedIts date, which depends on which attack on Jerusalem it has in view.

The whole book, chapter by chapter

Chapter	What happens	Who is in it	Where it takes place
The word against Edom — one oracle against Edom, chapter 1
Chapter 1The word against Edom	Edom's pride will be brought down for its violence against its brother Jacob; the day of the Lord is near, and "the kingdom shall be the Lord's."	—

All 1 chapters. Start reading →

Worth knowing

Key people

Edom was the nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother.

Key places

Tap a place to see where it is.

Known for

The book's best-known lines — tap the verse to read it.

The judgment on Edom's prideObadiah 1:4
"As thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee"Obadiah 1:15
"The kingdom shall be the Lord's"Obadiah 1:21