Who Is the Prophet Obadiah in the Bible — Meaning Explained
Obadiah wrote the shortest Old Testament book, prophesying judgment against Edom for their pride and cruelty toward Israel.
Obadiah wrote the shortest Old Testament book, prophesying judgment against Edom for their pride and cruelty toward Israel.
"The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?" — Obadiah 1:3 (KJV)
What "Who Is the Prophet Obadiah in the Bible?" Actually Means
Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament with only 21 verses, yet it delivers a powerful message. Edom, descended from Esau (Jacob's brother), had a long history of hostility toward Israel. When Jerusalem fell, the Edomites gloated, looted, and even captured fleeing Israelites. Obadiah condemned their pride—'The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high' (Obadiah 1:3)—and pronounced God's judgment upon them. The book ends with hope: 'And the kingdom shall be the LORD's' (v. 21), affirming God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Obadiah 1:3
"The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?"
Obadiah 1:15
"For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."
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