1. The primary focus of Obadiah’s vision is God’s judgment on the nation of Edom.
2. The Edomites were the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother.
3. The Edomites had deceived themselves by their own pride (Obad. 1:3).
4. God promised to turn Edom’s allies against them (Obad. 1:7).
5. Edom incurred God’s wrath by assisting Judah’s enemies (Obad. 1:10–14).

In Obadiah, God glorifies Himself through the destruction of the enemies of the Church, so that He might demonstrate His superior goodness in the salvation sinners, the damnation of the wicked, and for the preservation of His people for His eternal glory, and their eternal joy.

The author identifies himself as Obadiah.

Obadiah was probably written during Jehoram’s reign over Israel (850–840 B.C.), though some think a 586 B.C. date is more likely.

“ ‘Behold, I will make you small among the nations;
You shall be greatly despised.
The pride of your heart has deceived you,
You who dwell in the clefts of the rock,
Whose habitation is high;
You who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?”
Though you ascend as high as the eagle,
And though you set your nest among the stars,
From there I will bring you down,’ says the Lord.”

Obadiah 1:2–4

“ ‘But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance,
And there shall be holiness;
The house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.
The house of Jacob shall be a fire,
And the house of Joseph a flame;
But the house of Esau shall be stubble;
They shall kindle them and devour them,
And no survivor shall remain of the house of Esau,’
For the Lord has spoken.”

Obadiah 1:17–18

1. God will destroy His enemies.
2. God’s enemies hate the church.
3. God judges the sin of pride.
4. God preserves His people.

Obadiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in the book of Acts. Every chapter in the book of Acts shows the victory of the gospel over the enemies of God, and this is the primary message of Obadiah. The prophecies of Obadiah are fulfilled in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, His salvation of the Gentiles, and the final judgment at the end of the age. Obadiah’s prophecy was given to tell us that the handwriting is on the wall for the enemies of God.

1. God’s Punishment on Edom (Obad. 1:1–14)
   1. Edom’s Punishment (Obad. 1:1–9)
   2. Edom’s Rebellion (Obad. 1:10–14)
2. God’s Judgment on the Nations (Obad. 1:15–16)
3. God’s Restoration of Israel (Obad. 1:17–21)