The Book of Obadiah is one of the shortest yet most powerful prophetic books in the Old Testament. It focuses primarily on the judgment of Edom, a nation that descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob. However, some people mistakenly believe that Obadiah prophesied against Assyria. While Assyria is a major nation in biblical prophecy, Obadiah’s message is not directed at them but at Edom.
To clarify the confusion, this topic explores Obadiah’s prophecy, Assyria’s role in biblical history, and how these nations relate to God’s judgment and restoration plan.
Who Was Obadiah?
Obadiah was one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament. His name means ‘Servant of the Lord.’ The Book of Obadiah consists of only one chapter with 21 verses, making it the shortest book in the Hebrew Bible. Despite its length, the prophecy carries a strong message about divine justice.
The primary focus of Obadiah’s prophecy is the nation of Edom, not Assyria. However, Assyria was an important player in biblical history, and other prophets, such as Jonah and Nahum, did prophesy against it.
Did Obadiah Prophesy Against Assyria?
No, Obadiah did not prophesy against Assyria. His message was directed at Edom, condemning their pride and cruelty toward Israel.
The confusion may arise because Assyria was a dominant world power during the biblical era. Prophets like Jonah, Nahum, and Isaiah did deliver messages about Assyria, but Obadiah’s prophecy was focused on Edom’s destruction and Israel’s restoration.
Assyria in Biblical Prophecy
Although Obadiah did not prophesy against Assyria, other prophets did. Here are some key biblical prophecies related to Assyria:
1. Jonah’s Prophecy to Nineveh
Jonah was sent by God to warn the Assyrians in Nineveh of their impending destruction. Surprisingly, the people repented, and God spared them. However, their repentance was short-lived, and later prophets foretold their downfall.
2. Nahum’s Prophecy Against Assyria
Unlike Jonah, Nahum’s prophecy declared the final destruction of Nineveh. He warned that Assyria’s cruelty and arrogance would lead to their downfall.
3. Isaiah and Assyria’s Role in God’s Plan
Isaiah spoke of Assyria as an instrument of God’s judgment against Israel. However, he also prophesied that Assyria itself would face divine judgment.
Obadiah’s Message to Edom
While Assyria was an important nation in biblical history, Obadiah’s message was specifically directed at Edom. Here are the key themes of his prophecy:
1. Edom’s Pride and Arrogance
Obadiah condemned Edom for their pride, thinking they were untouchable because of their mountainous terrain.
“The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks.” (Obadiah 1:3)
2. Edom’s Betrayal of Israel
Edom stood by when Jerusalem was attacked and even participated in the destruction.
“On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth… you were like one of them.” (Obadiah 1:11)
3. The Coming Judgment on Edom
Obadiah warned that Edom would face total destruction as a consequence of their actions.
“There will be no survivors from Esau.” (Obadiah 1:18)
4. The Restoration of Israel
The prophecy ends with hope for Israel’s restoration, showing that God’s judgment is not just about destruction but also redemption.
“The kingdom will be the Lord’s.” (Obadiah 1:21)
Comparing Edom and Assyria in Biblical Prophecy
| Aspect | Edom (Obadiah’s Prophecy) | Assyria (Other Prophecies) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Sin | Pride and betrayal of Israel | Cruelty and oppression of nations |
| Prophet | Obadiah | Jonah, Nahum, Isaiah |
| Judgment | Total destruction | Nineveh’s destruction, end of empire |
| Final Outcome | Edom erased from history | Assyria conquered by Babylon |
Why Is This Important?
Understanding the distinction between Obadiah’s prophecy against Edom and the biblical prophecies concerning Assyria helps clarify biblical history and God’s justice. While Edom was judged for betraying Israel, Assyria was judged for its brutality and arrogance.
Both nations serve as examples of how God deals with pride, injustice, and cruelty. Whether through Edom’s betrayal or Assyria’s oppression, divine justice prevailed.
Although some may believe that Obadiah prophesied against Assyria, his message was specifically directed at Edom. Assyria, on the other hand, was addressed by other prophets like Jonah, Nahum, and Isaiah.
The Book of Obadiah teaches us that no nation is beyond God’s judgment. Whether Edom’s betrayal or Assyria’s cruelty, God holds all accountable for their actions. At the same time, His promise of restoration for Israel reminds us that He is a God of justice and redemption.