Obadiah is the shortest book of the Old Testament. The identification of Obadiah is very difficult, as the author provides only a name, and that name is even a matter of debate. Internal evidence seems to indicate that Obadiah would be dated to the sixth century B.C. This is consistent with language suggesting Edom is responsible for a sack of Jerusalem. In style, this very short book is quite like a single oracle against a neighboring nation which we might find in one of the longer prophets.
Obadiah asserts the universal rule of God. He talks about how God's covenant is being worked out in Israel through blessing and cursing. God's prophets serve as messengers of the Divine Warrior - God who wages battle. Throughout, we see that Obadiah points to God as the one who sovereignly chooses and cares for his own people.
--
Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment