Jesus in Obadiah

Obadiah was a prophet in the Old Testament and the author of the Book of Obadiah, the shortest book in the Hebrew Bible (just 21 verses). Here’s what we know (and don’t know) about him: Obadiah (עֹבַדְיָה) means “Servant of Yahweh” or “Worshiper of Yahweh.” We are not told anything personal about this Obadiah in the book itself — no family background, no location, and no time reference. Because of this, many scholars consider him one of the most anonymous prophets in the Bible.

When Did He Live?

There are two main views:

6th Century BC — After the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC

This is the most widely accepted view. Obadiah prophesied when Edom rejoiced over Judah’s destruction by Babylon. This fits the tone of judgment on Edom for their betrayal.

9th Century BC — During the reign of King Jehoram (848–841 BC)

Some suggest Obadiah spoke after an earlier Edomite invasion (2 Chronicles 21:16–17).

Either way, his prophecy is timeless in its message of God’s justice.

The Book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament (just 21 verses), and it focuses on the judgment of Edom and the restoration of Israel. While Jesus is not mentioned by name, many Christian theologians see foreshadowings of Christ and messianic hope in the book.

Here are the ways Jesus is seen in Obadiah:

1. The Day of the Lord — Obadiah 1:15

“For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you…”

This points to a universal judgment, which is a theme Jesus elaborates in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 25).

Christians view “the Day of the Lord” as ultimately fulfilled in Christ’s second coming, where He will judge the nations.

2. Deliverance on Mount Zion — Obadiah 1:17

“But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy, and the house of Jacob shall possess their own possessions.”

Mount Zion is a symbol of God’s kingdom.

Hebrews 12:22 identifies Mount Zion with “the city of the living God”, accessible through Jesus the mediator (Hebrews 12:24).

So this deliverance is seen as a shadow of salvation through Christ.

3. Saviors (Deliverers) Shall Come — Obadiah 1:21

“Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.”

The plural “saviors” refers to deliverers or leaders who restore justice.

Christians see this ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, the true Savior and King whose reign is final.

Compare with Luke 1:33: “…and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Jesus is foreshadowed in Obadiah as:

The Judge of nations (Day of the Lord)

The Savior from Mount Zion

The ultimate ruler of God’s kingdom

Though Obadiah is primarily a prophetic warning to Edom, it ends with hope pointing to God’s final victory — a victory Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Here is a quick summary of this beautiful book:

Judgment Against Edom (vv. 1–14):

God declares judgment on Edom, a nation descended from Esau (Jacob’s brother).

Edom is condemned for pride, violence, and betrayal of Israel (Jacob’s descendants).

When Jerusalem was invaded, Edom stood by, rejoiced, looted, and even captured fleeing Israelites.

God warns that Edom will be brought low, and their allies will deceive them.

The Day of the Lord (vv. 15–16):

The “Day of the Lord” is coming for all nations.

What Edom did to others will come back upon them — justice will be universal.

Restoration of Israel (vv. 17–21):

Zion (Jerusalem) will be delivered and become holy again.

Israel will reclaim its land and defeat its enemies.

The final verse envisions God’s kingdom being established.

Charles Spurgeon, the 19th-century “Prince of Preachers,” did not preach a full series on Obadiah, but he did reference the book in various sermons and writings. His main reflections on Obadiah highlight its warnings of pride, its justice against Edom, and its hope of deliverance for God’s people. Here are key themes from Spurgeon’s teachings related to Obadiah:

1. Pride and the Fall of Edom

Obadiah 1:3 — “The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee…”

Spurgeon often quoted this verse in sermons warning against spiritual pride. He saw Edom as a picture of all who exalt themselves against God:

“Pride is the most besetting sin of mankind. It was the sin of Edom, and it is the sin of many who dwell in the heights of self-righteousness.” — Adapted from Spurgeon’s Sermons on Humility and Pride

He warned that pride blinds the soul, making people feel secure when judgment is near.

2. The Certainty of Divine Judgment

Spurgeon emphasized Obadiah’s message that no enemy of God will go unpunished:

“Though men build their nests among the stars, yet shall they be brought down. There is no fortress so strong that God’s judgment cannot reach it.” — Spurgeon, from “The Security of the Believer” (referencing Obadiah 1:4)

This showed God’s sovereignty over nations and individuals alike.

3. God’s Faithfulness to His People

Obadiah 1:17 — “But upon Mount Zion shall be deliverance…”

Spurgeon loved the theme of deliverance and restoration for God’s people. He saw this as a picture of the grace given through Christ:

“When all things seem against us, and the adversary triumphs, then shall the Lord raise up deliverance in Zion. Christ shall reign, and his redeemed shall inherit the kingdom.”

He connected the deliverance on Mount Zion with the spiritual deliverance provided by Jesus.

4. The Kingdom Shall Be the Lord’s

Obadiah 1:21

“And the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.”

Spurgeon often returned to this declaration as a promise of Christ’s final victory:

“When kings and empires pass away, the Lord shall reign forever. His is the kingdom, and his is the glory. Let the proud tremble and the saints rejoice.” — Spurgeon on Christ’s Eternal Reign