Day 243: Obadiah
The Bible Dept.
Exploring Obadiah and the Impact of Historical Context
This chapter explores the historical backdrop of the book of Obadiah, focusing on the fall of Jerusalem and the Edomites' involvement during that era. It also introduces the new book 'Crushing Chaos,' designed to assist readers in facing personal challenges through biblical perspectives.
Sometimes the biggest warnings come in the smallest packages. Obadiah may only be 21 verses long, but it delivers a heavy message about pride, betrayal, and brotherhood gone wrong. Set against the backdrop of Jerusalem’s fall, this tiny prophetic book zooms in on Edom—a neighboring nation descended from Esau—for standing by, mocking, and even profiting while Judah was devastated. It’s not just a judgment on Edom’s actions, but a timeless reminder for us: how we treat others in their lowest moments says everything about who we are.
✈️ Overview:
• Obadiah rebukes Edom for betraying their “brother” nation during Judah’s fall
• The book calls out pride, opportunism, and gloating over others’ misfortune
• Though short, the message is urgent: justice will come, and no betrayal goes unseen
• Israel is judged but restored—Edom is judged and erased
• The heart of the message: you don’t win by standing on someone else’s ruins
🔎 Context Clues:
• Written around 585 BC, shortly after Babylon’s destruction of Jerusalem
• Edom was a brother nation to Israel (descended from Esau), expected to offer support
• Instead, Edom looted Jerusalem, captured refugees, and celebrated Israel’s defeat
• The text parallels Jeremiah 49 in multiple verses—suggesting shared eyewitnesses to the same trauma
• The “Day of the Lord” here is not for restoration—but for final reckoning
🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:
• Petra—Edom’s mountainous home—is featured in films like Indiana Jones
• Obadiah is one of the only books addressed solely to a foreign nation
• The Edomites thought their geography made them invincible (“clefts of the rock”)
• Jeremiah and Obadiah share nearly identical language in multiple verses, likely written around the same time
• You can’t find Edomites today—God’s judgment was total, just as prophesied
✅ Timeless Truths:
• Pride and opportunism often masquerade as strategy—but God sees the heart
• Brotherhood is tested not in success but in someone else’s suffering
• Jealousy, competition, and a scarcity mindset rot us from the inside out
• You don’t need someone else to fall in order for you to rise
• Real community cheers others on and grieves with them when they’re hurting
Obadiah isn’t just about an ancient betrayal—it’s a mirror. How do you respond when others stumble? Do you gloat, stay silent, or reach out? In a world hungry for self-advancement, this one-page prophecy calls us back to loyalty, compassion, and humility. God keeps score—and He calls us to build, not tear down. Let’s be the kind of people who celebrate others’ victories and stand beside them in their defeats.
🚀 START HERE!
Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.
📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:
Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.
🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?
Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!
🐉 DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOK
Crushing Chaos is available NOW wherever books are sold. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.
👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:
📱 STAY CONNECTED:
📨 EMAIL US!
Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.
💥 MORE RESOURCES:
- Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. Essentials
- Dr. Manny Arango’s Book | Brainwashed
- Book Dr. Manny to Speak
🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!
SUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-department
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code DEPARTMENT10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
The AI-powered Podcast Player
