For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.
Obadiah 1:15 KJV
About the Book of Obadiah
Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, a single chapter against Edom. Edom's people descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, and lived in the rocky highlands southeast of Judah. When Jerusalem was attacked, Edom stood aside, gloated and even looted and handed over fugitives. Obadiah says pride and betrayal of a brother will bring Edom down, that the day of the Lord is near for all nations, and that God's people will return to possess their land. The book ends with the statement that the kingdom will be the Lord's.
- Testament: Old Testament
- Genre: Prophecy
- Chapters: 1
- Verses: 21
Who Wrote Obadiah, and When?
Author: Obadiah, otherwise unknown.
When it was written: Probably after Jerusalem's fall in 586 BC, though some propose earlier.
Main Themes in Obadiah
- Pride brings a fall
- Betraying family
- God's justice for nations
A Key Verse: Obadiah 1:15
For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.
The line that what you did will be done to you states the principle behind the whole short book.
Reading Tip
Because it is so brief, it helps to read Psalm 137 and Lamentations alongside it to feel the context of Edom's behavior. Use the randomizer above to land on a verse in Obadiah, then press Show context to read the verses around it.
← Random verse from AmosRandom verse from Jonah →
Browse all 66 books on the Bible books page, or get a verse from the whole Bible with the main Bible verse randomizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chapters and verses are in Obadiah?
Obadiah has 1 chapter and 21 verses in the King James Version.
Who wrote Obadiah?
Author: Obadiah, otherwise unknown. When it was written: Probably after Jerusalem's fall in 586 BC, though some propose earlier.
What is Obadiah about?
Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, a single chapter against Edom. Edom's people descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, and lived in the rocky highlands southeast of Judah. When Jerusalem was attacked, Edom stood aside, gloated and even looted and handed over fugitives. Obadiah says pride and betrayal of a brother will bring Edom down, that the day of the Lord is near for all nations, and that God's people will return to possess their land. The book ends with the statement that the kingdom will be the Lord's.
Can I get a random verse from only Obadiah?
Yes. This page picks a random verse from Obadiah only. Every one of its 21 verses has an equal chance.