Book of Obadiah — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 1 · Written by: Obadiah · Approximate date: c. 586 BC · Theme: Judgment on Pride
Summary of the Book of Obadiah
The shortest book of the Hebrew Scriptures pronounces Jehovah's judgment on Edom for taking pride in Jerusalem's destruction, affirming that Jehovah defends his people and that pride always leads to a fall.
Why the Book of Obadiah Matters Today
Obadiah, the shortest book in the Hebrew Scriptures, pronounces judgment on Edom for gloating over Judah's misfortune. The principle stands today: how Jehovah's people are treated by outsiders matters to him. For Witnesses experiencing persecution, mockery, or family opposition, Obadiah is a reminder that Jehovah keeps records and will eventually call every gloating opponent to account. The book closes with the promise that 'the kingship will belong to Jehovah' (Obadiah 21) — a hope that anchors every Witness through current trials.
Key Verses in Obadiah
- Obad 1:15
- Obad 1:3–4
Notable Passages in Obadiah
Obadiah 1:15
The declaration 'as you have done, it will be done to you' states the principle of just retribution — that Jehovah ensures that wickedness done to his people will be repaid in kind.
Obadiah 1:3–4
Edom's pride in its mountain stronghold is contrasted with Jehovah's power to bring them down, illustrating that self-reliant pride always precedes a fall.
Obadiah 1:21
The closing promise that 'the kingdom will become Jehovah's' anticipates the ultimate vindication of his sovereignty when all enemy powers are removed.
Study Questions for Obadiah
As you read the book of Obadiah, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- What specific sins of Edom led to Jehovah's judgment, and what do they teach about the dangers of pride and self-sufficiency?
- How did Edom's gloating over Jerusalem's fall (verses 12–14) violate the principle of brotherly love, and what warning does this hold for us?
- What does Obadiah teach about the principle 'as you have done, it will be done to you' (verse 15)?
- How does Jehovah's complete judgment on Edom — a nation that seemed impregnable — demonstrate that no human scheme can stand against Jehovah's purpose?
- What does the final verse of Obadiah — 'The kingdom will become Jehovah's' — anticipate about the future under Jehovah's Kingdom?
Frequently Asked Questions About Obadiah
- Who wrote the book of Obadiah?
- Obadiah the prophet wrote the book bearing his name, completing it around 607 BCE shortly after Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians.
- When was the book of Obadiah written?
- Obadiah was written approximately 607 BCE in Judah, responding to Edom's gloating over Jerusalem's destruction at the hands of the Babylonians.
- What is the main theme of Obadiah?
- Obadiah pronounces Jehovah's judgment on Edom for gloating over Judah's destruction and promises that Jehovah will ultimately restore his people and establish his kingship.
How to Study Obadiah with JW Study
Track your progress through all 1 chapters of Obadiah in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include Obadiah
The book of Obadiah is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Read all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
- Minor Prophets in 30 Days — Read all 12 Minor Prophets, from Hosea to Malachi, in a focused 30-day plan. (30 days, 67 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today
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