Book of Obadiah — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: 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.

The book of Obadiah is part of the Hebrew Scriptures and contains 1 chapters. It was written by Obadiah approximately c. 586 BC. The central theme running throughout Obadiah is judgment on pride — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

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:

  1. What specific sins of Edom led to Jehovah's judgment, and what do they teach about the dangers of pride and self-sufficiency?
  2. 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?
  3. What does Obadiah teach about the principle 'as you have done, it will be done to you' (verse 15)?
  4. How does Jehovah's complete judgment on Edom — a nation that seemed impregnable — demonstrate that no human scheme can stand against Jehovah's purpose?
  5. What does the final verse of Obadiah — 'The kingdom will become Jehovah's' — anticipate about the future under Jehovah's Kingdom?

How to Study Obadiah with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 1 chapters of Obadiah in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, 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.

Consider reading Obadiah as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

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 — Journey through 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 just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Minor Prophets in 30 Days — Explore all 12 Minor Prophets — from Hosea to Malachi — in a powerful 30-day journey. (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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