Obadiah
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Obadiah in the Bible?
Obadiah served as a high-ranking official in the court of King Ahab of Israel, where he secretly protected a group of Yahwist prophets from Queen Jezebel's persecution, and is traditionally identified as the author of the prophetic Book of Obadiah.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Obadiah clarifies the political and religious tensions within the northern kingdom of Israel, illustrating how prophetic literature often emerged from complex interactions between royal authority and religious dissent.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Obadiah reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Obadiah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Obadiah clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Obadiah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/obadiah/