Fourth of the Twelve Minor Prophets in the Books of the Prophets. The entire book consists of one chapter, containing 21 verses and no information at all on the prophet himself. According to the sages of the Talmud, the prophet Obadiah is the same Obadiah mentioned in I Kings 18:3–16, as the God-fearing head of King [GlossaryPerson, 127001 | Ahab]'s household. Another talmudic tradition has it that Obadiah was an Edomite by birth and converted to Judaism. This explains why his father's name is not mentioned. Modern scholars, in light of Obadiah's remonstration with Edom for its treachery during the final days of the First Temple, believe that he lived after the First Temple's destruction. He prophesied that Edom would be destroyed and plundered by invaders as a result of its pride and hatred for Israel.
