Introduction (Obadiah 1:1).
‘The vision of Obadiah.
Thus says the Lord YHWH concerning Edom.
“We have heard tidings from YHWH,
And an ambassador is sent among the nations,
“Arise you, and let us rise up against her in battle.” '
The name Obadiah was a common one in Israel/Judah and probably means ‘the servant of YHWH'. Nothing certain is known about him, and any suggested identification is tenuous. What mattered, however, was that he brought a word from YHWH. And this was a word concerning Edom, who were situatedin the mountains south east of Judah, to the south of the Dead Sea. And that word spoke of a call by YHWH to the nations to arouse themselves against Edom for battle.