- The name of the prophet (Obadiah in English, Ovadyah in Hebrew) is actually composed of two words — eved Yah (or oved Yah) — and in either case what would the name imply?
- Other than the name of the prophet is there any additional information as to his background, the time of his prophesying, the location?
- To whom does the prophet address his opening observations?
- Although a “small group” (Obadiah 1:2) what was the self-image of the Edomites (Obadiah 1:3) in the opinion of the prophet?
- Does Obadiah 1:4, with its reference to “eagles” and to “dwelling amongst the stars” refer to geography or to attitude?
- In Obadiah 1:6 what biblical echo is there from the book of Bereyshit (in which Edom is a synonym for Esau)?
- Obadiah 1:8 would imply that the country of Edom was well endowed with “wise men” or is the reference to the destruction of sensible leadership and thought?
- Obadiah 1:10 sets down the prophet’s reason for excoriating Edom; what is that reason?
- Would Obadiah 1:11 imply attacks upon Judea (especially Jerusalem, and if so, what was the role of the Edomites?
- Does Obadiah 1:12 hint (perhaps explicate) that the prophecy is after 586 B.C.E.?
- Obadiah 1:15 predicts “God’s day” which will be a day of judgment for whom?
- And, at the time of Edom’s judgment (Obadiah 1:16) what will become of Mount Zion and the House of Jacob (Obadiah 1:17)?
- And with the ascendancy of Israel what is the lot of Edom-Esau to be?
- Will the “coming days” see an expansion of the geographic confines of Judea/Israel?
- What is the portent of the closing verse (Obadiah 1:21)?
- This is the only prophetic text of Ovadyah; could one determine from it where and when the prophecy was uttered — and is there any hint as to why there is but one chapter?
