Living Jewishly Prayer & Study
Inclusion for People with Disabilities Conservative Jewish Action Center Social Justice Social Action Convention Resolutions
Join A Listserve Synagogue Administration Leadership Council of Regional Presidents
Schechter Awards Synagogue Resource Center Hazak (55+)
Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center Conservative Yeshiva in Israel Making Aliyah to Israel USCJ Israel Programs & Travel Family Education Initaitive Israel Commission
Services Provided Early Childhood Education Your Child Newsletter Religious Schools Adult & Family Education
Jewish Holidays Shabbat Candlelighting Times Secular Holidays
 
YOU ARE HERE: Study Programs >> Perek Yomi (A Chapter a Day) >> Questions to Guide You

Perek Yomi - Obadiah

by Rabbi Robert Layman

Obadiah (Ovadyah - i.e., "the servant of the Lord" - in Hebrew) is unique among the books of the Prophets and in the Bible as a whole because it consists of only one chapter of 21 verses. It is read as a Haftarah for Va-yishlah (Genesis: 32:4-36:43) and thus marks one of the rare occasions during the year when an entire book (brief as it is) constitutes a Haftarah. One can, understandably, speculate that Obadiah had much more to say but that his words either were not recorded or were lost.

Despite the brevity of the book, scholars disagree over its basic unity, some suggesting that it represents two different speakers and two different time periods. The main message is a condemnation of the nation of Edom, whose progenitor was Jacob's brother Esau (hence the selection as a Haftarah for Va-Yishlah), and which was historically an enemy of the kingdom of Judah. Obadiah prophesies disaster for the Edomites and, indeed, the country was overrun by Arab invaders toward the end of the Sixth Century B.C.E. Nevertheless, some scholars maintain that the last few verses refer to a much later period in Jewish history. A book need not be lengthy to arouse controversy.

Chapter 1

  1. 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?
  2. Other than the name of the prophet is there any additional information as to his background, the time of his prophesying, the location?
  3. To whom does the prophet address his opening observations?
  4. Although a "small group" (verse 2) what was the self-image of the Edomites (verse 3) in the opinion of the prophet?
  5. Does verse 4, with its reference to "eagles" and to "dwelling amongst the stars" refer to geography or to attitude?
  6. In verse 6 what biblical echo is there from the book of Bereyshit (in which Edom is a synonym for Esau)?
  7. Verse 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?
  8. Verse 10 sets down the prophet's reason for excoriating Edom; what is that reason?
  9. Would verse 11 imply attacks upon Judea (especially Jerusalem, and if so, what was the role of the Edomites?
  10. Does verse 12 hint (perhaps explicate) that the prophecy is after 586 B.C.E.?
  11. Verse 15 predicts "God's day" which will be a day of judgment for whom?
  12. And, at the time of Edom's judgment (verse 16) what will become of Mount Zion and the House of Jacob (verse 17)?
  13. And with the ascendancy of Israel what is the lot of Edom-Esau to be?
  14. Will the "coming days" see an expansion of the geographic confines of Judea/Israel?
  15. What is the portent of the closing verse (21)?
  16. 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?
Addicott Web Design and Consulting