Since joining the organisation from the business world as an IT consultant, Debbie has worked primarily with national translators in the Solomon Islands, also PNG and South Asia, in translation checking, capacity building and training. She is also a lecturer for SILA in Bible Translation, Scripture Engagement and Cultural Anthropology.
The Relevance of Obadiah in the 21st Century
Abstract
I recall checking Obadiah for a language group from a small Pacific Island wondering how this ancient Middle Eastern text could ever be useful for the community. Were we wasting our time?
Despite the Bible’s claim that ‘all Scripture is inspired by God and is useful…’ some parts are not well-read or well-understood. This paper seeks to investigate the book, looking at the text, the historical context, its place in the canon and reader context, in order to evaluate how this small part of Scripture might be relevant to the church around the world in the 21st century.
A study of Obadiah reveals an intended function for its original audience and situation. It contains many themes of importance throughout the Bible, forming part of the continuing narrative of salvation history. Additionally, there are many situations around the world today where people can closely relate to the themes that are raised, for example those who are displaced, oppressed, powerless and looking for hope.
An investigation of these ideas leads one to question that if Obadiah is accepted as God’s word, if it can be shown to be of value in the current age, why is its relevance not perceived and what can be done to encourage the church of the 21st century to better appreciate its value. The answer leads from good translation to Scripture Engagement and training. The conclusion for the book of Obadiah has a wider application as we work towards the church world-wide having access to the ‘full counsel of God’.