Obadiah was an ancient biblical prophet whose name is traditionally linked to the authorship of the Book of Obadiah. As one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament, his historical timing remains a subject of scholarly debate. Some researchers associate his ministry with the era of the prophet Elijah, while others place him during the time of Jeremiah, following the fall of Jerusalem. He is recognized as a saint in several Christian traditions, including the Anglican, Catholic, and Orthodox churches.
Prophetic traditions
Rabbinic accounts suggest Obadiah was an Edomite who converted to Judaism. According to the Talmud, he earned his prophetic gift by protecting one hundred prophets from the persecution of Jezebel by hiding them in caves. He reportedly used his significant personal wealth to sustain these prophets, eventually exhausting his resources to support them.
Veneration
Various Christian traditions commemorate this saint on different dates. The Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic churches observe his feast day on 19 November. Other traditions, such as the Coptic, Syriac, and Armenian Apostolic churches, celebrate him on other specific days throughout the year. He is honored as a holy figure across several ancient liturgical calendars.