Obadiah

Obadiah is a male given name of Hebrew origin. It comes from the Hebrew Ovadyahu, usually interpreted as “servant of Yahweh” or “worshiper of God.” The name has appeared in various languages and cultures, with variants such as Ovadia in Hebrew and spellings including Obadia or Obadiah in different linguistic contexts.

Biblical Obadiah refers to the prophet credited with the Book of Obadiah in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. The work is the shortest book in the canon, consisting of a single chapter with 21 verses. The book contains oracles against Edom and promises of restoration for Israel, with a focus on pride, judgment, and the Day of the Lord. The historical setting is debated; many scholars place the prophecies in the post-exilic period, while others propose earlier or later dates. Obadiah is counted among the Twelve Minor Prophets in traditional Jewish and Christian canons.

Other uses: In addition to its biblical bearer, Obadiah has been used as a given name in English-speaking countries. Notable people and characters include Obadiah Holmes, a 17th-century English Puritan minister who became an early Baptist figure in America, and Obadiah Stane, a fictional industrialist in Marvel Comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, also known as Iron Monger.