Who was Oded in the Bible?

Prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy

Oded is a prophet mentioned in 2 Chronicles 28:9 in the Bible. From a biblical point of view, Oded was a prophet living during the time of the Divided Monarchy, a period when the nation of Israel was split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division occurred after the reign of King Solomon, with Israel being ruled by separate kings.

In 2 Chronicles 28:9, Oded appears as a prophet who speaks out against the Israelite army of Judah when they were about to bring back captives from the northern kingdom of Israel. Oded warns them that they were going against the will of God by bringing back these captives as slaves, and he urges them to show mercy and compassion instead.

Oded’s message emphasizes the importance of following God’s commandments and treating others with kindness and compassion. His role as a prophet in this context highlights the duty of God’s people to act justly and to seek reconciliation and peace rather than vengeance.

Overall, Oded serves as a reminder of the prophetic tradition in Israel, where God raised up individuals to speak His word and call His people back to faithfulness. Oded’s message reflects the core values of the biblical perspective, emphasizing obedience to God’s commands, mercy, and compassion towards others.