ABDIAS, whose name is interpreted THE SERVANT OF THE LORD, is believed
to have prophesied about the same time as OSEE, JOEL, and AMOS: though
some of the Hebrews, who believe him to be the same with ACHAB's
steward, make him much more ancient. His prophecy is the shortest of
any in number of words, but yields to none, says ST. JEROME, in the
sublimity of mysteries. It contains but one chapter.