Bible Figure
Oded
biblical prophet (Second Book of Chronicles)
Oded was a prophet in the northern kingdom whose warning led Samarian leaders to release Judean captives taken during the reign of Ahaz.
Biography
Second Chronicles 28 recounts that Israel's army inflicted a devastating defeat on Judah and carried two hundred thousand women and children toward Samaria as captives. The prophet Oded met the returning army and declared that although God had allowed Judah's defeat, Israel had acted with sinful rage and now intended to enslave fellow Israelites. Several Ephraimite leaders supported his warning. The captives were clothed, fed, cared for, and returned to Jericho.
Biblical Significance
Oded's intervention is a striking prophetic defense of mercy and brotherhood during civil conflict. His message led directly to repentance expressed through compassionate treatment of captives.