Obadiah

Obediah was written by the prophet Obadiah to the Edomites and Jewish people of Judah around 586 BC. Obadiah, who remained in Judah, addresses the people of Edom, descendants of Esau, for their betrayal of their relatives, the descendants of Jacob (Israel). When Jerusalem fell to Babylon, the Edomites joined in looting and captured fleeing Judeans, handing them over to the Babylonians. Obadiah prophesies the destruction of Edom for their actions and assures the people of Judah that God will restore their fortunes. He closes with a vision of the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, where Judah will be restored, and the LORD will reign over all nations.

Obadiah's Vision

Obadiah delivers a vision and message against Edom. God declares that Edom's pride and sense of invincibility will lead to its downfall. God will bring their high places low, allowing their allies to betray and destroy them. Edom is condemned for standing by as Jerusalem was attacked and for participating in the looting and oppression of their relatives. The day of the LORD is near that will bring judgment on all nations. However, Israel will be restored, with Jacob (Israel) consuming Esau (Edom). The kingdom will belong to the LORD, and Israel will possess the lands of its enemies.