Overview
The shortest book of the Hebrew Scriptures, Obadiah pronounces judgment on Edom. Because of the pride and violence Edom showed when it stood aloof and joined in plundering its brother Jacob on the day of his distress, Edom will perish; on the Day of YHWH, Zion will be restored and the kingdom will belong to YHWH.
Theme Judgment on proud Edom and the restoration of Zion
Historical background
Edom, descended from Esau, had a long history of hostility toward Israel, the descendants of Jacob. The content of the book corresponds closely to Edom's rejoicing over and participation in the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem (cf. Psalm 137:7). Edom was later displaced by the Nabataeans, and its descendants, the Idumeans, disappear from history after the New Testament period.