The short prophecy of Obadiah is addressed to the nation of Edom (v 1). The Edomites traced their origin to Esau, the firstborn twin son of Isaac and Rebekah. Esau settled in a region of vast wildernesses and rugged mountains south of the Dead Sea. Throughout history, the Edomites held the Israelites (descendants of Esau’s brother Jacob) in perpetual contempt. But the prophet Obadiah declares that God will judge the pride of Edom and all nations who share their hostility toward the LORD. At the same time, Obadiah extends a message of blessing, prosperity, and hope to the LORD’s people. His prophecy was written sometime after the fall of Jerusalem in 587 BC, and before the fall of Edom (the date of which is unknown, though their land was eventually reduced to nothing and remains that way today, as foretold by Obadiah). This book was written as an explanation of their fall. In short, God’s judgment was coming upon Edom because of their arrogance. These people were proud of their national security (due to geographical advantages), their vast network of alliances, and their exceptional wisdom and strength (v 1-9). When Jerusalem was overrun by enemies, Edom should have mourned for the misfortune of their brothers. Instead, they rejoiced in Judah’s loss and participated in the looting. Feeling superior, they “stood aloof,” gloated, and boasted on the day of their neighbor’s distress (v 10-14). But on “the day of the LORD,” there will be a reversal of people’s fortunes. Having partied in the aftermath of Jerusalem’s fall, the Edomites will drink again, but this time the cup will not contain smooth wine, but bitter wrath. God will soon judge all peoples, even as He delivers His own (v 15-21). In some ways Edom is unique because of her blood ties to Israel. At the same time, she stands as an important model for every nation. Whenever an enemy falls, we should recognize that God is behind these temporal judgments, while recognizing that one day all will appear before Him to face eternal judgment. Jesus urged His listeners to reason this way when He was asked about some slaughtered Galileans. Any country, group, or person currently in power should thus fear God and humbly pursue integrity, honor, justice, and love. As D.A. Carson notes, “In some ways, Obadiah is a commentary on Amos 9:12. Like Judah, Edom is cut down. Nevertheless the hope of the world lies in Judah’s future, not Edom’s—and that kingdom is the LORD’s (v 17, 21). That was reason enough not to despise God’s covenant people, both then and now.” For further meditation: