Obadiah

Prophecy Against Edom

Obadiah is a prophecy against Edom - the nation of people descended from Esau.  It was most likely written after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians and is prompted by Edom's agreement and participation with the Babylonians in the destruction of Judah and the exile of the people.  Because Edom did not support and fight for their brothers (Jacob's descendants), then the Lord has Obadiah prophecy their destruction.

The sin of Edom manifested in two ways.  First they delighted in the calamity of Israel and Judah.  Verse 12 reads, "You should not have gloated when they exiled your relatives...You should not have rejoiced when the people...suffered."  This gloating was caused by the root of bitterness and envy originally manifested by Cain.  When the Lord asked Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" Cain replies, "Am I my brother's keeper?"  In the same way, Edom abandons their brother and takes no responsibility for their downfall.

Because of their Schadenfreude and their abandonment of Israel, Edom is prophesied to be totally destroyed and even "disappear from history." (v.15-16). And, in a theme common to all the exile prophets, Jerusalem and Israel are promised restoration.