Minor Prophets — Obadiah
Obadiah has a very short and direct message concerning the future judgment of Edom. The Edomites are the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother, as we see from Genesis 36:1. “Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom.” They have always been staunch enemies of the people of God, as we see in Exodus 17 when Amalek, Esau’s grandson came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. Later the wicked man Haman, another descendant of Esau, tried to have the Jews annihilated in the book of Esther.
Along with many other nations they are determined to have Israel destroyed. A careful reading of Psalm 83 will clearly show their hatred as they say, with other nations that join with them, “Come let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel be no more in remembrance” (Psalm 83:4). (Notice the connection with Edom in verse 6 of the Psalm.)
Edom’s judgment will be complete and final as is indicated by verse 10: “For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off forever.” God does not look lightly on any nation or people who have despised or suppressed Israel in any way.
