Historical Background Of Obadiah

Edom was the nation descended from Esau (Genesis 36:8-9), and Israel was the nation descended from his younger brother Jacob. The conflict between the two brothers began before they were even born (Genesis 25:22-26). God chose the nation from the younger brother over the nation from the older. Their descendants became bitter rivals even though God commanded peace among them (Deuteronomy 23:7; Numbers 20:14-21). War against Edom was forbidden, yet occurred often (1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Samuel 8:11-14; Ezekiel 25:12-14). Prophet refers to attack on Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 21:8-10) during the days of Jehoram?

Message Of Obadiah

The summary of Obadiah’s prophecy is twofold. First, he prophesied of the fall of Edom because of their pride and cruelty against Israel (1:1-16). Second, he prophesied of the exaltation of Zion when Seir (capital of Edom) would be cast down (1:17-21).