Introduction to the Book of Obadiah The Book of Obadiah is the shortest book in
the Old Testament, only one chapter.
We know little about its author, the prophet Obadiah, and the date is
uncertain.
The circumstances of the book refer to one of two periods of invasion in Israel's
history, either the period around 850 B.C.
or the period around 600 B.C., but the message of the prophecy is clear.
The prophecy centers on the ancient feud between Edom and Israel.
Edom bordered the land of Israel to the southeast.
The Edomites were descendants of Esau and carried a grudge against their relatives
in Israel because Esau's twin brother Jacob had cheated Esau out of his
birthright and stolen their father's blessing.
Edom was proud of her natural fortifications in the mountains and
gloated over the devastation of God's chosen people by foreign powers.
But because of Edom's pride and her participation in that disaster against
Israel, Obadiah announced that Edom would be destroyed and that God's kingdom and
God's people would triumph.
God eventually did humble Edom and the nation fell.
Take heart as you listen, knowing that God's enemies will not escape His judgment
and will someday be brought to justice and destroyed.