The book of Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament at only 21 verses, is entirely devoted to pronouncing God’s judgment on the nation of Edom. Edom was descended from Esau and had a long, contentious history with Israel. Yet God’s harsh judgment on them in Obadiah might still seem perplexing or even unfair to some readers.
To understand why God determined to judge Edom as severely as described in Obadiah, we must first understand a few key factors:
Edom’s Pride and Arrogance
Edom’s capital city of Petra was virtually impenetrable, carved out of solid mountain rock. This fostered a sense of security and self-sufficiency in the Edomites (Obadiah 1:3-4). They became proud and arrogant, believing their wealth and military power made them invincible (Obadiah 1:3). They had elevated themselves in their own eyes.
But God resists the proud (James 4:6). He will bring down those who lift themselves up and humble those who are arrogant (Matthew 23:12). Edom’s pride was an affront to God.
Edom’s Violence Against Israel
When Israel was invaded by foreign powers like Babylon, Edom not only refused to help them but actually participated in the attacks, looting, slaughter and taking Israelites captive (Obadiah 1:10-14). They even prevented escapees and stood by gloating as Israel was destroyed (Obadiah 1:12-14).
Edom displayed malicious cruelty against their relatives. God expects His people to show compassion (Zechariah 7:9), especially to those in need. Edom’s violence and treachery in attacking Judah provoked God’s judgment.
Edom’s Lack of Brotherly Love
As descendants of Esau, Edomites were blood relatives of Israel. They were commanded to love their neighbor as themselves (Leviticus 19:18). Israel pleaded for their help against invaders, but Edom repeatedly refused and even aided the attackers.
Edom’s relation to Israel made their actions even more reprehensible. They failed to show brotherly love or fulfill their familial duties. This disregard for others, especially family, brought God’s wrath.
Rejection of God’s Sovereignty
Edom’s gloating arrogance displayed a fundamental lack of understanding of God’s sovereignty. They believed their rock-hewn cities made them indestructible and attributed their success to themselves rather than God (Obadiah 1:3-4).
In reality, all earthly powers are subject to God’s will. He alone raises up and brings down nations according to His divine plan (Jeremiah 18:7-8). Edom’s failure to acknowledge God’s supreme authority made them ripe for judgment.
Violation of God’s Holy Law
Edom’s murder, violence, greed, pride and other sins were clear violations of God’s holy law. They utterly rejected God’s commandments and righteous standards for how to treat others, especially His chosen people Israel.
God’s moral law reflects His holy nature. Willful transgression of that law necessitates His judgment (Romans 1:18). Edom’s unrepentant sin required a consequence.
Settlement in Judah’s Land
After Judah’s destruction, Edom capitalized by moving into southern Judah and establishing settlements there (Obadiah 1:20). This was not merely opportunism, but occupation of land God had promised to Abraham’s descendants.
Though other nations also attacked Judah, God singles out Edom repeatedly in prophecies (Isaiah 34:5, Jeremiah 49:7-22). As Israel’s relatives encroaching on their God-given land, their treachery was particularly offensive.
Prophetic Fulfillment
God’s prophets often foretold Edom’s destruction (Isaiah 34:5-17, Jeremiah 49:7-22). Obadiah’s prophecy continues this theme. God was showing His faithfulness by keeping His word.
Allowing Edom to escape prophesied destruction would make God appear unreliable or weak. Carrying out promised judgment displayed God’s sovereignty and righteousness.
Curse for Cursing Israel
God promised Abraham He would bless those who blessed Israel and curse those who cursed her (Genesis 12:3). Edom’s violence against Israel activated this curse.
As descendants of Esau, Edomites knew of this covenant promise. Their actions displayed conscious rebellion and brought dire consequences (Numbers 32:23).
Judgment of the Nations
Edom experienced God’s wrath during Babylon’s invasion, but Obadiah prophesies a yet-future “day of the Lord” (Obadiah 1:15). When Christ returns, He will execute judgment on all nations (Matthew 25:31-46).
Edom represents the fate of all nations who oppose God and mistreat His chosen people. They will be repaid with divine retribution (Joel 3:2, Zephaniah 2:8-11).
A Warning to All Nations
Edom’s destruction serves as a warning to other nations not to oppose or mistreat God’s people. God still blesses those who bless Israel and judges those who curse her today (Genesis 12:3).
The book of Obadiah reminds nations that God is sovereign over them. Those who hurt Israel invite His wrath, while good relations with Israel bring His favor. Its message remains relevant.
In summary, God judged Edom harshly because of their pride, cruelty, violence against Israel, lack of compassion, rejection of God’s sovereignty, unrepentant sin, encroachment on Israel’s land, prophetic proclamations against them, their cursing of Israel, as an example of His final judgment of the nations, and as a warning to others. Edom serves as a case study of how God deals with those who oppose Him and abuse His chosen people.