Book of Obadiah in the Bible Encyclopedia - ISBE
Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament. The theme
of the book is the destruction of Edom. Consequent upon the
overthrow of Edom is the enlargement of the borders of Judah
and the establishment of the kingship of Yahweh. Thus far
all scholars are agreed; but on questions of authorship and
date there is wide divergence of opinion.
1. Contents of the Book:
(1) Yahweh summons the nations to the overthrow of proud
Edom. The men of Esau will be brought down from their lofty
strongholds; their hidden treasures will be rifled; their
confederates will turn against them; nor will the wise and
the mighty men in Edom be able to avert the crushing
calamity (Ob 1:1-9). (2) The overthrow of Edom is due to the
violence and cruelty shown toward his brother Jacob. The
prophet describes the cruelty and shameless gloating over a
brother's calamity, in the form of earnest appeals to Edom
not to do the selfish and heartless deeds of which he had
been guilty when Jerusalem was sacked by foreign foes (Ob
1:10-14). (3) The day of the display of Yahweh's retributive
righteousness upon the nations is near. Edom shall be
completely destroyed by the people whom he has tried to
uproot, while Israel's captives shall return to take
possession of their own land and also to seize and rule the
mount of Esau. Thus the kingship of Yahweh shall be
established (Ob 1:15-21)...
Link: https://bible-history.com/isbe/O/OBADIAH,+BOOK+OF/