Revised by Cory Driver, 8/23
Obadiah 11-14 establishes the background for the book in the events of 587 BCE, when the Babylonians captured Jerusalem and took its people into exile. Though the Babylonians are not mentioned by name in Obadiah, the description of the “day of their calamity” (v. 13) matches the events of Jerusalem’s destruction. Obadiah implicates the Edomites as partners in that destruction. This identification of Edom as an accomplice of Babylon is echoed in other biblical texts (PsalmA psalm is a song of praise. In the Old Testament 150 psalms comprise the psalter, although some of the psalms are laments and thanksgivings. In the New Testament early Christians gathered to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. More 137; Lamentations 4:21-22; EzekielEzekiel was a priest and prophet who was raised in Jerusalem and exiled to Babylon in 597 BCE. More 25:12-14; 35:5 [Mount Seir is in Edom]). The actions of the Edomites are viewed as particularly wicked because of the fraternal relationship that existed between Israel and Edom; Israel traced its ancestry to JacobThe son of Isaac and Rebekah, renamed Israel, became the father of the twelve tribal families. More, Edom to his brother EsauSon of Isaac and Rebekah and the older twin brother of Jacob. More (Genesis 36). This brief prophetic book was written, then, after 587 BCE, both to condemn the Edomites and to announce the coming restoration of JudahJudah was the name of Jacob’s fourth son and one of the 12 tribes. More and Israel.
