The striking parallels between and have caused many to suggest some kind of interdependence between Obadiah and Jeremiah, but it may be that both prophets were drawing on a common source not otherwise known to us.
Theme
There is no compelling reason to doubt the unity of this brief prophecy, the shortest book in the OT. Its theme is that Edom, proud over
her own security, has gloated over Israel's devastation by foreign powers. However, Edom's participation in that disaster will bring on God's
wrath. She herself will be destroyed, but Mount Zion and Israel will be delivered, and God's kingdom will triumph.
Edom's hostile activities have spanned the centuries of Israel's existence. The following Biblical references are helpful in
understanding the relation of Israel and Edom:
with .
Since the Edomites are related to the Israelites ( ), their hostility is all the more reprehensible. Edom is fully responsible for her failure to assist
Israel and for her open aggression. The fact that God rejected Esau () in no way exonerates the Edomites.
Edom, smug in its mountain strongholds, will be dislodged and sacked. But Israel will prosper because God is with her.