The book of Obadiah was written in the context of a historical conflict between the nations of Israel (Judah) and Edom. To fully grasp the book, it’s helpful to understand the broader historical, political, and theological background.

1. Historical Conflict Between Israel and Edom

Edom’s Origins: Edom was descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob (also known as Israel). This sibling relationship was fraught with tension from the beginning, as Esau and Jacob were rivals. This enmity was passed down to their descendants, leading to generations of hostility between the two nations.

Edom’s Role During Judah’s Fall: One of the key events referenced in Obadiah is Edom’s actions during the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, likely around 586 B.C. (though some scholars debate the exact date). When Babylon invaded Judah, Edom either actively participated in or stood by and rejoiced over the downfall of their “brother” nation. They may have looted Judah’s cities, captured fleeing Israelites, or aided Babylon in some way. This betrayal of a close relative, especially at such a vulnerable time, is a central issue addressed in Obadiah.

2. Judah’s Destruction and Exile

The Southern Kingdom of Judah, including Jerusalem, fell to the Babylonian Empire in 586 B.C. This was a time of immense national crisis for the Israelites. Their capital city, Jerusalem, was destroyed, the temple (their central place of worship) was razed, and many of the people were taken into exile. This catastrophe led to deep theological reflection on why God allowed His people to suffer such a fate. In this chaotic period, the Edomites, rather than aiding their neighbors or relatives, took advantage of Judah’s downfall.

3. Prophetic Context of Judgment

Obadiah’s Prophetic Message: Obadiah speaks into this specific context of betrayal. His message is directed toward Edom, proclaiming God’s judgment on them for their pride and for participating in the destruction of Judah. Obadiah accuses Edom of gloating over Judah’s misfortune and taking part in plundering the remnants of the kingdom.

Divine Retribution: In ancient Israel, there was a strong belief in divine justice, particularly in the form of “measure for measure” punishment. Since Edom had taken advantage of Judah’s misfortune, they too would face destruction. The prophecy predicts Edom’s total devastation and ultimate ruin.

4. Political Landscape

During the time of Obadiah, the Middle East was under the dominance of great empires like Assyria, Babylon, and later Persia. Small nations like Judah and Edom were caught between these powers, often forming alliances and exploiting each other’s vulnerabilities. Edom had remained relatively secure during the Babylonian attacks, leading to a sense of pride and complacency, which Obadiah directly condemns.

5. Theological Context

Covenant and Judgment: The book fits within the broader theme of Israel’s understanding of the covenant between God and His people. Although God allowed Judah to be disciplined through exile because of their own sins, He also held other nations accountable for how they treated His people. Edom’s betrayal, given their shared ancestry with Israel, was seen as a violation of brotherhood and loyalty, which deepened their guilt.

The Day of the Lord: Obadiah also fits within the larger prophetic tradition of warning about the “Day of the Lord,” a time when God would bring judgment on the nations and establish His justice. For Edom, this meant a specific judgment, but for all nations, Obadiah envisioned a future day when God would set all things right.

6. Date of Writing

While the exact date of the book is debated, the most likely period is sometime after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., when the betrayal by Edom would have been fresh in the minds of the Israelites. Some scholars place it earlier, during other conflicts between Judah and Edom, but the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem fits the content of Obadiah most closely.

In conclusion, Obadiah was written in a context of national betrayal, political upheaval, and theological reflection during and after the fall of Jerusalem. It addresses the themes of justice, divine retribution, and the consequences of pride and violence, particularly in the way nations relate to one another.