without hope for future restoration of this people. Edom's crime and reason for judgement is explained by Obadiah in this sense, "you stood by on the day of your brother's captivity; and rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction ." Edom has displeased God by their consistent violence and hatred for their brother Jacob. Now Yahweh's judgement is passed, and there is no hope of restoration. This seems very contrary to the promise God gave Abraham in Genesis 17:7-9. Would God destroy the entire Edomite people from the face of the earth?

The Bible portrays the Edomites as descendants of Esau (Gen 36:1,9). They occupied the land of Edom also called Seir (Gen 32:3; 36:20-21, 30: Num 24:18). Through it passed two major traffic routes, the King's Highway and the road along the Arabah. After the Exodus, Israel was denied passage through Edom via these major routes. Shortly thereafter the Edomites, in confederation with the Moabites and Ammonites, raided Judah during Jehoshaphat's reign (2 Chr 20:1-2). For these actions, as well as others Edom finds itself at the words of Obadiah as he

It has the same ramifications as a prize not only taken but also taken and it's owner destroyed!

The very structures of society, in its elements of economic wellbeing, wise rule, and military security through armed force and international opposition will fall.

Obadiah then begins to speak on the more obvious reasons for Edom's judgement.

Not only will there be a repossession of territorial areas but also deliverers, or those who bring an expected future salvation will visit the capital, Jerusalem, which had been destroyed in 587Bc.

For the Lord has spoken! The climax of Obadiah's prophetic announcement is near.

Yahweh has still kept His promise to His servant Abraham (Gen 17:7-9).

"And no survivor shall remain of the house of Esau, for the Lord has spoken."

Although Obadiah is not related to as a "prophet" of God (Obad 1:1) his purpose is clearly established as God's mouth piece against Edom, and later confirmed by his contemporary, Jeremiah (Jer 49:7-22). Obadiah's name means 'servant/worshipper of Yahweh'. Thus giving him the known title many of God's prophets operated under 'servant'. The fact also that there is no mention of a father for God's servant is interesting, in a time where most prophets were identified either by a notice of the period in which they prophesied, their hometown (or at least where the prophecies took place), and their father, or any combination of these leaves little for one to pin point Obadiah's time.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Jesus Christ, Edomites Obadiah, Jeremiah Jer, Obadiah Edomites, OBADIAH Judgement, Esau Lord, Gelead Obad, Abraham Gen, God Judahs, Judah Jehoshaphat's, mountains esau, future restoration, judgement pronounced, people edom's crime, severe hope future, day lord, destroyed obadiah, obadiah begins, inhabitants south, captivity vs, inter-varsity press, hope future restoration, future restoration people, hope restoration, restoration people edom's,
Approximate Word count = 1518
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)