Obadiah 1:4, "Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD."

Although the shortest book of the Old Testament, Obadiah is a vivid vision of judgment upon the nation of Edom.

Edom, situated south of the Dead Sea in the Negev, was named for Jacob's brother Esau who had rejected his birthright. Because of their perpetual influence upon the nation of Judah and refusal to come to their aid during the siege of Jerusalem God's judgment was pronounced upon them through His servants the prophets.

Psalm 60:9-10, "Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom? Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?"

At the time of the Exodus Edom refused permission to the Israelites to pass through their land and continually maintained an attitude of hostility toward them. In later years, during the decline of the Jewish kingdom, Edom made war against Israel. They took part with the Chaldeans when Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem, and afterwards they invaded and held possession of the south of Palestine as far as Hebron; however, Edom fell under the growing Chaldean power.

According to Bible scholars, the place in the wilderness mentioned in Revelation chapter 12 is believed to be the city of Petra, an ancient city in the southern area of what is now called Jordan, formerly Edom. Edom was to have been a haven to the people of Israel but they continually rejected them. According to the final words of Obadiah Edom will be consumed by Israel, once again they will be united, and the kingdom will become the LORD's.

Through the words of Obadiah God is revealed as Adonai, LORD Master. God truly is the One Who establishes kingdoms and dominions and kings and rulers of men.