Shortly before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Moses sent to the king of Edom requesting permission to pass peaceably through his land, but in a display of hostility, the Edomites coldly refused and backed up their refusal with a display of force. (Num. 20:14-21) Though subjugated by David, they later conspired with Ammon and Moab against Judah in the days of Jehoshaphat, revolted against Jehoshaphat’s son King Jehoram, took charge of Israelite captives from Gaza and Tyre, and raided Judah in the days of King Ahaz to take even more captives.​—2 Chron. 20:1, 2, 22, 23; 2 Ki. 8:20-22; Amos 1:6, 9; 2 Chron. 28:17.

4. (a) What despicable action evidently provided the basis for Obadiah’s denunciation of Edom? (b) What evidence suggests 607 B.C.E. as the most likely date of writing?

⁴ This hostility reached a peak in 607 B.C.E. when Jerusalem was desolated by the Babylonian hordes. Not only did the Edomites watch approvingly but they urged on the conquerors to make the desolation complete. “Lay it bare! Lay it bare to the foundation within it!” they shouted. (Ps. 137:7)

They rejoiced at the fall of Jerusalem and even joined with the invaders in dividing up the plunder. In strong denunciation, as if Obadiah is witnessing the vile deeds, Edom is told: You ought not to rejoice at your brother’s distress. You ought not to hinder the flight of his escapees and hand them over to the enemy. The day of Jehovah’s reckoning is near, and you will be called to account. The way you have done is the way it will be done to you.