Social values in the book of Obadiah

Abstract

This paper presents a poetic and social-scientific analysis of the book of Obadiah. It suggests that the social and theological problems to which the book forms a response is the attempt of the people of Judah to come to terms with Edom’s betrayal of them. This breach of loyalty by an ally is interpreted as an act of arrogance against Judah’s patron God, Yahweh. The community of believers is urged to find consolation in the faith and hope that Yahweh will restore his honour, and that of his people, by completely shaming the Edomites in the international arena.