The answer is: Edom

Oba 1:1

Obadiah, the proud little book that packs a punch, has a unique spotlight on the nation of Edom, grabbing our attention through its axis of contention. Occurring in a time when the Israelites were recovering from various devastating events, Obadiah calls out Edom for its arrogance and treachery against its sibling nation, Israel, during a time of struggle. The Edomites descended from Esau, while the Israelites traced their roots to Jacob, illuminating that long-standing family rivalries truly had cultural consequences!

In exploring Obadiah, one can’t miss its connections to larger biblical themes. For example, the fall of Edom illustrates a classic reversal narrative found throughout scripture, where pride eventually leads to downfall – think of the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel, or the ancient city of Nineveh responding to Jonah’s prophetic message.

Curiously, ancient Edom's proud capital, Petra, is famous for its stunning rock-cut architecture. Known as the "Rose City," it was as formidable as Edom’s national identity, stylishly competing in power and independence but ultimately destined to fade into history, echoing Obadiah’s message about hubris meeting a decisive end.

Nudging us so long after his prophetic words, Obadiah appeals not just for retribution but serves as a cautionary reminder. In a world still seemingly aware of thorny rivalries, his insights on humility might just hold as much relevance today as they did in ancient Judah, inspiring individuals and communities alike to navigate life's complexities with prudence and solidarity, rather than animosity.