The book of Genesis tells how Jacob and Esau began an ‘on again, off again’ feud which their descendants, Judah and Edom, perpetuated throughout the centuries.  Their hostility persisted right up until the time of exile: as Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and took its people captive, Edom gloated from the sidelines.  Obadiah pronounces God’s judgement on Edom: their vindictiveness will bring about their doom.

Edom’s time is long past, but in a fractured world their history serves to teach us of the importance of brotherly love and reconciliation.