Read Obadiah

Background: The nation of Edom had always been a major sore spot in the history of Israel.  Since the rivalry between Esau and Jacob, their descendants had clashed throughout the centuries.  Whenever their paths crossed, Edom would do anything possible to cause them harm.  As they lived high in mountains, they also had a high and mighty attitude, as if no one could ever bring them down.  During the defeat and exile of Israel, and then during the impending siege and destruction of Jerusalem and Judah, Edom allied with their enemies, with hopes that they would be spared the wrath of Assyria and then Babylon. But for the most part they too were defeated and never rebuilt like Israel did.  Finally, when Rome sacked Jerusalem and the sounding areas, Edom fell once and for all. God had judged them both for their pride and their hatred toward Israel.

Key Verses: 15 For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations.
As you have done, it shall be done to you;
    your deeds shall return on your own head.
16 For as you have drunk on my holy mountain,
    so all the nations shall drink continually;
they shall drink and swallow,
    and shall be as though they had never been.
17 But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape,
    and it shall be holy,
and the house of Jacob shall possess their own possessions.
18 The house of Jacob shall be a fire,
    and the house of Joseph a flame,
    and the house of Esau stubble;
they shall burn them and consume them,
    and there shall be no survivor for the house of Esau,
for the Lord has spoken. 

Thoughts: The big message here is contrast.  God would restore Israel to such an extent that they would swallow up the lands around them - all those that had harassed and conspired against them, including and especially, Edom. There were no survivors.