Obadiah

This is the twenty-fifth in a series of biblical summaries from David Dorsey's book: The Literary Structure of the Old Testament.  This is the fourth in the sub-series of minor prophets, covering Obadiah.

a   proud Edom will be defeated by the nations (1-4)
     b   Edom will be completely plundered (5-7)
          c   Edom's population will be slaughtered (8-11)
               d   CENTER: indictment of Edom (12-14)
          c'  Edom and the nations will be judged (15-16)
     b'  Israel will regain what it has lost and will plunder (17-18)
a'  humbled Israel will be victorious (19-21)

The 'a' pattern suggests a reversal in fortune for Edom and Israel by playing with the language of heights and depths.  In the first section, Yahweh will bring Edom down, despite its sense of security in its lofty position.  In the second section, deliverers will one day go up from Jerusalem to rule Edom.  Also, both sections refer to the nations.  In the first section, Edom will be made small among the nations.  In the second, restored Israel will defeat and rule over the nations.  All this suggests that whatever Edom's current status was, it wouldn't last.

The 'b' pattern shows how Edom will be plundered.  In the first section, the text says that Edom will be completely plundered by its former allies and nothing will be left, with no "gleanings."  In the second section, the text says that Israel will regain what it has lost and will plunder, or "devour" Edom.  All this suggests that as Israel was devoured by Edom, so Edom will be devoured.

The 'c' pattern conveys themes of judgment and violence.  Both sections are focused on the future day of judgment that will come to Edom because of the violence they did against Israel.  All of this suggests that God will do right by Israel and the injustice inflicted on them by Edom.

The 'd' section is a central, indictment of Edom.  Dorsey writes: "The structure of the Book of Obadiah serves to reinforce its message.  The balancing of the portrayal of proud Edom's future fall with the declaration of fallen Israel's future rise and ascendancy over Edom highlights the theme that Yahweh will right the wrongs that Edom has committed against Israel by reversing the fortunes of the two nations.  Placing the unit detailing Edom's sins at the center of the book, in the position of prominence, emphasizes Yahweh's justice as the driving force behind Edom's punishment." (289)