Some traditions regarding who the prophet Obadiah was, and why he focused his prophecy against the nation of Edom. Why Edom? So many prophets singled out the treachery and evil of the people of Edom. In this introduction we trace the history of Esau's descendents and their enmity with the people of Israel. Their philosophical differences, their jealousy, and their constant fighting despite being the people closest to Israel ethnically and culturally.