In the fourth prophecy delivered by Balaam, the focus shifts to the end time and the return of Jesus Christ as King of kings. This oracle highlights His royal power to defeat and rule over the enemies of Israel, with Edom and Moab bearing the brunt of His wrath at His return. These nations are singled out due to their open hostility toward Israel, representing all nations who oppose God. The prophecy emphasizes a long-range perspective, indicating that the coming of the Messiah as King is far in the future. It portrays a great Ruler who will possess and rule over all, ensuring that no one escapes His judgment, with specific mention of the destruction of Edom's survivors and cities.

The prophecies concerning Edom, as detailed in the book of Obadiah, reveal a profound resolution to the ancient sibling rivalry between Esau and Jacob, which began even before their birth. This conflict, rooted in pride and hatred, has persisted through generations, impacting nations and causing immense suffering. Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament with only twenty-one verses, provides a succinct overview of God's judgment and purpose for Edom. In Obadiah 1-4, God pronounces judgment upon Edom, highlighting their pride as the root of their deception. Dwelling in the clefts of the rock with high habitations, Edom exalts itself like an eagle, believing none can bring them down. Yet, God declares that He will bring them down, emphasizing His sovereign power over their arrogance. Obadiah 5-9 describes how Edom will be annihilated, with nothing left, as if thieves and grape-gatherers took everything, leaving no gleanings. Their wealth will be ransacked, their hidden treasures pillaged, and their wisdom and understanding destroyed. Even their allies will betray them, forcing them to the border, while their mighty men in Teman will be dismayed, leading to a complete slaughter. The reason for Edom's annihilation is revealed in Obadiah 10-14, centered on their violence, termed chamas in Hebrew, against their brother Jacob. This violence, coupled with ancient hatred, manifests in gloating over Israel's calamities, rejoicing in their destruction, and taking advantage of their distress. God warns Edom against such actions in the day of Israel's trouble, foretelling a time of great tribulation when Edom will stand aloof, filled with haughty pride. Obadiah 15-16 connects Edom to the Day of the Lord, a time of retribution where what they have done will be done to them. As they drank in gloating glory on God's holy mountain, so shall they and their confederacy drink continually until they are as though they had never been, facing complete destruction in God's wrath. Finally, Obadiah 17-21 prophesies Israel's complete triumph over Edom. On Mount Zion, there will be deliverance and holiness, and the house of Jacob will possess their possessions. While no survivor shall remain of the house of Esau due to their prideful hatred, Israel will return to the Promised Land. Saviors will come to Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord's, signifying God's ultimate reign and the fulfillment of His purpose.

Obadiah commences its diatribe against the Edomites, the descendants of Esau, cousins of the Israelites. Obadiah's theme is God's wrath against Edom for her devious and persistent enmity for Israel and Judah. In very vivid terms, the prophet lays out, first, the certainty of Edom's doom, and second, God's airtight case against the children of Esau. Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be greatly despised. For violence against your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever. Even so, Obadiah hints that his prophecy will not be wholly fulfilled with Babylon's rampage through Edom. In verse 15, he writes, For the day of the LORD upon all the nations is near, suggesting that Edom's ultimate comeuppance will not occur until the end-time Day of the Lord. The final five verses of the book refer to the Millennium, when saviors shall come to Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD's. This implies that the rivalry between Jacob and Esau will continue to the end of this present age, and it will take the power and judgment of the returning Christ to end the feud. As with Amos, Obadiah does not contain any specific Messianic prophecy aside from the indirect allusions mentioned above. Also like Amos, the book concentrates on God's judgment, this time on a kindred people, showing that His justice applies to all nations, a point that carries over to the next book of the Minor Prophets, Jonah.