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The invasion of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, or some earlier attack on Jerusalem, provoked this intense outburst against Edom. The prophet is careful to state that his denunciation came from the Lord himself—“This is what the Sovereign Lord says” and “a message from the Lord” (v.1).
The indignation of the Lord was aroused: he summoned the nations to overthrow Edom in battle. Edom’s hate and love of revenge made them utterly despised by the nations (v.2). They were a small nation (v.2). They lived in the rocky cliffs and caves (v.3). Like eagles with their nest among the stars (v.4) they felt safe and secure. But the pride of their ugly, selfish hearts would bring them down (vv.3-4).
Two factors were involved in Edom’s pride. The first was the capital city, Petra, and its situation at the end of a long narrow valley. The Edomites though their city was impregnable because of this strategic location. Only a few could easily defend their stronghold against a whole army. They had looked down for centuries with condescension and contempt on the rest of the world. But Jehovah God had determined to bring them down.