Obadiah says the reason is “the violence done to your brother Jacob,” bringing shame and being “cut off forever” (Obadiah 1:10). He points to the day Edom stood aloof while foreigners entered Jerusalem’s gates and cast lots for it (Obadiah 1:11).
In Obadiah 1:10–11, the message turns from announcing Edom’s coming downfall to stating the reason: violence against “your brother Jacob.” The result will be public disgrace and a lasting end. These verses open the section that spells out Edom’s guilt in concrete terms after earlier lines have already declared judgment is coming.
Obadiah 1:10–11 states the reason for Edom’s announced downfall: violence against “your brother Jacob.” That family language presents Edom’s wrongdoing not merely as political rivalry but as betrayal of close kin.
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with Obadiah 1:10, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
10For the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame will cover you, and you will be cut off forever.