Obadiah 1

The book of Obadiah is a prophetic declaration against the nation of Edom, descendants of Esau, who are condemned for their pride and mistreatment of Israel, the descendants of Jacob. The brief yet powerful prophecy highlights God’s judgment on Edom for their betrayal and cruelty, especially during times of Israel’s vulnerability. Obadiah emphasizes themes of divine justice and retribution, showcasing how God will protect and restore His people while bringing down the arrogant.

Obadiah 1:1 (NKJV)
1 The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom (We have heard a report from the Lord, And a messenger has been sent among the nations, saying, “Arise, and let us rise up against her for battle”):

The book opens with a vision given to Obadiah, outlining God’s message against Edom. The call for nations to rise against Edom implies a united judgment, as God is rallying other nations to stand against Edom’s pride and sins. This sets the tone for the chapter, showing that Edom’s actions are not isolated but will bring a widespread response.

Obadiah 1:2 (NKJV)
2 “Behold, I will make you small among the nations; You shall be greatly despised.”

God declares that Edom, once proud and influential, will be humbled and looked down upon by other nations. This degradation reflects divine justice against Edom’s arrogance and cruelty, illustrating that their pride will lead to their downfall.

Obadiah 1:3-4 (NKJV)
3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, You who dwell in the clefts of the rock, Whose habitation is high; You who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’
4 Though you ascend as high as the eagle, And though you set your nest among the stars, From there I will bring you down,” says the Lord.

Edom’s pride is illustrated through their sense of security in their mountainous fortresses. They believed their elevated position made them untouchable, yet God promises to bring them down, highlighting that no human strength or position is beyond His reach.

Obadiah 1:5-6 (NKJV)
5 “If thieves had come to you, If robbers by night— Oh, how you will be cut off!— Would they not have stolen till they had enough? If grape-gatherers had come to you, Would they not have left some gleanings?
6 “Oh, how Esau shall be searched out! How his hidden treasures shall be sought after!”

This imagery shows that Edom’s destruction will be thorough and complete, unlike ordinary thieves who leave something behind. God’s judgment will leave Edom with nothing, even exposing their hidden treasures, symbolizing the completeness of His retribution.

Obadiah 1:7 (NKJV)
7 All the men in your confederacy Shall force you to the border; The men at peace with you Shall deceive you and prevail against you. Those who eat your bread shall lay a trap for you. No one is aware of it.

Edom’s allies, whom they trusted, will ultimately betray them. This reversal highlights the futility of relying on human alliances instead of God and demonstrates that their betrayal of Israel will, in turn, lead to betrayal by those they considered friends.

Obadiah 1:8-9 (NKJV)
8 “Will I not in that day,” says the Lord, “Even destroy the wise men from Edom, And understanding from the mountains of Esau?
9 Then your mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, To the end that everyone from the mountains of Esau May be cut off by slaughter.”

God announces the removal of Edom’s wisdom and strength, signifying that no intellectual or military power will save them. Teman, a city known for wisdom, will be left powerless, and Edom’s defenses will crumble, leading to their ultimate defeat.

Obadiah 1:10 (NKJV)
10 “For violence against your brother Jacob, Shame shall cover you, And you shall be cut off forever.”

Edom’s violence against Israel, their brother nation, brings shame and everlasting consequences. This judgment underscores the severity of their betrayal, as they are held accountable for turning against their kin, violating a bond that should have been protected.

Obadiah 1:11-12 (NKJV)
11 In the day that you stood on the other side— In the day that strangers carried captive his forces, When foreigners entered his gates And cast lots for Jerusalem— Even you were as one of them.
12 “But you should not have gazed on the day of your brother In the day of his captivity; Nor should you have rejoiced over the children of Judah In the day of their destruction; Nor should you have spoken proudly In the day of distress.

These verses condemn Edom for passively watching and even celebrating Israel’s suffering. Instead of aiding their brother nation, they took pleasure in their distress, showing cruelty and indifference. God calls them to account for this callousness, emphasizing that such behavior brings consequences.

Obadiah 1:13-14 (NKJV)
13 You should not have entered the gate of My people In the day of their calamity. Indeed, you should not have gazed on their affliction In the day of their calamity, Nor laid hands on their substance In the day of their calamity.
14 You should not have stood at the crossroads To cut off those among them who escaped; Nor should you have delivered up those among them who remained In the day of distress.

Edom’s betrayal deepens as they actively participated in Israel’s misfortune, looting their possessions and preventing those trying to escape. This indictment reflects the extent of Edom’s cruelty, highlighting that they will face judgment for their ruthless actions against their kin.

Obadiah 1:15-16 (NKJV)
15 “For the day of the Lord upon all the nations is near; As you have done, it shall be done to you; Your reprisal shall return upon your own head.
16 For as you drank on my holy mountain, So shall all the nations drink continually; Yes, they shall drink, and swallow, And they shall be as though they had never been.

The “day of the Lord” refers to a coming judgment not just for Edom but for all nations. This divine justice ensures that everyone reaps what they sow. Edom, who reveled in Israel’s downfall, will experience similar judgment, facing consequences for their actions.

Obadiah 1:17-18 (NKJV)
17 “But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance, And there shall be holiness; The house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.
18 The house of Jacob shall be a fire, And the house of Joseph a flame; But the house of Esau shall be stubble; They shall kindle them and devour them, And no survivor shall remain of the house of Esau,” For the Lord has spoken.

God promises restoration for Israel on Mount Zion, contrasting their future with Edom’s destruction. While Israel will be secure and holy, Edom will be utterly consumed. This stark contrast emphasizes God’s commitment to protect and restore His people.

Obadiah 1:19-21 (NKJV)
19 The South shall possess the mountains of Esau, And the Lowland shall possess Philistia. They shall possess the fields of Ephraim And the fields of Samaria. Benjamin shall possess Gilead.
20 And the captives of this host of the children of Israel Shall possess the land of the Canaanites As far as Zarephath. The captives of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad Shall possess the cities of the South.
21 Then saviors shall come to Mount Zion To judge the mountains of Esau, And the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.

These closing verses highlight Israel’s future reclamation of lands, including Edom’s territory, symbolizing God’s restoration of His people. The mention of “saviors” points to leaders who will oversee the judgment and restoration. Ultimately, the chapter concludes with the declaration that God’s kingdom will prevail over all.