Obadiah 1:1
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: “Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This isn't just a report about Edom; it's a divine summons. The prophet shares that "a messenger has been sent among the nations," revealing that God is actively mobilizing earthly powers, even pagan ones, to carry out His judgment. This shows how God uses seemingly random conflicts and political events as instruments in His sovereign plan.
This prophetic declaration from Obadiah announces a divine judgment against Edom, a neighboring nation to Israel. The prophecy begins with a report from the Lord, stating that a messenger has been dispatched among the nations, stirring them to rise up in battle against Edom. This sets the stage for the unfolding divine wrath against Edom for their past actions, particularly their mistreatment of Israel.
Have you ever felt like the world is buzzing with news, but you're not sure where it's all coming from? This verse tells us that even the 'rumors' of war have a divine source.
The opening of Obadiah is crucial for understanding the entire book. It's not just a prophecy; it's presented as a direct message from the Lord God.
This prophecy targets Edom, a nation with deep ties to Israel. What could drive God to pronounce such judgment on His own 'family'?
The focus on Edom isn't arbitrary. Their identity and actions are central to why this divine judgment is being proclaimed.
Understand the original words
chazown · Hebrew Noun
A supernatural communication from God to a prophet, revealing His will, future events, or divine perspective on human affairs. It implies a divine origin and authority for the message delivered.
Adonay Yhwh · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A descriptive name for the God of Israel, often used to emphasize His sovereignty, covenant relationship, and ultimate authority as the Supreme Ruler over all creation.
Edowm · Hebrew Proper Noun
The descendants of Esau, brother of Jacob; they represent a nation consistently characterized in the Old Testament by their hostility toward Israel and their reliance on physical fortifications.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
This prophecy is set against the backdrop of Babylon's conquest of Judah and Edom's cruel betrayal of their kin during that crisis. Obadiah's message is a divine response to Edom's pride and their complicity in Jerusalem's suffering.
c. 627 BC
Josiah's Reign and Temple Reforms
Some scholars suggest Obadiah might be contemporary with King Josiah, a period of religious reform and relative peace for Judah. However, the prophecy's content implies a later date.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar's initial siege of Jerusalem and the deportation of Jewish nobles, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of Judah's decline.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Another wave of exiles, including the prophet Ezekiel and King Jehoiachin, were taken to Babylon after a rebellion. Tensions between Judah and Babylon escalate.
588-586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population. Edom is accused of actively participating in or at least reveling in Judah's downfall.
This passage describes a very similar prophecy against Edom, echoing the language of Obadiah and highlighting Edom's pride and the consequence of their actions during Judah's distress.
Ezekiel 25:12-14Ezekiel also prophesies against Edom for their vengeance and hatred against Judah, specifically mentioning their actions against them and God's retribution, mirroring Obadiah's condemnation.
Psalm 137:7This psalm directly recalls Edom's role in the destruction of Jerusalem, crying 'Raze it, raze it, to its very foundation!' This provides a human perspective on the very 'rumor' and call to battle that Obadiah proclaims from God.
Isaiah 21:11-12This passage contains a prophecy concerning Dumah (another name for Edom) that speaks of watchmen hearing a 'rumor,' and a voice calling out of Seir, which shares thematic and linguistic parallels with Obadiah's opening verses about a divine summons.
barnesObadiah 1:1: "The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle."
The vision of Obadiah - , i. e., of "the worshiper of God." The prophet would be known only by that which his name imports, that he worshiped God. He tells us in this double title, through whom the prophecy came, and from whom it came. His name authenticated the prophecy to the Jewish…
gillObadiah 1:1: "The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle."
The vision of Obadiah,.... Or the prophecy, as the Targum; which was delivered unto him by the Lord in a vision; it was not what he fancied or dreamed of, but what he saw, what he had a clear discovery and revelation of made unto his mind; hence prophets are sometimes called "seers".…
This isn't just a report about Edom; it's a divine summons. The prophet shares that "a messenger has been sent among the nations," revealing that God is actively mobilizing earthly powers, even pagan ones, to carry out His judgment. This shows how God uses seemingly random conflicts and political events as instruments in His sovereign plan.
This prophetic declaration from Obadiah announces a divine judgment against Edom, a neighboring nation to Israel. The prophecy begins with a report from the Lord, stating that a messenger has been dispatched among the nations, stirring them to rise up in battle against Edom. This sets the stage for the unfolding divine wrath against Edom for their past actions, particularly their mistreatment of Israel.
This prophetic declaration from Obadiah announces a divine judgment against Edom, a neighboring nation to Israel. The prophecy begins with a report from the Lord, stating that a messenger has been dispatched among the nations, stirring them to rise up in battle against Edom. This sets the stage for the unfolding divine wrath against Edom for their past actions, particularly their mistreatment of Israel.
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The covenant name of the God of Israel, revealing Him as the self-existent, eternal, and personal Creator who enters into a redemptive relationship with His people.
c. 583 BC
Nebuchadnezzar Conquers Edom
Shortly after destroying Judah, Nebuchadnezzar turns his military might against Edom, fulfilling Obadiah's prophecy of their judgment.
"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:
“Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!”" — This isn't just a report about Edom; it's a divine summons. The prophet shares that "a messenger has been sent among the nations," revealing that God is actively mobilizing earthly powers, even pagan…