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)
The surprising part here is the "we" in "We have heard a report." It suggests the prophet Obadiah isn't alone in receiving this divine message, but is part of a prophetic chorus, sharing the burden and assurance of God's word with others. This collective hearing of God's report makes the impending judgment on Edom feel even more certain and divinely orchestrated.
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)
This prophecy begins with the prophet Obadiah declaring a divine message concerning Edom, a nation descended from Esau and often a rival to Israel. The message reveals that God has heard a report, and an "ambassador" (possibly an angel or a human leader) has been sent to stir up the nations for a war against Edom. This sets the stage for a detailed denunciation of Edom's pride and their cruel actions against their brother nation, Israel, especially during Jerusalem's downfall.
Ever wonder if your spiritual insights are truly from God? Obadiah starts by declaring the source of his message, offering us a vital clue.
The Prophet's Divine Mandate
Obadiah begins with "The vision of Obadiah." This isn't just a title; it's a declaration. The Hebrew word for 'vision' (chazôn) points to something seen, a revelation directly from God. Prophets weren't just sharing opinions or predictions based on worldly wisdom.
War seems chaotic and driven by human ambition, but Obadiah reveals a deeper truth about who is truly in command.
The Lord's Hand in Nations' Wars
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Obadiah doesn't just announce judgment on Edom; he shows how it will happen. The verse reveals that even human conflicts are under God's sovereign control.
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
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.
Obadiah's prophecy lands right in the immediate aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon. The Edomites, long-standing rivals of Judah, seized this moment of weakness to attack and betray their own kin. This verse is God's immediate, fiery response, revealing that He saw Edom's cruelty and was calling the nations to account.
c. 874–853 BC
Reign of Ahab; Edom under Israelite influence
During the reign of King Ahab of Israel, Edom was under Israelite influence, though not directly ruled. This period saw ongoing interactions and potential tensions between the two nations, setting a backdrop for future conflict.
c. 840 BC
Reign of Jehoram; Edom rebels
King Jehoram of Judah faced a rebellion from Edom, losing control of the region. This demonstrates Edom's independent spirit and its long-standing animosity towards its Israelite relatives.
c. 786–746 BC
Reign of Uzziah; Judah's victory over Edom
King Uzziah of Judah recaptured the port of Elath from the Edomites. This military success highlights Judah's power and Edom's vulnerability, but also shows the persistent conflict between the two peoples.
c. 740 BC
Assyrian expansion and pressure
The Neo-Assyrian Empire began its major expansion under Tiglath-Pileser III, exerting pressure on kingdoms in the region. This geopolitical shift impacted all surrounding nations, including Edom and Judah.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian deportation of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar I of Babylon deported a portion of the Jewish population and royal court to Babylon. Edom's hostile actions against Judah during this crisis are recorded in later prophecies.
c. 588-586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar II conquered Jerusalem, destroying the Temple and exiling most of the remaining population. The Edomites infamously sided with the Babylonians, looting and attacking fleeing Jews. Obadiah's prophecy directly addresses this act of betrayal and cruelty.
c. 583 BC
Babylonian conquest of Edom
Shortly after the fall of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar II turned his attention to Edom, conquering their territory and scattering their people. This fulfillment of Obadiah's prophecy marked a significant turning point for Edom.
This passage shares nearly identical wording and theme, presenting Jeremiah's account of God's message concerning Edom's impending judgment and the nations being stirred up for battle.
Ezekiel 25:12-14Ezekiel also prophesies against Edom for their ancient hatred and vengeance against Judah, highlighting their sin of acting with 'implacable enmity' which directly parallels Obadiah's focus on Edom's betrayal during Judah's distress.
Psalm 137:7This psalm reflects the deep hurt and cries for vengeance felt by the exiles against Edom for their actions during Jerusalem's fall, showing the profound impact of Edom's betrayal that Obadiah addresses.
Isaiah 21:11-12This passage contains a prophecy concerning Edom (Dumah) where watchmen inquire about the night, and the response speaks of the morning and the coming judgment, echoing the sense of impending doom for Edom that Obadiah proclaims.
Revelation 18:10While Obadiah focuses on literal Edom, this Revelation passage speaks prophetically of Babylon's fall, using similar language of nations being stirred to battle against a judgment-bound entity, showing a pattern of divine judgment against arrogant nations throughout Scripture.
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".…
The surprising part here is the "we" in "We have heard a report." It suggests the prophet Obadiah isn't alone in receiving this divine message, but is part of a prophetic chorus, sharing the burden and assurance of God's word with others. This collective hearing of God's report makes the impending judgment on Edom feel even more certain and divinely orchestrated.
This prophecy begins with the prophet Obadiah declaring a divine message concerning Edom, a nation descended from Esau and often a rival to Israel. The message reveals that God has heard a report, and an "ambassador" (possibly an angel or a human leader) has been sent to stir up the nations for a war against Edom. This sets the stage for a detailed denunciation of Edom's pride and their cruel actions against their brother nation, Israel, especially during Jerusalem's downfall.
This prophecy begins with the prophet Obadiah declaring a divine message concerning Edom, a nation descended from Esau and often a rival to Israel. The message reveals that God has heard a report, and an "ambassador" (possibly an angel or a human leader) has been sent to stir up the nations for a war against Edom. This sets the stage for a detailed denunciation of Edom's pride and their cruel actions against their brother nation, Israel, especially during Jerusalem's downfall.
"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!”" — The surprising part here is the "we" in "We have heard a report." It suggests the prophet Obadiah isn't alone in receiving this divine message, but is part of a prophetic chorus, sharing the burden a…
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Last reviewed October 2026