Obadiah 1:1-2
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!” Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse starts by presenting the prophecy as a "vision," but immediately shifts to a reported command: "Arise! Let us rise against her for battle!" This startling transition shows that the prophet isn't just seeing a future event, but is hearing a divine call to action, immediately echoed by nations being mobilized for war. It highlights how God’s judgment is not a passive observation, but an active, cosmic mobilization, with even human armies serving as His messengers.
This prophecy begins by declaring a divine message concerning the nation of Edom. The prophet Obadiah introduces a heavenly report that a messenger has been dispatched among the nations, stirring them to mobilize for battle against Edom. This urgent call to arms signifies the impending judgment that God has decreed upon them.
When we hear bad news, especially about nations or groups of people, how do we know if it's true or just rumor? Obadiah starts by making a crucial distinction.
The prophecy begins with "The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord GOD concerning Edom." This isn't just Obadiah's personal opinion or a rumor he picked up.
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This emphasis is vital: the message concerning Edom's judgment is not based on human observation or speculation but on God's direct word.
The verse doesn't just say judgment is coming; it describes how it happens. Who is carrying out God's sentence, and how is it initiated?
The latter part of the verse reveals the active force behind Edom's judgment:
The Divine Call to Arms
It's powerful to see that even the seemingly self-motivated actions of empires like Babylon in waging war are, from God's perspective, part of His plan. He uses nations as instruments to carry out His judgments.
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 against Edom is deeply rooted in the immediate aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction. The Edomites' cruel actions towards their distressed Israelite kin during this catastrophic event are central to God's judgment. The prophecy serves as both a denunciation of Edom's pride and a comfort to the devastated Judeans, assuring them that their oppressors would face divine retribution.
c. 870 BC
Edom Joins with Allied Kings Against Judah
In the reign of King Jehoshaphat, the Edomites, along with Moab and Ammon, formed an alliance and marched against Judah. Although ultimately defeated by divine intervention, this shows a long-standing hostility between Edom and Israel.
c. 730-722 BC
Assyrian Conquests in the Region
The powerful Assyrian Empire exerted dominance over the region, impacting the geopolitical landscape and potentially contributing to pressures that would later affect both Judah and Edom.
605 BC
First Deportation of Judah to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, begins his campaigns against Judah, initiating a series of deportations of the Jewish people and nobility. This marks the rise of Babylon as a major imperial power.
588-586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar conquers Jerusalem, destroys Solomon's Temple, and exiles the majority of the remaining Jewish population to Babylon. Edom sided with the Babylonians, showing cruel behavior towards the fleeing Jews.
c. 583 BC
Nebuchadnezzar Conquers Edom
Following the destruction of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar turned his attention to Edom, subjugating them. This conquest is seen as a fulfillment of Obadiah's prophecy, where Edom's arrogance led to their downfall.
c. 538 BC
Return of Jews from Babylonian Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This marks the beginning of the post-exilic period for Judah.
This passage mirrors Obadiah's message almost word-for-word, highlighting the shared prophecy against Edom and the divine source of the message.
Ezekiel 25:12Ezekiel also prophesied against Edom, focusing on their vengeful actions against Judah and God's impending judgment, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution for their cruelty.
Psalm 137:7This psalm directly recalls Edom's actions during Jerusalem's destruction, crying out to God against their complicity and betrayal, which provides a personal perspective on the historical grievance Obadiah addresses.
Isaiah 34:5-6Isaiah declares God's sword of judgment against Edom, emphasizing that Edom itself will become a target of divine wrath and destruction, aligning with the judgment declared in Obadiah.
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 verse starts by presenting the prophecy as a "vision," but immediately shifts to a reported command: "Arise! Let us rise against her for battle!" This startling transition shows that the prophet isn't just seeing a future event, but is hearing a divine call to action, immediately echoed by nations being mobilized for war. It highlights how God’s judgment is not a passive observation, but an active, cosmic mobilization, with even human armies serving as His messengers.
This prophecy begins by declaring a divine message concerning the nation of Edom. The prophet Obadiah introduces a heavenly report that a messenger has been dispatched among the nations, stirring them to mobilize for battle against Edom. This urgent call to arms signifies the impending judgment that God has decreed upon them.
This prophecy begins by declaring a divine message concerning the nation of Edom. The prophet Obadiah introduces a heavenly report that a messenger has been dispatched among the nations, stirring them to mobilize for battle against Edom. This urgent call to arms signifies the impending judgment that God has decreed upon them.
"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!” Behold, I will make y…" — The verse starts by presenting the prophecy as a "vision," but immediately shifts to a reported command: "Arise! Let us rise against her for battle!" This startling transition shows that the prophet…
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