The verse uses the plural "We" when hearing the "rumor" from the Lord, suggesting that Obadiah isn't alone; he's speaking on behalf of a prophetic community or even the entire believing community, uniting their hearing of God's word. This isn't just a personal revelation but a shared message that God is actively orchestrating a divine summons for battle, with even human nations being His "ambassador" to carry out His 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!” Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Obadiah declares a vision from God concerning Edom, who were descendants of Esau and often hostile to Israel. The Lord announces that a message has been heard, and an agent sent among the nations, inciting them to gather for battle against Edom. This sets the stage for a prophecy of Edom's impending judgment due to their pride and their mistreatment of Israel during a time of national crisis.
The opening of Obadiah's prophecy uses the plural 'we' and speaks of a 'rumor' and an 'ambassador.' What does this reveal about how God's messages are heard and spread?
Obadiah begins by declaring, 'We have heard a report from the LORD, and a messenger has been sent among the nations.'
The 'We' of Prophecy
The prophet uses 'we,' suggesting he isn't alone. This could mean:
A God-Ordained 'Rumor'
The 'rumor' (or 'report') isn't idle gossip. It's a specific message from the Lord. This report isn't uncertain; it's a divine decree being set in motion. The 'messenger' isn't just any diplomat but an agent, possibly an angel or even a human leader like Nebuchadnezzar, sent by God to initiate action.
The verse culminates in a direct command: 'Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!' How does this command show God's ultimate control over earthly conflicts?
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The prophecy moves from hearing a divine report to a direct, urgent call to action: 'Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!'
God as the Initiator
This isn't just any call to war. It's a divine summons. Even when human nations initiate conflict, Obadiah reveals that God is the ultimate mover. The call to 'rise up' comes from God, and the nations, represented by 'let us rise,' echo and enact His decree.
Instruments of Divine Judgment
The nations are called to be God's instruments. Whether they realize it or not, their actions are part of God's plan to judge Edom. As commentators note, even if human passions or political motives drive the conflict, God is orchestrating the outcome. This highlights that God is sovereign over history, using both willing and unwilling agents to carry out His purposes.
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 is a fierce denunciation of Edom's cruel actions against Judah during the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem. The timeline highlights Edom's long history of conflict with Israel and Judah, culminating in their betrayal during Judah's greatest hour of need.
c. 875-840 BC
King Jehoshaphat's Reign
During this period, the Edomites were under the nominal control of Judah, but maintained a degree of independence. A rebellion later occurred during the reign of Jehoram.
c. 853 BC
Rebellion of Edom
The Edomites rebelled against Judah during the reign of King Jehoram, establishing their own king and breaking free from Judah's control.
c. 840 BC
King Joash's Reign
During this time, the Edomites were conquered by King Joash of Judah, and the land was brought back under Judah's dominion.
c. 786-746 BC
King Uzziah's Reign
King Uzziah of Judah recaptured the Edomite city of Elath and secured the port, further asserting Judah's dominance over Edom.
722 BC
Fall of Northern Kingdom of Israel
The Assyrian Empire conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to widespread regional instability and the displacement of many people.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, first besieged Jerusalem and took captives, including some of royal lineage and noble standing. Edom likely sided with Babylon during this period.
588-586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar's forces destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple. During this catastrophe, the Edomites actively aided the Babylonians, plundering and attacking fleeing Judeans. This event is the direct context for Obadiah's prophecy.
This passage shares the same prophecy against Edom, with striking similarities in wording and theme, suggesting Jeremiah may have incorporated Obadiah's message or that they both drew from a common prophetic tradition.
Ezekiel 25:12-14Ezekiel also pronounces judgment on Edom for their perpetual enmity and vengeance against Judah, highlighting their sin of acting with 'special malignity' and the divine retribution that would follow.
Psalm 137:7This psalm reflects the deep hurt and calls for remembrance of Edom's actions against Jerusalem during its downfall, specifically mentioning their cry to 'Raze it! Raze it!' echoing the destructive intent seen in Obadiah.
Isaiah 21:11-12This prophecy contains a similar 'call to arms' against the land of Seir (Edom), indicating a foreboding of judgment and questioning, 'What of the night?' which resonates with the impending doom declared by Obadiah.
Luke 10:30-37Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates the deep-seated hostility between Jews and Samaritans, a relationship fraught with animosity similar to that between Israel and Edom, showing how ethnic and historical grievances can lead to neglect and cruelty.
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 uses the plural "We" when hearing the "rumor" from the Lord, suggesting that Obadiah isn't alone; he's speaking on behalf of a prophetic community or even the entire believing community, uniting their hearing of God's word. This isn't just a personal revelation but a shared message that God is actively orchestrating a divine summons for battle, with even human nations being His "ambassador" to carry out His judgment.
The prophet Obadiah declares a vision from God concerning Edom, who were descendants of Esau and often hostile to Israel. The Lord announces that a message has been heard, and an agent sent among the nations, inciting them to gather for battle against Edom. This sets the stage for a prophecy of Edom's impending judgment due to their pride and their mistreatment of Israel during a time of national crisis.
The prophet Obadiah declares a vision from God concerning Edom, who were descendants of Esau and often hostile to Israel. The Lord announces that a message has been heard, and an agent sent among the nations, inciting them to gather for battle against Edom. This sets the stage for a prophecy of Edom's impending judgment due to their pride and their mistreatment of Israel during a time of national crisis.
"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 uses the plural "We" when hearing the "rumor" from the Lord, suggesting that Obadiah isn't alone; he's speaking on behalf of a prophetic community or even the entire believing community, un…
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Last reviewed October 2026