For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes a principle of divine justice: "As you have done, it shall be done to you." This isn't just about karma; it highlights that God sees every act of cruelty and pride directed at His people, and He promises that these very deeds will be the measure of judgment returned upon the perpetrators.
For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Obadiah is speaking God's judgment against Edom, who sided with their enemies when Jerusalem fell. This verse broadens that judgment to include all nations who opposed God's people, declaring that the "day of the Lord"—a time of divine reckoning—is near for everyone. Just as Edom acted with cruelty and malice, their own actions will be thrown back upon them, mirroring the principle of exact retribution.
Have you ever felt like a cosmic scoreboard is watching your actions? Obadiah speaks of a coming 'Day of the LORD,' a powerful concept in the Old Testament. What exactly is this day, and why is it drawing near?
A Day of Divine Judgment
The phrase 'Day of the LORD' (Hebrew: yom Adonai) appears throughout the Old Testament, often associated with a time of significant divine intervention and judgment.
There's a stark principle of justice in this verse: 'As you have done, it shall be done to you.' What does this mean for how we live, and how God interacts with us?
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The Law of Reciproption
This is a powerful statement about divine retribution and the inescapable consequences of our actions. It’s often referred to as the principle of 'lex talionis' or the law of retaliation.
Understand the original words
yom YHWH · Hebrew Noun Phrase
The comprehensive term for the ultimate, eschatological judgment of God upon all humanity and nations. It signifies the moment when God's righteousness is fully vindicated and all earthly rebellion is brought to an end.
po'al · Hebrew Noun
Refers to an individual's total conduct, actions, and character. Scripture consistently affirms the principle of reaping what one sows: that God will ultimately repay every person according to the fruit of their behavior.
Obadiah's prophecy lands with fierce clarity because it echoes an already known prophetic concept—the 'Day of the Lord'—and delivers a stark message of reciprocal justice directly following the brutal Edomite betrayal during Judah's darkest hour.
c. 835 BC
Prophecies of Joel and the Day of the Lord
The prophet Joel issues warnings of a coming 'Day of the Lord,' a time of divine judgment against nations, first impacting Judah but extending to all peoples.
c. 734-732 BC
Assyrian Campaigns in the Levant
Assyrian invasions put pressure on Judah and its neighbors, including Edom. This period may have seen Edom allied with Assyria against Judah, exacerbating tensions.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem to Babylon
The Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II conquers Jerusalem, destroying the Temple and exiling many Judeans. Edom famously sided with the Babylonians, attacking fleeing Judeans and looting the city.
c. 581-576 BC
Edom's Punishment
Shortly after Jerusalem's fall, and within the timeframe Obadiah prophesied, Edom faces its own devastating invasion, likely by the Babylonians or an allied Arab force, leading to their displacement and decline.
c. 5th century BC
Edomite Diaspora and Resettlement
Displaced Edomites gradually settle in southern Judah, becoming known as Idumeans. This marks a significant demographic shift and the beginning of their assimilation into Judean territory.
This passage echoes the principle of retribution stated in Obadiah, declaring that because Edom rejoiced over Israel's desolation, they would face similar destruction.
Jeremiah 49:12This verse directly parallels Obadiah's message, questioning Edom's expectation of escaping judgment when even those who were considered God's own (like Judah) had to drink the cup of His wrath.
Psalm 137:8This psalm expresses a desire for retribution against Babylon, stating 'Blessed shall he be who repays you your deeds as you have done to us,' mirroring the 'as you have done, so shall it be done to you' principle.
Joel 3:7Joel uses similar language about the 'day of the LORD' and retribution, stating 'your deeds shall be done to you, and your recompense on the crown of your heads,' directly linking to Obadiah's warning.
Matthew 7:2Jesus echoes this same principle of reciprocal justice in the New Testament, teaching 'For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.'
barnesObadiah 1:15: "For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."
For the day of the Lord is near upon all the pagan - The prophet once more enforces his warning by preaching judgment to come. "The day of the Lord" was already known Joel 1:15 ; Joel 2:1 , Joel 2:31 , as a day of judgment upon "all nations," in which God would "judge all the pagan," especially for their outrages against His people. Ed…
cambridgeObadiah 1:15: "For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."
15 . The day of the Lord ] The order of the words, “for near is the day of the Lord,” accords with the fact that the day of the Lord is here spoken of as something already known and familiar. It was first revealed to the prophet Joel ( Joel 1:15 ; Joel 2:1 ; Joel 2:31 [Heb, 3:4]). There as here it had reference first to some nearer typ…
The verse emphasizes a principle of divine justice: "As you have done, it shall be done to you." This isn't just about karma; it highlights that God sees every act of cruelty and pride directed at His people, and He promises that these very deeds will be the measure of judgment returned upon the perpetrators.
The prophet Obadiah is speaking God's judgment against Edom, who sided with their enemies when Jerusalem fell. This verse broadens that judgment to include all nations who opposed God's people, declaring that the "day of the Lord"—a time of divine reckoning—is near for everyone. Just as Edom acted with cruelty and malice, their own actions will be thrown back upon them, mirroring the principle of exact retribution.
The prophet Obadiah is speaking God's judgment against Edom, who sided with their enemies when Jerusalem fell. This verse broadens that judgment to include all nations who opposed God's people, declaring that the "day of the Lord"—a time of divine reckoning—is near for everyone. Just as Edom acted with cruelty and malice, their own actions will be thrown back upon them, mirroring the principle of exact retribution.
"For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head." — The verse emphasizes a principle of divine justice: "As you have done, it shall be done to you." This isn't just about karma; it highlights that God sees every act of cruelty and pride directed at Hi…
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Last reviewed October 2026