Obadiah 1:15-16
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The verse emphasizes a universal principle of divine justice: "As you have done, it shall be done to you." This isn't just about Edom; it's a declaration that on the "day of the LORD," all nations will face a reckoning, and their actions will directly determine their fate. It reminds us that God's judgment is impartial, extending to all people, and that our own choices will ultimately define the outcome.
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. For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so all the nations shall drink continually; they shall drink and swallow, and shall be as though they had never been.
English Standard Version (ESV)
For years, Edom (descended from Esau, Jacob's brother) had actively sided with Judah's enemies, delighting in their suffering and even participating in the plunder of Jerusalem. Obadiah has already detailed Edom's specific cruelties and condemned their arrogance. Now, the prophet shifts from Edom's individual judgment to a broader declaration: God's "day of the Lord" is coming, a day of righteous retribution not just for Edom, but for all nations who have wronged His people. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's justice is impartial, and just as Edom acted, so will God act upon them.
You've heard of 'the day of the Lord' – but what does it really mean? It's more than just a future event; it's a concept of God's active intervention.
A Day of Divine Intervention
The phrase 'the day of the LORD' appears often in the Old Testament, and Obadiah uses it here to announce impending judgment.
Ever heard 'What goes around, comes around'? The Bible speaks to this ancient principle, but with a divine twist.
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As You've Done, So It Will Be Done
This is the core of God's judgment being declared against Edom: a strict principle of retribution.
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.
har qodshi / har tziyon · Hebrew Noun
The mount where God’s presence dwells and His kingdom is established; it serves as a symbol of the spiritual center of God’s rule and the future gathering place of His people.
goyim · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the surrounding cultures or non-Israelite peoples. In prophetic literature, they are often characterized by their opposition to God’s people and sovereignty, eventually being subject to divine judgment.
shatah · Hebrew Verb
Often associated with God’s judgment, the act of drinking the cup of wrath signifies experiencing the full measure of divine judgment and its devastating effects.
Obadiah's prophecy against Edom is deeply rooted in the trauma of Jerusalem's destruction. Edom's perceived complicity and gloating during Judah's darkest hour fueled this oracle of divine retribution, highlighting how historical betrayals can trigger prophetic judgment.
c. 875-845 BC
Reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah
During this period, Edom was under Judah's dominion, but tensions likely simmered, setting the stage for future animosity.
c. 732 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Israel
The growing Assyrian empire began to exert pressure on the region, impacting both Judah and Edom and potentially influencing their interactions.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria attacked Judah, and while Jerusalem was miraculously spared, the event heightened regional instability and showcased Assyria's power.
609-605 BC
Battle of Carchemish
The Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar, defeated the Egyptians and Assyrians, establishing Babylonian dominance over the Near East and setting the stage for Judah's eventual fall.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar's forces conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and exiled many Judeans. Edom's active participation in or rejoicing over this event is a key accusation against them.
c. 582 BC
Babylonian Deportations of Edom
Following the fall of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar conducted further deportations, including the subjugation and displacement of Edomites, fulfilling Obadiah's prophecy.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon, allowing some Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem, though Edom's political status continued to shift under new empires.
This passage echoes the principle of 'as you have done, so shall it be done to you,' specifically referencing Edom's malicious joy over Israel's destruction and God's promise of retribution.
Jeremiah 25:15-17Jeremiah is commanded to take a 'cup of wrath' and offer it to the nations, including Edom, illustrating how judgment will be meted out to those who have acted wickedly, much like Obadiah's warning.
Psalm 137:8This psalm expresses a similar sentiment of 'happy shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock!' when referring to Babylon's destruction, highlighting the deeply ingrained understanding of reciprocal justice in the ancient world.
Joel 3:7Obadiah is quoting or alluding to Joel here, emphasizing that the 'day of the Lord' will bring deserved punishment upon the nations who have wronged God's people, with their own deeds returning upon them.
Matthew 7:2Jesus articulates this same principle of reciprocity, stating 'For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you,' showing its enduring relevance.
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 universal principle of divine justice: "As you have done, it shall be done to you." This isn't just about Edom; it's a declaration that on the "day of the LORD," all nations will face a reckoning, and their actions will directly determine their fate. It reminds us that God's judgment is impartial, extending to all people, and that our own choices will ultimately define the outcome.
For years, Edom (descended from Esau, Jacob's brother) had actively sided with Judah's enemies, delighting in their suffering and even participating in the plunder of Jerusalem. Obadiah has already detailed Edom's specific cruelties and condemned their arrogance. Now, the prophet shifts from Edom's individual judgment to a broader declaration: God's "day of the Lord" is coming, a day of righteous retribution not just for Edom, but for all nations who have wronged His people. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's justice is impartial, and just as Edom acted, so will God act upon them.
For years, Edom (descended from Esau, Jacob's brother) had actively sided with Judah's enemies, delighting in their suffering and even participating in the plunder of Jerusalem. Obadiah has already detailed Edom's specific cruelties and condemned their arrogance. Now, the prophet shifts from Edom's individual judgment to a broader declaration: God's "day of the Lord" is coming, a day of righteous retribution not just for Edom, but for all nations who have wronged His people. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's justice is impartial, and just as Edom acted, so will God act upon them.
"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. For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so all the nations shall drink contin…" — The verse emphasizes a universal principle of divine justice: "As you have done, it shall be done to you." This isn't just about Edom; it's a declaration that on the "day of the LORD," all nations wi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
