Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God declares that Edom's smallness and despised state are not merely a future punishment, but a reality already wrought by His hand, even if their pride blinds them to it. This isn't just about their current condition but a foundational truth about their place among nations, setting the stage for their ultimate downfall.
Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God declares His judgment against Edom, a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Edom had fiercely opposed Israel and even exulted when Jerusalem was sacked, revealing a deep-seated animosity. God's pronouncement here is a somber warning, emphasizing that despite Edom's current pride and perceived strength, they are destined to be humbled and scorned among the surrounding nations.
Nations rise and fall. Who's really in charge? This verse reveals a powerful truth about God's ultimate authority over the destiny of people.
The prophet Obadiah begins with a stark declaration: 'Behold, I have made you small among the nations.' The speaker is none other than God Himself. This isn't just a prediction; it's a statement of divine action.
God's Purpose, Not Chance
Why would God bring a powerful nation so low? This verse hints at a deeper issue: pride and its inevitable downfall.
While God declares His action of making Edom small, the underlying cause is often rooted in the nation's heart. The commentaries suggest that pride was a significant factor leading to Edom's judgment.
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From Lowliness to Arrogance
The prophet Obadiah delivers this message during or shortly after the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon. Edom's infamous participation in this tragedy fueled the divine judgment prophesied here.
c. 850 BC
Assyrian Empire's Expansion
The Neo-Assyrian Empire begins a period of significant expansion, exerting influence and demanding tribute from surrounding kingdoms, including those near Edom.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The northern kingdom of Israel falls to the Neo-Assyrian Empire. This event would have been a stark warning to all the surrounding nations, including Edom.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon begins deporting elites from Judah to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile, a period of immense upheaval for the region.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar II destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple, exiling many more Judeans to Babylon. Edom's people are noted by some scholars and biblical texts to have sided with the Babylonians during this conquest.
c. 550 BC
Rise of the Persian Empire
Cyrus the Great begins to unite Persian tribes, leading to the eventual overthrow of the Babylonian Empire and a new geopolitical landscape.
c. 450 BC
Post-Exilic Period
After the exile, many Judeans return to their land. The Book of Obadiah is traditionally placed in this era, addressing Edom's past actions and prophesying future judgment.
This passage directly parallels Obadiah's message, stating that Edom will be made small and despised among the nations, emphasizing God's judgment upon them.
Ezekiel 25:12Ezekiel also prophesies against Edom, highlighting their vengeful actions against Judah and promising divine retribution, which aligns with the theme of God's judgment and bringing down those who act with malice.
Psalm 37:1This psalm offers a counterpoint, warning against envying or becoming troubled by the success of evildoers, implying that those who are 'small' or despised by others, like Edom in this verse, will ultimately not prosper in their wickedness.
Romans 9:13Quoting Malachi, Paul uses the example of Esau (ancestor of Edom) and Jacob to illustrate God's sovereign choice, showing that God's purposes are not determined by human lineage or perceived status, but by His own will, even if it means choosing the seemingly 'lesser' or making the proud feel small.
gillObadiah 1:2: "Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised."
Behold, I have made thee small among the Heathen,.... Or "a little one", or "thing" (o); their number few, and their country not large, as Aben Ezra, especially in comparison of other nations; and therefore had no reason to be so proud, insolent, and secure, as they are afterwards said to be; or rather, "I will make thee"; the past for the future, after the prophetic manner, as Kimchi; that is weak and f…
cambridgeObadiah 1:2: "Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised."
2 . I have made thee … thou art ] Jehovah is now the speaker. “I have made thee small” in my purpose, which though its accomplishment is still future is as certain as though it were already executed. “Thou art,” already in inevitable destiny, “greatly despised.” There is nothing to commend the view of Calvin and others that Obadiah 1:2 is introduced to aggravate the pride of Edom: “Whereas I made thee sm…
God declares that Edom's smallness and despised state are not merely a future punishment, but a reality already wrought by His hand, even if their pride blinds them to it. This isn't just about their current condition but a foundational truth about their place among nations, setting the stage for their ultimate downfall.
God declares His judgment against Edom, a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Edom had fiercely opposed Israel and even exulted when Jerusalem was sacked, revealing a deep-seated animosity. God's pronouncement here is a somber warning, emphasizing that despite Edom's current pride and perceived strength, they are destined to be humbled and scorned among the surrounding nations.
God declares His judgment against Edom, a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Edom had fiercely opposed Israel and even exulted when Jerusalem was sacked, revealing a deep-seated animosity. God's pronouncement here is a somber warning, emphasizing that despite Edom's current pride and perceived strength, they are destined to be humbled and scorned among the surrounding nations.
"Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised." — God declares that Edom's smallness and despised state are not merely a future punishment, but a reality already wrought by His hand, even if their pride blinds them to it. This isn't just about their…
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Last reviewed October 2026