FocusSecurity overturned
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The opening oracle challenges Edom's confidence and announces its humiliation.
interpretation Obadiah 1:5
KJVIf thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? if the grapegatherers came to thee, would they not leave some grapes?
Read it in context
The Destruction of Edom
Start reading at Obadiah 1:1 (Obadiah 1:1 to Obadiah 1:9).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The opening oracle challenges Edom's confidence and announces its humiliation.
- 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.
- 1:2 Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised.
- 1:3 The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?
- 1:4 Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.
- 1:5 If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? if the grapegatherers came to thee, would they not leave some grapes?
- 1:6 How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!
- 1:7 All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; they that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none understanding in him.
- 1:8 Shall I not in that day, saith the LORD, even destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau?
- 1:9 And thy mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Obadiah is the named prophet; his further personal identity is not securely known. Biblical references: Obadiah 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Obadiah 1:1–1:21): Edom is the target of the oracle because of its conduct toward Jacob's descendants. Judah and the restored people of Zion are also addressed within the prophecy. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Judah's community receives an oracle concerning Edom's hostility and the restoration of Zion. Edom is the principal target of the judgment, not necessarily the book's sole reading audience. Biblical references: Obadiah 1:1; Obadiah 1:10; Obadiah 1:17. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Destruction of Edom. Read Obadiah 1:1 through Obadiah 1:9 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The opening oracle challenges Edom's confidence and announces its humiliation. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book does not provide a royal date. Identifying the specific historical attack behind its accusation requires comparison and interpretation. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The oracle concerns Edom and its conduct toward Judah and Jerusalem, before widening toward the nations and Zion. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Destruction of Edom (Obadiah 1:1 to Obadiah 1:9). Start reading at Obadiah 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The conclusion that the kingdom belongs to the LORD can be read alongside the New Testament's proclamation of God's kingdom through Christ. The book does not directly name Jesus. See Obadiah 1:21, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Reject pride and the exploitation of another community's disaster. The accusation calls attention not only to active harm but also to opportunistic conduct toward those in distress. interpretation
Cited: Obadiah 1:1, Obadiah 1:9, Obadiah 1:21, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33
Who wrote it, and how we know
Obadiah
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens as the vision of Obadiah.
Obadiah 1:1
Early traditionTradition names Obadiah.
What is debatedNothing else is known of him, and the date is debated.
Related passages
- if robbers Jer 49:9
- how 2 Sam 1:19 Isa 14:12 Jer 50:23 Lam 1:1 Zeph 2:15 Rev 18:10
- if the Deut 24:21 Isa 17:6 Isa 24:13 Mic 7:1
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Obadiah 1
Obadiah announces judgment concerning Edom and considers Edom's conduct toward Judah. The opening does not give a date or identify a king, so assigning an exact occasion requires historical interpretation. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Obadiah 1:1 Obadiah 1:10 Obadiah 1:21
Violence against a brother
Obadiah 1:10–14FocusEdom's conduct toward Judah
Connection to the wholeThe accusation identifies conduct toward Judah as the reason for the announced shame and judgment.
interpretation The Deliverance of Israel
Obadiah 1:15–21FocusJudgment, deliverance, and the kingdom
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The scope widens to the nations and concludes with deliverance and the LORD's kingdom.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Obadiah
Obadiah announces judgment concerning Edom and considers Edom's conduct toward Judah. The opening does not give a date or identify a king, so assigning an exact occasion requires historical interpretation.
Obadiah 1:1 Obadiah 1:10 Obadiah 1:21
FocusSecurity overturned
Connection to the wholeThe opening oracle challenges Edom's confidence and announces its humiliation.
interpretation Violence against a brother
Obadiah 1:10–14FocusEdom's conduct toward Judah
Connection to the wholeThe accusation identifies conduct toward Judah as the reason for the announced shame and judgment.
interpretation The day of the LORD and Zion
Obadiah 1:15–21FocusJudgment, deliverance, and the kingdom
Connection to the wholeThe scope widens to the nations and concludes with deliverance and the LORD's kingdom.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.