Obadiah 1:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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!”

NIV: The vision of Obadiah. This is what the Sovereign LORD says about Edom-- We have heard a message from the LORD: An envoy was sent to the nations to say, 'Rise, let us go against her for battle'--

NASB: The vision of Obadiah. This is what the Lord God says concerning Edom— We have heard a report from the Lord, And a messenger has been sent among the nations saying, 'Arise, and let’s go up against her for battle'—

CSB: The vision of Obadiah. This is what the Lord God has said about Edom: We have heard a message from the Lord; an envoy has been sent among the nations: "Rise up, and let's go to war against her."

NLT: This is the vision that the Sovereign Lord revealed to Obadiah concerning the land of Edom. We have heard a message from the Lord that an ambassador was sent to the nations to say, 'Get ready, everyone! Let’s assemble our armies and attack Edom!'

KJV: 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.

NKJV: 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, saying, “Arise, and let us rise up against her for battle”):

The reference to a "vision" is common in books of prophecy. Isaiah, Micah, and Nahum all begin with a declaration of a direct communication from God. The name "Obadiah" means "a worshipper of Yahweh." While this name is used for several Old Testament characters, there is no good reason to think the author of this prophecy is mentioned anywhere else in the Bible.

Part of what makes Obadiah interesting is that this vision is not addressed to the people of Israel. Instead, the message is for the people of Edom. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob. Jacob was re-named Israel, and was the father of the Jewish people. Despite being "brother" nations, Edom was a constant enemy of Israel, and the Old Testament refers to judgment on Edom more than on any other people.

The message to Edom comes directly from God: foreign nations are coming against you. According to history, this is exactly what happened. Shortly after this prophecy was delivered, Edom was conquered by foreign invaders. Survivors were persecuted by factions within Israel. Centuries later, the last remnants of Edomite culture were completely obliterated by Rome.

Obadiah 1:1–9 predicts the total destruction of Edom, a long-standing enemy of Israel. Despite Edom's strategic location, pride, and wealth, this prophecy warns that they will be completely ruined. The people of Edom committed heinous crimes against Israel, even helping Israel's enemies capture Jewish refugees. This passage specifically mentions how the coming wrath will undo all of Edom's proudest achievements.

The nation of Edom grew from Esau, the brother of Jacob. Jacob would later be re-named ''Israel.'' Despite being so closely related, Israel had few long-term enemies as spiteful as the Edomites. In the short prophecy given by Obadiah, Edom is warned of God's judgment. Edom is particularly condemned for aiding Israel's enemies in a time of war. This warning is extended to all nations that reject God: judgment for your sin is coming, but God will be merciful to those who obey Him.

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, with only one chapter of 21 verses. In just a few words, it delivers a warning of judgment on Edom, one of Israel's oldest enemies. This passage also warns every nation that defies God that there will be a reckoning. The end of Obadiah's prophecy involves the division of land during the end times.

Obadiah is an excellent introduction to Old Testament prophecy. In just 21 verses, it covers all of the typical contents found in the prophets. Themes of wrongdoing, imminent judgment, God's mercy, and His restoration are all found in this short book. Reading Obadiah is somewhat like reading the dust jacket of a much larger novel. Obadiah is also interesting in that it is not addressed to Israel, but to the nation of Edom.