What does Obadiah 1:6 mean?
ESV: How Esau has been pillaged, his treasures sought out!
NIV: But how Esau will be ransacked, his hidden treasures pillaged!
NASB: Oh how Esau will be searched, And his hidden treasures searched out!
CSB: How Esau will be pillaged, his hidden treasures searched out!
NLT: Every nook and cranny of Edom will be searched and looted. Every treasure will be found and taken.
KJV: How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!
NKJV: “Oh, how Esau shall be searched out! How his hidden treasures shall be sought after!
Verse Commentary:
Esau was the brother of Jacob. Jacob's descendants became the nation of Israel. Esau's descendants became the nation of Edom. Part of Edom's arrogance came from their easily-defended homes. As alluded to in verse 4, the Edomites lived in high caves in the mountains of Seir. That kind of terrain is extremely difficult to attack, let alone "pillage." And yet, as this prophecy states, that is exactly what will happen. According to history, not long after Obadiah was written, Edom was attacked and conquered by Arabic raiders.
The book of Malachi, written after this attack, indicates that Edom's cities are now ghost towns (Malachi 1:3–4). All of the well-defended caves were empty. The riches of Edom now belonged to someone else.
This verse, along with verse 5, is not only a prophecy. It's also an accusation against Edom. When Jerusalem was attacked and looted by a foreign army, Edom joined in the attack. They looted Israel. As a result, part of Edom's judgment will be getting what they gave to others.
Verse Context:
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.
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
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.
Book Summary:
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.
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