Study Notes

1–4 Paralleled in Jer 49:14–16.

1 vision. Commonly used in the OT to designate a revelation from God (see Pr 29:18; Isa 1:1 and notes). Obadiah. See Introduction: Author. We. Either (1) the editorial “we,” (2) the prophet’s association of God’s people with himself or (3) other prophets’ pronouncements against Edom. In any case, the rest of the verse sets the stage for Obadiah’s prophetic message, which begins with v. 2. message. Or “report.” An envoy had been sent to the nations, calling them to battle against Edom. Perhaps a conspiracy was under way among some of Edom’s allies (v. 7). Although Edom feels secure (trusting in their mountain fortresses and their wise men, vv. 2–4,8–9), Obadiah announces God’s judgment on Edom for their hostility to Israel.

2 I will make you small. Cf. the colloquial expression “cut one down to size.”

3 pride. See v. 12; Jer 49:16 and note. rocks. See NIV text note. Sela was the capital of Edom. Perhaps the later Petra (both Sela and Petra mean “rock” or “cliff”), this rugged site is located some 50 miles south of the southern end of the Dead Sea (see note on Isa 16:1).

4 eagle. A proud and regal bird, noted for strength, keenness of vision and power of flight (Dt 28:49; Isa 40:31; Jer 4:13; 49:22; Eze 17:3). stars. Hyperbole for high, inaccessible places in the mountains. See photo. I will bring you down. See Pr 16:18.

5–6 Paralleled in Jer 49:9–10.

5 leave a few grapes. See Jer 49:9 and note.

6 hidden treasures. The ancient Greek historian Diodorus Siculus indicates that the Edomites put their wealth—accumulated from trade—in vaults in the rocks.

7 eat your bread. See Ps 41:9 and note. set a trap for you. However the Hebrew for this expression is understood (see NIV text note), it must indicate some act of treachery on the part of previously trusted close friends.

8 In that day. The day of Edom’s destruction; but the words also have an eschatological ring (see v. 15 and note). Since in OT prophecy Edom was often emblematic of all the world powers hostile to God and his kingdom, Edom’s judgment anticipates God’s complete removal of all such opposition in that day (see note on Am 9:12). wise men. In whom Edom put so much confidence for their security (see Jer 49:7 and note). Eliphaz, one of Job’s three friends, was a Temanite (see note on v. 9). Esau. Another name for Edom (see Ge 36:1 and note).

9 Teman. A reference to all Edom, as in Jer 49:7,20 (see notes on Jer 49:7; Am 1:12). Teman means “south,” and the name probably refers to Edom as the southland. Some, however, identify Teman with Tawilan, a site about three miles east of Petra.

10 your brother Jacob. Edom’s violent crimes are all the more reprehensible because they were committed against the brother nation. covered with shame. A striking expression, since shame is usually associated with nakedness.

11 See Introduction: Date and Place of Writing. strangers . . . foreigners. These terms put in relief the sin of the Edomites: They did not act like brothers (v. 12) but like strangers. cast lots for Jerusalem. See Eze 24:6 and note.

12–14 A rebuke of Edom’s hostile actions. The eight rebukes in this section proceed from the general to the particular. See Ps 137:7; Eze 35:13 for examples of Edom’s reactions to Judah’s misfortunes (see also note on Ps 137:7).

12 boast. See v. 3; Jer 49:16 and note.

15 The day of the LORD is near for all nations. If there was an eschatological glimmering in “In that day” (v. 8), it here becomes a strong ray. The day of the Lord brings judgment for the nations (including, but not limited to, Edom) and salvation for the house of Jacob (see v. 17; Joel 1:15; Am 5:18 and notes). return upon your own head. The situation will be reversed in retribution for Edom’s hostility against God’s people, detailed in vv. 11–14. Ezekiel’s denunciation of Edom (ch. 35) reflects a similar punishment-fits-the-crime principle (see also Pr 26:27 and note; Eze 16:43).

16 Just as you drank. As the Edomites profaned the holy mountain by carousing, so the nations “will drink and drink.” Their drinking, however, is that of the bitter potion of God’s judgment—which they will be compelled to keep on drinking. For drinking as punishment, see Jer 25:15–16; 49:12 and notes.

17 But on Mount Zion will be deliverance. Beginning with this verse the blessings on the house of Jacob are mentioned. Eschatological references are twofold: judgment on God’s enemies, blessing on God’s people. inheritance. The land that God had promised them (see Jer 3:19; 12:7 and notes).

18 Jacob . . . Joseph. Previously it was stated that the Lord would destroy Edom, using other nations (v. 7); now it is to be done by God’s people. no survivors. The final word to Esau is that his house (or nation) will be totally destroyed; there will be no Edomite survivors. Yet compare Am 9:12 with Ac 15:17, and see note and NIV text note on Am 9:12.

19 People . . . will occupy. With Edom annihilated, others will occupy Edomite territory. Although not expressly identified, these are most likely the remnant of Israel referred to in the lines immediately following. Negev. See note on Ge 12:9. foothills. See note on Mic 1:10–15. Philistines. See note on Ge 10:14. Gilead. See notes on Ge 31:21; SS 4:1.

20 Zarephath. See note on 1Ki 17:9; cf Lk 4:26. Sepharad. Usually taken to refer to Sardis in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), though some think that Sparta (the city in Greece) might be meant.

21 Deliverers. Having developed the theme of possessing lands around Zion, the prophet now turns to the center. The “deliverers” come from Mount Zion and rule over the mountains of Esau. Mount Zion is exalted over the mountains of Esau. The Messiah, the Deliverer par excellence, may ultimately be in view. the kingdom will be the LORD’s. The conclusion of the prophecy—and the final outcome of history. The last book of the Bible echoes this theme (Rev 11:15).