Obadiah 1:2
New International Version
“See, I will make you small among the nations; you will be utterly despised.

New Living Translation
The LORD says to Edom, “I will cut you down to size among the nations; you will be greatly despised.

English Standard Version
Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised.

Berean Standard Bible
“Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you will be deeply despised.

King James Bible
Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised.

New King James Version
“Behold, I will make you small among the nations; You shall be greatly despised.

New American Standard Bible
“Behold, I will make you small among the nations; You are greatly despised.

NASB 1995
“Behold, I will make you small among the nations; You are greatly despised.

NASB 1977
“Behold, I will make you small among the nations; You are greatly despised.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Behold, I will make you small among the nations; You are greatly despised.

Amplified Bible
“Behold [Edom], I shall [humiliate you and] make you small among the nations; You are greatly despised.

Christian Standard Bible
Look, I will make you insignificant among the nations; you will be deeply despised.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Look, I will make you insignificant among the nations; you will be deeply despised.

American Standard Version
Behold, I have made thee small among the nations: thou art greatly despised.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD said to Edom: I will make you the weakest and most despised nation.

English Revised Version
Behold, I have made thee small among the nations: thou art greatly despised.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Edom, I will make you the smallest of nations. Others will despise you.

Good News Translation
The LORD says to Edom, "I will make you weak; everyone will despise you.

International Standard Version
"Look! I will make you insignificant among the nations; you will be utterly despised.

NET Bible
The LORD says, "Look! I will make you a weak nation; you will be greatly despised!

New Heart English Bible
Look, I have made you small among the nations. You are greatly despised.

Webster's Bible Translation
Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
“Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you will be deeply despised.

World English Bible
Behold, I have made you small among the nations. You are greatly despised.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“Behold, I have made you little among nations, "" You [are] despised exceedingly.

Young's Literal Translation
Lo, little I have made thee among nations, Despised art thou exceedingly.

Smith's Literal Translation
Behold, I gave thee small among the nations: thou being greatly despised.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Behold I have made thee small among the nations: thou art exceeding contemptible.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Behold, I have made you little among the nations. You are greatly contemptible.

New American Bible
Now I make you least among the nations; you are utterly contemptible.

New Revised Standard Version
I will surely make you least among the nations; you shall be utterly despised.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Behold, I have made you the least among the nations; you are greatly despised.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Behold, little one, I have given you among the Gentiles, and you are very despised
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Behold, I make thee small among the nations; Thou art greatly despised.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Arise ye, and let us rise up against her to war.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Destruction of Edom
1This is the vision of Obadiah: This is what the Lord GOD says about Edom—We have heard a message from the LORD; an envoy has been sent among the nations to say, “Rise up, and let us go to battle against her!”— 2“Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you will be deeply despised. 3The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks whose habitation is the heights, who say in your heart, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’…

Cross References
Jeremiah 49:15
“For behold, I will make you small among nations, despised among men.

Isaiah 2:12
For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled—

Malachi 1:2-4
“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, / but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.” / Though Edom may say, “We have been devastated, but we will rebuild the ruins,” this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Land of Wickedness, and a people with whom the LORD is indignant forever.

Ezekiel 35:3-4
and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Mount Seir. I will stretch out My hand against you and make you a desolate waste. / I will turn your cities into ruins, and you will become a desolation. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

Psalm 137:7
Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day Jerusalem fell: “Destroy it,” they said, “tear it down to its foundations!”

Lamentations 4:21-22
So rejoice and be glad, O Daughter of Edom, you who dwell in the land of Uz. Yet the cup will pass to you as well; you will get drunk and expose yourself. / O Daughter of Zion, your punishment is complete; He will not prolong your exile. But He will punish your iniquity, O Daughter of Edom; He will expose your sins.

Isaiah 34:5-6
When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. / The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat—with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom.

Ezekiel 25:12-14
This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah, and in so doing incurred grievous guilt, / therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off from it both man and beast. I will make it a wasteland, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. / I will take My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. Then they will know My vengeance, declares the Lord GOD.’

Jeremiah 50:31-32
“Behold, I am against you, O arrogant one,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts, “for your day has come, the time when I will punish you. / The arrogant one will stumble and fall with no one to pick him up. And I will kindle a fire in his cities to consume all those around him.”

Isaiah 13:11
I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless.

Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Luke 14:11
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 18:14
I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”


Treasury of Scripture

Behold, I have made you small among the heathen: you are greatly despised.

Numbers 24:18
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.

1 Samuel 2:7,8
The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up…

Job 34:25-29
Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed…

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Obadiah 1
1. The destruction of Edom,
3. for their pride,
10. and for their wrong unto Jacob.
17. The salvation and victory of Jacob.














Behold, I will make you small among the nations;
This phrase indicates a divine decree of judgment. The word "Behold" serves as a call to attention, emphasizing the certainty and importance of the message. The context is God's pronouncement against Edom, a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Historically, Edom was a significant power due to its strategic location and control of trade routes. However, this prophecy foretells a reduction in their status and influence. The phrase "small among the nations" suggests a loss of power and prestige, aligning with other biblical prophecies where God humbles the proud (Isaiah 2:12, Jeremiah 49:15). This humbling of Edom serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to exalt or abase according to His will.

you will be deeply despised.
The phrase "deeply despised" indicates not only a loss of power but also a loss of respect and honor among other nations. Historically, Edom was often in conflict with Israel and other neighboring nations, leading to animosity and disdain. This prophecy reflects the consequences of Edom's pride and hostility, particularly against Israel (Psalm 137:7, Ezekiel 25:12-14). The deep disdain could also be seen as a result of their betrayal and violence against their kin, the Israelites, during times of distress. This serves as a broader biblical theme where pride and enmity lead to downfall and disgrace (Proverbs 16:18). Theologically, it underscores the principle that those who oppose God's people and purposes will ultimately face divine retribution.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Obadiah
The prophet who authored the book, delivering God's message concerning Edom.

2. Edom
A nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, often in conflict with Israel.

3. Nations
Refers to the surrounding peoples and countries that interacted with Edom.

4. God's Judgment
The event of divine retribution against Edom for their pride and actions against Israel.
Teaching Points
Pride Leads to Downfall
Edom's pride is a central theme. Pride can lead to a false sense of security and eventual downfall.

God's Sovereignty
God is in control of nations and their destinies. His judgments are just and inevitable.

Humility Before God
Recognizing our place before God is crucial. Humility is a virtue that aligns us with God's will.

Consequences of Actions
Edom's actions against Israel had lasting consequences. Our actions, especially against others, have repercussions.

God's Faithfulness to His People
Despite the challenges, God remains faithful to His covenant people, Israel, and by extension, to all who are in Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Obadiah 1:2?

2. How does Obadiah 1:2 illustrate God's sovereignty over nations and their pride?

3. What lessons on humility can we learn from Obadiah 1:2?

4. How does Obadiah 1:2 connect with Proverbs 16:18 about pride and downfall?

5. How can we apply the warning in Obadiah 1:2 to our lives today?

6. In what ways does Obadiah 1:2 challenge our perspective on worldly power?

7. How does Obadiah 1:2 reflect God's judgment on prideful nations?

8. What historical context surrounds the prophecy in Obadiah 1:2?

9. How does Obadiah 1:2 relate to the theme of divine justice?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Obadiah 1?

11. What is the International House of Prayer?

12. Who is the author of Obadiah?

13. Exodus 1:7 - How could the Israelites have multiplied so rapidly in a relatively short period without any historical or scientific evidence supporting such exponential growth?

14. Since Obadiah 1:1-9 forecast dire outcomes for Edom, why aren't parallels clearly found in verifiable historical documents outside the Bible?
What Does Obadiah 1:2 Mean
Behold

God begins with a word that demands attention: “Behold.” Whenever the Lord says this, He is inviting His people to stop, look, and listen with seriousness.

Isaiah 7:14 opens the prophecy of the virgin birth with the same summons: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive...” God uses “Behold” both to announce blessing and, as here, to announce judgment.

Psalm 46:8 echoes the call to notice His works: “Come, behold the works of the LORD, who brings devastation upon the earth.”

The prophet wants Edom—and everyone else—to realize that what follows is not merely human opinion but the settled decree of the Sovereign LORD.


I will make you small among the nations

The next phrase reveals God’s direct action. Edom’s pride had convinced her she was untouchable, but the Lord Himself says He will shrink her influence and standing.

Jeremiah 49:15 repeats the judgment almost word-for-word: “For behold, I will make you small among the nations, despised among men.” Jeremiah and Obadiah prophesy the same fate, confirming God’s resolve.

1 Samuel 2:7 reminds us that “The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.” Nations rise or fall at His command, so Edom’s downfall is not accidental; it is ordained.

Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Edom’s national arrogance sets the stage for God to make her “small.”

Luke 1:52 celebrates the same principle in reverse: “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.” The Lord actively rearranges status among the nations to showcase His justice.


You will be deeply despised

Shrinking in size is bad enough; being despised adds insult to injury. God announces that Edom’s reputation will plummet.

Jeremiah 49:17 elaborates: “Edom will become an object of horror; all who pass by will be appalled...” The contempt will be widespread and visceral.

Malachi 1:3-4 records the enduring disdain: “Esau I hated... They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Wicked Land, a people always under the wrath of the LORD.” Edom’s name becomes synonymous with rebellion and ruin.

Psalm 137:7 captures Israel’s memory of Edom’s cruelty when Jerusalem fell: “Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem, when they said, ‘Tear it down!’” The nations will despise Edom for siding against God’s people and for exalting herself.

Ezekiel 35:3-4 underlines the same scorn: “Behold, I am against you, Mount Seir... I will make you a desolation.” Divine opposition guarantees public contempt.


summary

Obadiah 1:2 is a concise but weighty verdict. God calls attention to His decree (“Behold”), personally promises to strip Edom of power (“I will make you small among the nations”), and ensures her reputation sinks in contempt (“you will be deeply despised”). The verse underscores that national pride, especially when set against God’s purposes and people, invites inevitable humiliation. The Lord alone controls rise and fall, honor and disgrace, and He will always vindicate His righteousness in the sight of all nations.

Verse 2. - Behold, I have made thee small. Here is the effect of the summons. So in Jeremiah 49:15, "For, lo, I will make thee small." Jehovah is the Speaker, and he regards the future as past. What he determines is as good as accomplished. At this time the Edomites were a powerful nation, and possessed an almost impregnable seat at Petra. Small; in numbers, territory, honour.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Behold,
הִנֵּ֥ה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

I will make you
נְתַתִּ֖יךָ (nə·ṯat·tî·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

small
קָטֹ֛ן (qā·ṭōn)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant

among the nations;
בַּגּוֹיִ֑ם (bag·gō·w·yim)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

you
אַתָּ֖ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

will be deeply
מְאֹֽד׃ (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

despised.
בָּז֥וּי (bā·zui)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 959: To disesteem


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OT Prophets: Obadiah 1:2 Behold I have made you small among (Obad. Oba. Ob)
Obadiah 1:1
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