What is the meaning of Obadiah 1:1? This is the vision of Obadiah - God chose Obadiah as a genuine prophet; the word “vision” signals direct, God-given revelation (2 Peter 1:21; Isaiah 1:1). - Because the verse states it plainly, we accept that what follows is not conjecture but an exact record of what Obadiah actually saw and heard. This is what the Lord GOD says about Edom - The spotlight is on Edom, the nation descended from Esau (Genesis 25:23). - God Himself addresses Edom’s pride and hostility toward Israel, echoing earlier warnings (Jeremiah 49:7-22; Malachi 1:4; Ezekiel 35:3-4). - The phrase “Lord GOD” (Adonai YHWH) underscores absolute authority; when He speaks, the outcome is certain. We have heard a message from the LORD - Obadiah includes himself with the faithful remnant who listen to God’s voice (Amos 3:7; Isaiah 13:2-4). - The message is public, not secret; God holds nations accountable through His revealed word (Jeremiah 4:5). - This shared hearing invites God’s people to align their perspective with His, rather than with Edom’s. An envoy has been sent among the nations - God orchestrates international events; He dispatches a herald to rally other peoples (Isaiah 18:2; Jeremiah 49:14). - The envoy pictures angelic or human messengers stirring the nations, much like the end-time call of Revelation 16:14. - Edom’s fate is sealed in the court of heaven before armies even march on earth. "Rise up, and let us go to battle against her!" - The call to arms is urgent and collective; multiple nations will act as God’s instrument of judgment (Isaiah 13:17; Habakkuk 2:8). - Edom, once arrogant in its mountain strongholds, cannot resist when God mobilizes adversaries (Obadiah 1:3-4 shows why). - The wording assures believers that divine justice may be delayed but never denied. summary Obadiah 1:1 opens with a clear, Spirit-given vision that targets Edom’s coming downfall. Every clause stacks certainty on certainty: God speaks, His people hear, His envoy summons the nations, and the campaign is set in motion. The verse assures us that the Lord who governs prophecy also governs history, turning international forces exactly as He has declared. |
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