What is the meaning of Obadiah 1:2? 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. |
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