Obadiah 1:7

All the men allied with you will drive you to the border; the men at peace with you will deceive and overpower you. Those who eat your bread will set a trap for you without your awareness of it.

Study Bible

All the men allied with you will drive you to the border;
This phrase highlights the betrayal of Edom by its allies. Historically, Edom was situated south of the Kingdom of Judah and had alliances with neighboring nations. The prophecy indicates that these allies, once trusted, would turn against Edom, forcing them to the borders of their own land. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the unreliability of human alliances compared to the faithfulness of God (Psalm 118:8-9). The driving to the border symbolizes a complete rejection and expulsion, reminiscent of how Israel's enemies often sought to push them out of their land.

the men at peace with you will deceive and overpower you.
This part of the verse underscores the theme of treachery. Edom's supposed friends, those with whom they had peaceful relations, would betray them. This deception is a common motif in the Bible, where trust in human strength and alliances often leads to downfall (Jeremiah 9:4-6). The overpowering suggests a sudden and unexpected attack, highlighting the vulnerability of Edom despite their perceived security. This can be seen as a warning against placing trust in worldly peace rather than in God.

Those who eat your bread will set a trap for you
Eating bread together in ancient Near Eastern culture was a sign of friendship and covenant. This phrase indicates a deep betrayal, as those who shared in Edom's hospitality would turn against them. This act of treachery is akin to Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus, where one who shared the table with Him ultimately set a trap (John 13:18). The imagery of setting a trap suggests a premeditated and cunning plan to bring about Edom's downfall.

without your awareness of it.
The final phrase emphasizes the complete surprise and unawareness of Edom regarding the impending betrayal. This lack of awareness can be seen as a result of pride and overconfidence, a recurring theme in Obadiah's prophecy against Edom. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of complacency and the importance of vigilance, echoing the New Testament's call to be watchful (1 Peter 5:8). The unexpected nature of the betrayal highlights the futility of relying on human wisdom and alliances over divine guidance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Edom
A nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, often at odds with Israel. Obadiah's prophecy is directed against Edom for its pride and betrayal.

2. Allies of Edom
Nations or groups that were in alliance with Edom, who ultimately betray them.

3. Borders of Edom
The geographical boundaries of Edom, symbolizing the limits of their power and influence.

4. Deception and Betrayal
The act of Edom's allies turning against them, highlighting themes of trust and treachery.

5. Obadiah
The prophet who delivers God's message of judgment against Edom.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Pride
Edom's downfall is a direct result of their pride and self-reliance. We must guard against pride and remember that our strength comes from God.

The Danger of False Alliances
Trusting in worldly alliances rather than God can lead to betrayal and ruin. We should seek God's guidance in our relationships and partnerships.

The Reality of Betrayal
Even those closest to us can betray us, as seen in Edom's experience. We must place our ultimate trust in God, who is faithful and true.

God's Justice
God's judgment on Edom reminds us that He is just and will hold nations and individuals accountable for their actions.

The Importance of Discernment
Edom failed to detect the trap set by their allies. We need spiritual discernment to recognize deceit and avoid falling into similar traps.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the betrayal of Edom's allies reflect the consequences of relying on human alliances rather than God?

2. In what ways can pride lead to a downfall, both personally and collectively, as seen in Edom's account?

3. How can we cultivate discernment to recognize deceit and avoid the traps set by others?

4. What lessons can we learn from Edom's experience about the importance of humility and reliance on God?

5. How do the themes of betrayal and justice in Obadiah 1:7 connect to the broader biblical account of God's faithfulness and righteousness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 41:9
This verse speaks of betrayal by a close friend, similar to how Edom's allies betray them.

Jeremiah 49:7-22
Jeremiah also prophesies against Edom, echoing themes of judgment and destruction.

Lamentations 4:21-22
Lamentations speaks of Edom's rejoicing over Jerusalem's fall, but also predicts Edom's own punishment.

Genesis 27:41
The animosity between Esau and Jacob, which sets the stage for the ongoing conflict between Edom and Israel.

Proverbs 26:27
This proverb warns that those who set traps for others will fall into them, paralleling Edom's fate.