Obadiah 1:2 - Behold, I have made you small among the nations. You are greatly despised.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Obadiah 1:2" mean?
Obadiah 1:2, "Behold, I have made you small among the nations. You are greatly despised," is a prophetic declaration of judgment against Edom. Understanding its meaning requires context within the book of Obadiah and the historical relationship between Israel and Edom.
Here's a breakdown:
"Behold, I have made you small among the nations...": This is God speaking. It means He is the one who has brought Edom to a state of insignificance. Edom had previously been a more powerful nation, but now they are reduced in stature, influence, and perhaps territory. "Small" doesn't just refer to physical size; it speaks to their weakened power, influence, and prestige compared to other nations. It's a humbling, divinely-imposed reduction in status.
"...You are greatly despised.": This is a consequence of Edom's actions and their weakened state. Because of their behavior (which is elaborated on in the rest of the book), they have become an object of scorn and contempt by other nations. This "despising" could be rooted in a number of factors: their perceived weakness, their historical animosity towards other nations (especially Israel), and the perception of their being opportunistic in taking advantage of others' misfortunes.
Context within Obadiah and the Historical Background:
Edom's Sin: Obadiah focuses on Edom's sin, primarily their malicious joy and active participation in the downfall of Judah (Israel) when Judah was invaded. They stood by idly, rejoiced in Judah's suffering, and even plundered and captured refugees fleeing from the enemy. This treachery against their "brother" (Edom was considered a brother nation to Israel, descending from Esau, while Israel descended from Jacob) was particularly heinous in God's eyes.
Judgment: The verse is part of a larger prophetic judgment against Edom. It is a declaration that God will punish them for their pride, arrogance, and cruelty, particularly their actions against Judah. The "smallness" and "despised" status are not accidental; they are a direct result of God's intervention and judgment.
Pride and Security: The prophecy also speaks against Edom's pride and reliance on their secure, elevated dwelling places in the rocky cliffs. They felt invulnerable, but God would bring them down.
In essence, Obadiah 1:2 is a pronouncement of divine judgment against Edom, stating that God has humbled them and, as a consequence of their wicked actions, they have become despised by other nations. It emphasizes that Edom's decline is not a matter of chance but a direct result of God's sovereign action in response to their wickedness, particularly their betrayal of their "brother" Judah during a time of crisis. It's a warning against pride, cruelty, and taking advantage of others' misfortunes.
Obadiah 1:2 - Behold, I have made you small among the nations. You are greatly despised.
What does "Obadiah 1:2" mean?
Obadiah 1:2, "Behold, I have made you small among the nations. You are greatly despised," is a prophetic declaration of judgment against Edom. Understanding its meaning requires context within the book of Obadiah and the historical relationship between Israel and Edom.
Here's a breakdown:
"Behold, I have made you small among the nations...": This is God speaking. It means He is the one who has brought Edom to a state of insignificance. Edom had previously been a more powerful nation, but now they are reduced in stature, influence, and perhaps territory. "Small" doesn't just refer to physical size; it speaks to their weakened power, influence, and prestige compared to other nations. It's a humbling, divinely-imposed reduction in status.
"...You are greatly despised.": This is a consequence of Edom's actions and their weakened state. Because of their behavior (which is elaborated on in the rest of the book), they have become an object of scorn and contempt by other nations. This "despising" could be rooted in a number of factors: their perceived weakness, their historical animosity towards other nations (especially Israel), and the perception of their being opportunistic in taking advantage of others' misfortunes.
Context within Obadiah and the Historical Background:
Edom's Sin: Obadiah focuses on Edom's sin, primarily their malicious joy and active participation in the downfall of Judah (Israel) when Judah was invaded. They stood by idly, rejoiced in Judah's suffering, and even plundered and captured refugees fleeing from the enemy. This treachery against their "brother" (Edom was considered a brother nation to Israel, descending from Esau, while Israel descended from Jacob) was particularly heinous in God's eyes.
Judgment: The verse is part of a larger prophetic judgment against Edom. It is a declaration that God will punish them for their pride, arrogance, and cruelty, particularly their actions against Judah. The "smallness" and "despised" status are not accidental; they are a direct result of God's intervention and judgment.
Pride and Security: The prophecy also speaks against Edom's pride and reliance on their secure, elevated dwelling places in the rocky cliffs. They felt invulnerable, but God would bring them down.
In essence, Obadiah 1:2 is a pronouncement of divine judgment against Edom, stating that God has humbled them and, as a consequence of their wicked actions, they have become despised by other nations. It emphasizes that Edom's decline is not a matter of chance but a direct result of God's sovereign action in response to their wickedness, particularly their betrayal of their "brother" Judah during a time of crisis. It's a warning against pride, cruelty, and taking advantage of others' misfortunes.