Obadiah Part 02
Pride is identified as a central reason for Edom’s punishment. This pride echoes themes found in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28, where pride is shown as a root cause of Satan’s rebellion.
In the Book of Obadiah, verses 1–6, the prophet begins by describing a vision he received. However, unlike other prophetic accounts, there is no detailed explanation of how God communicated with him. This opening closely parallels Jeremiah 49:14, where a message is sent among the nations:
“I have heard a message from the LORD, and an ambassador has been sent to the nations: ‘Gather together, come against her, and rise up to battle! “For indeed, I will make you small among nations, despised among men.” (Jeremiah 49:14–15).
The reference to a “messenger” suggests that God may be sending a spiritual or divine call to stir up heathen nations—such as Assyria, later Babylon, and possibly even an end-time power—against Edom. In verse 2, which matches Jeremiah 49:15, God declares that Edom will be made small among the nations. Although size is relative, Edom was historically comparable to Judah, so this indicates a significant reduction in its status and influence, along with becoming despised by other nations.
Verse 3 states,
“The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; you who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’”
This identifies pride as a central reason for Edom’s punishment. This pride echoes themes found in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28, where pride is shown as a root cause of Satan’s rebellion. Similarly, Proverbs 6:16–17 lists a “proud look” among the things God hates. Edom’s pride was reinforced by its geography, particularly its dwelling in the “clefts of the rock.” The Hebrew word “sela” and the Greek “petra” point to rocky strongholds, notably the famous city of Petra, where homes were carved into cliffs. With mountain elevations exceeding 6,000 feet—much higher than Jerusalem’s approximately 2,300 feet—Edom’s inhabitants believed themselves secure and unreachable.
However, verse 4 emphasizes that despite their confidence in natural defenses and fortified positions, they were not beyond God’s reach:
“‘From there I will bring you down,’ says the Lord.”
Though Edom might seem inaccessible to human armies, God declares that He will bring them down. This again parallels Jeremiah 49:16 and reinforces that while God may use other nations as instruments of judgment, He is ultimately the one orchestrating their downfall. This theme also mirrors the fall of Satan described in Isaiah 14:12–15, where one who sought to ascend to heaven is instead cast down to the depths.
Verses 5–6 illustrate the totality of Edom’s coming destruction. Unlike thieves or harvesters, who typically leave something behind, God’s judgment will be complete—nothing will be spared. Edom will be thoroughly plundered, stripped of both people and possessions. This aligns with Jeremiah 49:9–10 and underscores the absolute and decisive nature of God’s punishment.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
