Obadiah 1:2

KJV

Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I have made {H5414} thee small {H6996} among the heathen {H1471}: thou art greatly {H3966} despised {H959}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I am making you the least of all nations, you will be beneath contempt.

Berean Standard Bible

“Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you will be deeply despised.

American Standard Version

Behold, I have made thee small among the nations: thou art greatly despised.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Obadiah 1:2 delivers a stark and authoritative divine pronouncement against Edom, declaring that God Himself has reduced this seemingly formidable nation to a state of insignificance and profound contempt among the surrounding peoples. This verse immediately establishes the central theme of the book: God's sovereign judgment upon Edom for its pride and hostility towards His chosen people, Israel, setting the stage for the detailed indictment and prophecy of their ultimate downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, a singular prophetic oracle entirely dedicated to the judgment of Edom. Verse 1 introduces the prophet Obadiah and his "vision concerning Edom," immediately establishing the subject of the prophecy. Verse 2, "Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised," serves as the initial, direct declaration of God's verdict. It is a foundational statement that sets the tone for the subsequent verses, which elaborate on Edom's specific sins (e.g., their pride in their seemingly impregnable dwelling in [Obadiah 1:3](/obadiah/1-3 "Obadiah 1:3 - Edom's Presumptuous Pride") and their violent actions against Jerusalem in [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Cruelty Against Judah")). Thus, verse 2 functions as a summary judgment, the divine sentence preceding the detailed charges.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, located southeast of Judah, was a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's (Israel's) twin brother, making their relationship one of deep-seated familial rivalry and animosity. Historically, Edom often opposed Israel, refusing passage during the Exodus ([Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Passage")), and engaging in various conflicts throughout Israelite history. Their capital, Sela (later Petra), was renowned for its natural fortifications, carved into red sandstone cliffs, which fostered a sense of invincibility and pride among the Edomites. The specific historical backdrop for Obadiah's prophecy is widely believed to be the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC, during which Edom not only failed to aid their "brother" Judah but actively participated in the plundering and betrayal of the fleeing Judeans ([Obadiah 1:11-14](/obadiah/1-11-14 "Obadiah 1:11-14 - Edom's Treachery")). This act of treachery against a distressed kin nation sealed Edom's fate in God's eyes.
* **Key Themes:** Obadiah 1:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment** over nations, demonstrating that God actively intervenes in human affairs, raising up and bringing down kingdoms according to His righteous will. Edom's diminished status is not a random occurrence but a direct decree from the Almighty, underscoring that "the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes" ([Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of the **Humiliation of Pride**. Edom's self-reliant arrogance, stemming from their impregnable dwelling, is directly challenged by God's declaration that He will make them "small" and "despised," illustrating the biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes a Fall")). Finally, the verse foreshadows the **Consequences of Hostility and Indifference** towards God's people, laying the groundwork for the detailed indictment of Edom's cruelty and betrayal, and affirming God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **small (Hebrew, _qâṭân'_):** This word (H6996) signifies something abbreviated, diminutive, or insignificant, whether literally in quantity, size, or number, or figuratively in age or importance. In the context of Obadiah 1:2, it denotes Edom's reduction to a state of political and national insignificance, a stark contrast to their self-perceived strength and stature. God's action makes them "least" or "lesser" among the nations, stripping them of their former influence and standing.
* **heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** (H1471) refers to a foreign nation or, by implication, a Gentile. This term emphasizes that Edom's humiliation is not merely internal but is observed and acknowledged by other non-Israelite nations. To be made "small among the heathen" means they would lose respect and standing even among other pagan nations, underscoring the depth of their contemptibility and isolation.
* **despised (Hebrew, _bâzâh'_):** (H959) is a primitive root meaning to disesteem, disdain, or contemn. When intensified by the word "greatly" (H3966, _mᵉʼôd'_), which means "vehemence" or "exceedingly," it conveys a profound and widespread scorn. This is not mere dislike but a deep, pervasive contempt, indicating that Edom would be utterly scorned and held in the lowest regard by all who observed their downfall, reflecting God's own judgment on their character and actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold,"**: This opening interjection (Hebrew: הִנֵּה, _hinnēh_) serves as an emphatic call to attention, signaling the immediate and undeniable truth of the divine declaration that follows. It commands the reader or listener to pay close heed to the profound and certain reality of God's pronouncement against Edom.
* **"I have made thee small among the heathen:"**: This is a direct, first-person divine statement, asserting God's active and sovereign role in Edom's destiny. The perfect tense "I have made" indicates a completed action, a settled decree that will inevitably come to pass. Edom's reduction in size, power, and influence among the surrounding nations is not a natural decline but a direct result of God's intentional intervention. This phrase highlights their loss of standing and significance on the international stage.
* **"thou art greatly despised."**: This clause further elaborates on the consequence of God's action, describing Edom's resulting state. The use of the intensive "greatly" underscores the depth and universality of the contempt Edom would experience. This despising is not just human scorn but reflects the divine judgment and the moral revulsion that their actions, particularly their treachery against Judah, would evoke. It signifies a complete loss of honor and respect.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Direct Address** is immediately evident as God speaks directly to Edom ("thee," "thou"), creating an intimate yet confrontational tone that emphasizes the personal nature of divine judgment. This is coupled with **Divine Pronouncement**, as the "I have made" clearly asserts God's absolute sovereignty and active role in shaping the destiny of nations. The phrase "greatly despised" utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, conveying an extreme degree of contempt that goes beyond mere dislike, suggesting utter scorn and universal disdain. This strong language serves to underscore the severity of Edom's punishment and the depth of their moral culpability. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between Edom's self-perception of strength and security (as will be detailed in [Obadiah 1:3](/obadiah/1-3 "Obadiah 1:3 - Edom's Presumptuous Pride")) and the reality of their divinely ordained humiliation and insignificance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Obadiah 1:2 powerfully articulates the biblical truth of divine sovereignty over all nations and the inevitable consequences of pride and hostility towards God's people. It underscores that no nation, however fortified or self-assured, can escape the righteous judgment of the Almighty. Edom's downfall serves as a stark reminder that God observes the actions of all peoples, and those who exalt themselves or act cruelly against the vulnerable, particularly those whom God has chosen, will ultimately face humiliation and destruction. This verse is a testament to God's justice and His unwavering commitment to upholding His covenant and defending His people.

* [Psalm 9:15-16](/psalms/9-15-16 "Psalm 9:15-16 - The Nations Trapped in Their Own Snares")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [Isaiah 2:11](/isaiah/2-11 "Isaiah 2:11 - Human Pride Humbled")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Obadiah 1:2 serves as a timeless mirror for both individuals and nations, inviting profound reflection on the nature of pride, the consequences of cruelty, and the immutable justice of God. For us today, this verse challenges any inclination towards self-exaltation or a false sense of security based on human strength, wealth, or position. It reminds us that true significance and lasting security come not from worldly power or the approval of others, but from humility before God and faithful adherence to His ways. When we witness injustice or feel overlooked, Obadiah 1:2 offers comfort, assuring us that God sees, God judges, and God will ultimately bring all things to account. It calls us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of pride, indifference, or animosity towards others, especially those who may be vulnerable or different from us, recognizing that God's standards of justice and compassion apply universally.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on my own strength or achievements rather than God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the judgment on Edom challenge my understanding of God's justice in the world today?**
* **Am I ever guilty of despising or looking down upon others, and what steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of humility and compassion?**

### FAQ
**Why was Edom "greatly despised" by God?**

Answer: Edom was "greatly despised" by God primarily due to their deep-seated pride and, more specifically, their egregious actions against their "brother" nation, Judah. Despite their shared ancestry through Jacob and Esau, Edom consistently harbored animosity towards Israel. Their sin culminated during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC, when they not only failed to assist the beleaguered Judeans but actively participated in the plundering of the city, cut off escape routes for refugees, and handed over survivors to the Babylonians ([Obadiah 1:11-14](/obadiah/1-11-14 "Obadiah 1:11-14 - Edom's Treachery and Violence")). This betrayal and cruelty, born out of a spirit of gloating and opportunistic malice, provoked God's righteous indignation, leading to the pronouncement that they would be made "small among the heathen" and "greatly despised."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Obadiah 1:2 pronounces judgment on Edom, its ultimate fulfillment and theological resonance point to the broader biblical narrative of God's justice and His redemptive plan centered in Christ. The "despised" status of Edom foreshadows the ultimate humiliation of all who reject God's authority and act in opposition to His people. Yet, in Christ, we see a profound reversal: the One who was truly "despised and rejected by mankind" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")), the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), became small and humble, taking on human flesh ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He willingly endured contempt and crucifixion, not for His own sin, but to bear the judgment due to humanity. His ultimate exaltation ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")) demonstrates that true power and glory belong to the humble, and that God's final judgment will be executed by Him who was once despised. Thus, Obadiah's prophecy of nations being made small and despised finds its ultimate spiritual significance in the triumph of the humble Christ over all forms of pride and rebellion, offering redemption to those who acknowledge their own smallness and trust in His great sacrifice.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 24:18

And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.

Isaiah 23:9

The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, [and] to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.

Micah 7:10

Then [she that is] mine enemy shall see [it], and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.

Ezekiel 29:15

It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations.

Luke 1:51

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

Luke 1:52

He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree.

Psalms 107:39

Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.