Obadiah 1:2

Obadiah 1:2 delivers a swift and direct prophetic declaration from God against the nation of Edom. This verse immediately sets the tone for the entire book, which is the shortest in the Old Testament, focusing entirely on divine judgment.

Context

The book of Obadiah is a prophetic oracle primarily directed at Edom, a neighboring nation to Israel. Edomites were descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob (Israel), making their animosity towards Israel a tragic family feud that spanned centuries. This verse, "Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised," is a pronouncement of Edom's destined humiliation. It follows the opening verse which establishes the vision from the Lord concerning Edom. While not explicitly stated in verse 2, the core reason for this severe judgment, elaborated in later verses, is Edom's proud indifference and active participation in the plundering of Jerusalem during its destruction by foreign invaders, likely the Babylonians around 586 BC. This betrayal of their "brother" nation sealed their fate in God's eyes.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The phrase "I have made thee small" powerfully asserts God's ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations. Edom's diminished status isn't a result of mere chance or political maneuvering, but a direct decree from the Almighty. This highlights God's active involvement in human history and His justice against those who act with cruelty and pride. For more on God's sovereignty over kingdoms, see Daniel 4:17.
• Humiliation of Pride: Edom was known for its dwelling in the seemingly impregnable rock fortresses of Sela (later Petra), leading to immense pride and a sense of security. This verse directly counters that arrogance, declaring that despite their perceived strength, God would reduce them to insignificance. Their pride is further addressed in Obadiah 1:3.
• Consequences of Hostility and Indifference: While this verse doesn't detail Edom's specific sins, it lays the groundwork for the judgment resulting from their long-standing animosity towards Israel and their particular cruelty during Jerusalem's distress. Their state of being "greatly despised" reflects the divine response to their actions.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "small" (dal - דַּל) implies not just a numerical reduction but also a state of weakness, insignificance, and lowliness. It contrasts sharply with Edom's self-perception of strength and security.
• "Heathen" (goyim - גּוֹיִם) refers to the nations or Gentiles. By stating God made Edom "small among the heathen," it emphasizes their lack of standing even among other pagan nations, underscoring their utter contemptibility.
• The phrase "greatly despised" (bazuy me'od - בָּזוּי מְאֹד) uses an intensive form, meaning "utterly scorned" or "highly contemptible." This isn't just a slight disrespect but a profound and widespread disdain, indicating the depth of their future humiliation and the divine judgment on their character.

Practical Application

Obadiah 1:2 serves as a timeless reminder of several spiritual truths:

1. God sees and judges: No nation or individual can escape God's scrutiny. Actions, particularly those driven by pride, cruelty, or indifference towards others (especially God's people), have consequences.
2. Pride precedes a fall: Edom's downfall is a classic example of the biblical principle that pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. True strength and security come from humility and reliance on God, not self-exaltation.
3. Justice for the oppressed: The judgment on Edom assures us that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring justice for those who are wronged or oppressed.