Obadiah 1:6

KJV

How are [the things] of Esau searched out! [how] are his hidden things sought up!

KJV (with Strong's)

How are the things of Esau {H6215} searched out {H2664}! how are his hidden {H4710} things sought up {H1158}!

Complete Jewish Bible

But see how 'Esav has been looted, their secret treasures searched out!

Berean Standard Bible

But how Esau will be pillaged, his hidden treasures sought out!

American Standard Version

How are the things of Esau searched! how are his hidden treasures sought out!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Obadiah 1:6 is a potent rhetorical exclamation within a prophecy against Edom, declaring the utter thoroughness of God's impending judgment. It vividly portrays the complete exposure and plundering of Edom's wealth, strategic assets, and deepest secrets, emphasizing that nothing will remain hidden or untouched. This verse underscores the inevitability and comprehensiveness of the divine retribution meted out against a nation whose pride and betrayal of Judah had reached its zenith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, a single chapter entirely dedicated to a prophetic oracle against the nation of Edom. Obadiah 1:6 falls within the initial declaration of judgment (Obadiah 1:1-9), which sets the stage for Edom's humiliation and downfall. The rhetorical question "How are [the things] of Esau searched out! [how] are his hidden things sought up!" serves to emphasize the shocking completeness and undeniable nature of the coming desolation. It immediately follows the divine decree of Edom's abasement and precedes the detailed indictment of their specific sins against Judah, highlighting that their perceived security and hidden treasures will be utterly exposed and taken as a direct consequence of their actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, the descendants of Esau, shared a complex and often hostile relationship with Israel, stemming from the ancient rivalry between the twin brothers Jacob and Esau. Geographically, Edom occupied the rugged, mountainous region of Seir, south of Judah, a terrain that offered natural defenses and led them to believe in their impregnability (cf. [Obadiah 1:3](/obadiah/1-3 "Obadiah 1:3 - Edom's Pride in Their Dwelling")). The specific historical catalyst for this prophecy is widely understood to be Edom's egregious behavior during the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Instead of offering aid to their "brother" nation, they either stood by indifferently, actively participated in the looting, or even cut off escape routes for the fleeing Judeans (as detailed in [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Cruelty During Jerusalem's Fall")). This profound act of betrayal, despite their familial ties, solidified their fate in divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Obadiah 1:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, where God's justice meticulously addresses Edom's pride and violence, particularly their mistreatment of Judah. The verse vividly illustrates the **Exposure and Humiliation** of the proud; what Edom considered safe, secret, and impregnable will be thoroughly revealed and plundered, stripping them of their perceived security and wealth. This also highlights the **Sovereignty of God**, demonstrating His ultimate control over nations and their destinies, even those who seem unassailable. Finally, the prophecy underscores the severe consequences of **Brotherly Betrayal**, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing the seriousness of violating covenantal or familial bonds, as seen in passages like [Obadiah 1:10](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10 - Violence Against Your Brother Jacob").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Esau (Hebrew, _ʻÊsâv'_):** This refers to the patriarch Esau, but here it specifically denotes his descendants, the nation of Edom. The mention of "Esau" rather than "Edom" subtly emphasizes the familial connection with Israel, highlighting the profound nature of their betrayal. The judgment is not merely against a foreign nation but against a "brother" who acted with hostility.
* **searched out (Hebrew, _châphas'_):** This verb signifies a diligent, thorough, and exhaustive search, often with the specific intent of finding something hidden or concealed. It implies an active, meticulous investigation that leaves no stone unturned, ensuring that nothing escapes discovery. The use of this word underscores the comprehensiveness of the plundering.
* **hidden things (Hebrew, _mitspun'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to hide" or "to treasure," this noun refers to secret places, concealed possessions, or valuable treasures that are deliberately put away for safekeeping. In the context of Edom, it would include their accumulated wealth, strategic resources, and perhaps even their most guarded secrets or plans. The word emphasizes the depth of the penetration by the invaders.
* **sought up (Hebrew, _bâʻâh'_):** This verb means to seek earnestly, to inquire, or to search out. When paired with "searched out," it intensifies the idea of a relentless and purposeful quest. It conveys the idea that the invaders will not merely stumble upon Edom's treasures but will actively and determinedly pursue every last hidden item, leaving nothing undiscovered.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How are [the things] of Esau searched out!":** This opening rhetorical question expresses astonishment and certainty regarding the complete exposure and discovery of Edom's possessions. The phrase "the things of Esau" encompasses all their wealth, resources, strategic strongholds, and anything they valued or considered secure. The passive voice "searched out" implies that an external force, divinely orchestrated, will meticulously uncover and seize everything belonging to them, rendering their perceived security utterly useless.
* **"[how] are his hidden things sought up!":** This second clause functions as a synonymous parallel, reinforcing and intensifying the first. "His hidden things" specifically refers to the most concealed, secret, or valuable possessions and treasures that Edom believed were safe from discovery. The verb "sought up" reiterates the diligent and exhaustive nature of the search, emphasizing that even the most carefully guarded secrets or deeply buried riches will be brought to light and taken. The repetition underscores the absolute and inescapable nature of Edom's despoilment.

#### Literary Devices
Obadiah 1:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of inescapable judgment. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "How are [the things] of Esau searched out! [how] are his hidden things sought up!" This is not a question seeking information, but rather an exclamation expressing astonishment and certainty. It implies that the thoroughness of Edom's plundering is so complete and undeniable that it elicits a sense of awe or shock. This device serves to underscore the inevitability and comprehensiveness of the destruction. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("how are his hidden things sought up!") reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first ("How are [the things] of Esau searched out!"). This repetition intensifies the message, emphasizing that absolutely nothing belonging to Edom, whether obvious or concealed, will escape discovery and confiscation. The language also borders on **Hyperbole**, as the idea of *everything* being "searched out" and "sought up" conveys an extreme and exhaustive plundering, leaving no stone unturned and no secret place unviolated, thereby stressing the totality of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Obadiah 1:6 powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's omniscience and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that no nation, no individual, and no secret deed can escape the divine gaze or the consequences of unrighteousness. Edom's hidden treasures and strategic strongholds, which they trusted in, were utterly exposed, demonstrating that human security and perceived invincibility are fragile before the sovereign God. This principle extends beyond material possessions to the very intentions of the heart and the hidden acts of sin. God's judgment is not superficial but penetrates to the deepest recesses, bringing all things into the light. This serves as a profound warning to those who act in pride or injustice, believing their actions or assets are concealed, while simultaneously offering comfort to the oppressed, knowing that God sees all and will ultimately bring about righteous recompense.

* [Jeremiah 23:24](/jeremiah/23-24 "Jeremiah 23:24 - God's Omnipresence and Omniscience")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Exposed to God")
* [Luke 12:2](/luke/12-2 "Luke 12:2 - Nothing Hidden That Will Not Be Revealed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Obadiah 1:6 serves as a stark reminder that nothing is truly hidden from the all-seeing eyes of God. While specifically detailing the judgment upon Edom's material wealth and strategic hiding places, the underlying principle applies universally: every action, every intention, and every secret we believe is safe from scrutiny is known to God. For those who harbor pride, commit injustice, or exploit others, this verse is a sobering warning that their deeds and their perceived security will ultimately be exposed and judged by a righteous God. For believers, it offers both a call to integrity and a profound source of comfort. It challenges us to live transparently, knowing that genuine spiritual health thrives in the light, not in hiddenness. Furthermore, it assures us that in a world often marked by injustice and unpunished wrongdoing, God sees every hidden tear, every silent suffering, and every secret act of oppression. His justice is not merely punitive but restorative, promising that all wrongs will eventually be made right, and all hidden truths will be brought to light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the thoroughness of God's judgment on Edom challenge my understanding of accountability, both personally and corporately, in my own life and in society?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to hide things from God or others, and how does this verse encourage me towards greater transparency and integrity?**
* **How can the truth that "nothing is hidden from God" bring me comfort in times of injustice or personal struggle, knowing that God sees and will ultimately act with perfect righteousness?**

### FAQ
**What was Edom's primary sin against Judah that led to such a severe prophecy?**

Answer: Edom's primary sin, as detailed throughout Obadiah, was their profound betrayal and violence against their "brother" nation, Judah, during a time of extreme vulnerability. When Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians around 586 BC, Edom did not come to Judah's aid; instead, they stood by, gloated over Judah's distress, participated in the looting, and even blocked escape routes for the fleeing Judeans, handing them over to the enemy. This act of "violence against your brother Jacob" (as stated in [Obadiah 1:10](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10 - Violence Against Your Brother Jacob")) was a grave violation of familial and ethical responsibility, demonstrating a profound lack of compassion and an opportunistic cruelty that incurred God's severe judgment. The prophecy in [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Cruelty to Judah") vividly describes their offenses.

**Does this verse imply God is actively searching for secrets to punish, or is it more about divine omniscience?**

Answer: Obadiah 1:6 primarily emphasizes God's **divine omniscience** and **sovereign control** over events, rather than a malicious "search" for secrets. The rhetorical question highlights the *inevitability* and *completeness* of Edom's exposure and plundering. It signifies that because God knows all things and orchestrates the course of history, He will ensure that Edom's hidden treasures and perceived security are brought to light as part of His righteous judgment. It's a declaration that no human attempt to conceal wealth, evade justice, or hide from divine reckoning will ultimately succeed. The verse underscores that God's judgment penetrates every hidden corner, revealing what humanity attempts to keep secret, thereby demonstrating His perfect justice and authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Obadiah 1:6 speaks of the specific judgment on Edom, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The thorough exposure of Edom's hidden things foreshadows the ultimate revelation of all things in Christ. Jesus Himself declared that "nothing is covered that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that will not be known" ([Luke 12:2](/luke/12-2 "Luke 12:2 - Nothing Hidden That Will Not Be Revealed")). He is the one who knows the hearts of all people, needing no one to testify about humanity, for "he himself knew what was in man" ([John 2:24-25](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew All People")). The judgment brought upon Edom for their pride and betrayal points forward to the final judgment where Christ, as the righteous judge, will bring "every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil" ([Ecclesiastes 12:14](/ecclesiastes/12-14 "Ecclesiastes 12:14 - God Will Bring Every Deed into Judgment"), echoed in [Romans 2:16](/romans/2-16 "Romans 2:16 - God Judges the Secrets of Men")). For those who reject Him, all their hidden works of darkness will be exposed, leading to condemnation. However, for those who believe, the "hidden things" of their sin are not exposed for condemnation but are covered by the atoning sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), leading to forgiveness and freedom in Christ, where there is "no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). In Christ, the true "hidden treasures" of wisdom and knowledge are revealed, offering eternal life and reconciliation with God ([Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2-3 "Colossians 2:2-3 - Christ, in Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")).

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

Jeremiah 49:10

But I have made Esau bare, I have uncovered his secret places, and he shall not be able to hide himself: his seed is spoiled, and his brethren, and his neighbours, and he [is] not.

Psalms 139:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known [me].

Daniel 2:22

He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what [is] in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

Jeremiah 50:37

A sword [is] upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that [are] in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword [is] upon her treasures; and they shall be robbed.

Isaiah 10:13

For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done [it], and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant [man]:

Isaiah 10:14

And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs [that are] left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.

Isaiah 45:3

And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call [thee] by thy name, [am] the God of Israel.