Obadiah 1:7

KJV

All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee [even] to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, [and] prevailed against thee; [they that eat] thy bread have laid a wound under thee: [there is] none understanding in him.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the men {H582} of thy confederacy {H1285} have brought {H7971} thee even to the border {H1366}: the men {H582} that were at peace {H7965} with thee have deceived {H5377} thee, and prevailed {H3201} against thee; they that eat thy bread {H3899} have laid {H7760} a wound {H4204} under thee: there is none understanding {H8394} in him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your allies went with you only to the border, those at peace with you deceived and defeated you, those who ate your food set a trap for you, and you couldn't discern it.

Berean Standard Bible

All the men allied with you will drive you to the border; the men at peace with you will deceive and overpower you. Those who eat your bread will set a trap for you without your awareness of it.

American Standard Version

All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee on thy way, even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; they that eat thy bread lay a snare under thee: there is no understanding in him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Obadiah 1:7 powerfully reveals the devastating consequences of Edom's misplaced trust, depicting a complete and treacherous betrayal by their closest allies. This verse underscores the profound irony of their situation: those with whom they had confederacies and shared peace not only deceived and overpowered them but also inflicted a deep, hidden wound, ultimately exposing Edom's fatal lack of understanding and discernment in their strategic choices.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Obadiah 1:7 is a pivotal verse within the shortest book of the Old Testament, which serves as a prophetic oracle primarily against the nation of Edom. It immediately follows a vivid description of Edom's pride and the certainty of their impending judgment and humiliation (Obadiah 1:1-6). This verse shifts the focus from external divine judgment to the internal dynamics of Edom's alliances, revealing how their supposed friends would actively contribute to their downfall. It sets the stage for the subsequent indictment of Edom's complicity in the destruction of Jerusalem (Obadiah 1:10-14), highlighting that their betrayal of Jacob was mirrored by the betrayal they themselves would experience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, the descendants of Esau, occupied a mountainous and strategically important region south of the Dead Sea, characterized by its formidable natural defenses. Their long-standing animosity with Israel (descendants of Jacob) is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. In the ancient Near East, alliances ("confederacy") were crucial for national security, often sealed by treaties and covenants. The act of "eating bread" together was a sacred symbol of hospitality, trust, and covenantal bond, making betrayal by such individuals a profound violation of cultural and moral norms. This verse likely refers to Edom's alliances with powerful nations, possibly including Babylon, whom they may have relied upon during regional conflicts, only to find themselves exploited and abandoned when their own security was most threatened.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Obadiah and the broader prophetic literature. The most prominent theme is **Betrayal by Allies**, highlighting the fragility of human alliances when not founded on divine principles. It underscores the **Consequences of Pride and Misplaced Trust**, as Edom's arrogance (as seen in [Obadiah 1:3](/obadiah/1-3 "Obadiah 1:3 - Edom's Pride")) blinded them to the true intentions of their confederates, leading them to rely on unreliable human strength rather than God. Furthermore, the phrase "there is none understanding in him" emphasizes Edom's **Lack of Wisdom and Discernment**, a critical flaw that sealed their fate and contrasts sharply with the wisdom God offers (as described in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge")). The verse also implicitly speaks to **Divine Justice**, demonstrating how God uses even the treachery of nations to execute His righteous judgment against those who oppose His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Confederacy (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285, meaning "a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league." This word emphasizes that Edom's downfall came not from random enemies, but from those with whom they had formal, binding agreements and alliances. The very nature of a "covenant" implies mutual loyalty and protection, making the betrayal described in the verse a profound violation of sacred trust.
* **Deceived (Hebrew, _nâshâʼ'_):** From H5377, meaning "to lead astray, i.e. (mentally) to delude, or (morally) to seduce; beguile, deceive, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] utterly." This highlights the cunning and intentional nature of the allies' actions. They didn't just abandon Edom; they actively misled them, perhaps with false promises or strategic misdirection, to their own detriment. This deception was not merely passive but an active beguilement that led Edom into a vulnerable position.
* **Wound (Hebrew, _mâzôwr'_):** From H4204, meaning "from זוּר in the sense of turning aside from truth; treachery, i.e. a plot; wound." This is a particularly striking and debated term. While "wound" can imply physical injury, in this context, especially with "laid... under thee," it strongly suggests a hidden trap, a snare, or a treacherous plot designed to undermine Edom's foundation or stability. It speaks to a deep, insidious betrayal that was not immediately apparent, but was strategically placed to cause maximum harm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee [even] to the border":** This clause signifies that Edom's trusted allies, those bound by formal agreements, led them to their most vulnerable point – their national boundary. This could imply abandonment at the frontier, exposing them to enemies, or even actively pushing them out of their own territory, effectively stripping them of their defenses and sovereignty.
* **"the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, [and] prevailed against thee":** This expands on the previous point, specifying that those with whom Edom had amicable relations or peace treaties actively engaged in treachery. They not only misled Edom but also gained the upper hand, demonstrating their superior power and cunning, turning former friendships into instruments of conquest.
* **"[they that eat] thy bread have laid a wound under thee":** This is a powerful idiom signifying the deepest form of betrayal. Sharing bread was a sacred act of hospitality and a symbol of covenant and trust in ancient Near Eastern culture. For those who shared Edom's table to then "lay a wound under" them means they secretly undermined Edom, setting a hidden trap or inflicting a treacherous blow from a position of intimate trust.
* **"[there is] none understanding in him":** This concluding phrase delivers the ultimate indictment against Edom. It points to their profound lack of wisdom, discernment, and spiritual insight. Their pride and reliance on human strength blinded them to the true character and intentions of their allies, preventing them from recognizing the path to their own destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Obadiah 1:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of betrayal and judgment. **Irony** is central, as those who should have been Edom's protectors and allies become their destroyers. The "men of thy confederacy" and "men that were at peace with thee" are precisely the ones who "deceived" and "prevailed against" them. The phrase "they that eat thy bread" is a strong **idiom** representing deep trust and hospitality, making the subsequent "laid a wound under thee" a stark and shocking image of profound **treachery**. This latter phrase itself functions as a **metaphor** for a hidden trap or insidious plot, rather than a literal physical wound. The repetition of "men" (Hebrew: `ʼĕnôwsh`) emphasizes the human agents of this betrayal, while the concluding "none understanding in him" serves as a concise **diagnosis** of Edom's fatal flaw, highlighting their spiritual and strategic blindness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Obadiah 1:7 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine justice and the consequences of human pride and misplaced trust. It illustrates that God's judgment can come not only through external enemies but also through the very alliances a nation relies upon. Edom's reliance on human power and their lack of spiritual discernment led them to make alliances that ultimately became instruments of their downfall. This verse underscores the biblical principle that true security and wisdom are found in trusting God, not in the shifting sands of human politics or the deceptive promises of fair-weather friends. It highlights the sanctity of covenant and hospitality in God's eyes, and how the violation of such sacred bonds incurs severe consequences, demonstrating that God holds nations accountable for their actions and their treatment of others.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Friend"): "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me."
* [Jeremiah 49:7](/jeremiah/49-7 "Jeremiah 49:7 - Wisdom of Edom"): "Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts; Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?"
* [Proverbs 28:26](/proverbs/28-26 "Proverbs 28:26 - Trusting in One's Own Heart"): "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Obadiah 1:7 offers timeless lessons for believers today, urging us to cultivate discernment and to place our ultimate trust not in human alliances or worldly systems, but in the unwavering faithfulness of God. Edom's tragic downfall serves as a stark reminder that even those who appear to be "at peace" with us, or with whom we share a common "bread" of fellowship, can harbor deceptive intentions. This verse challenges us to critically evaluate our relationships and dependencies, asking whether our security is rooted in the fleeting promises of people or in the eternal covenant of God. It calls for humility, recognizing that pride often blinds us to truth and makes us vulnerable to manipulation. Ultimately, our understanding and wisdom must come from God, enabling us to navigate a world where betrayal is a real possibility, and to find true refuge in His unfailing love and sovereignty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be placing too much trust in human alliances or worldly systems, rather than God's sovereignty?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize potential deception in relationships or circumstances?**
* **What role does pride play in clouding my judgment and preventing me from seeing truth, both about myself and others?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "they that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee"?**
Answer: This phrase is a powerful idiom rooted in ancient Near Eastern culture, where sharing bread symbolized deep trust, hospitality, and a covenantal bond. For someone who "eats your bread" (i.e., shares your table, receives your hospitality, or is a trusted ally) to then "lay a wound under you" signifies the most profound and insidious form of betrayal. It implies a hidden, treacherous act designed to undermine or destroy from a position of intimate access and trust. It's a betrayal from within, a violation of sacred hospitality, much like the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, who also shared a meal with Him before his act of treachery (as seen in [John 13:18](/john/13-18 "John 13:18 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")).

**What does "none understanding in him" mean for Edom?**
Answer: This concluding statement highlights Edom's fatal flaw: a profound lack of spiritual and practical wisdom, discernment, and insight. It suggests that their pride (as noted earlier in [Obadiah 1:3](/obadiah/1-3 "Obadiah 1:3 - Edom's Pride")) had blinded them, preventing them from accurately assessing the true character and intentions of their allies. They were foolish in their strategic choices, unable to perceive the impending treachery or the ultimate consequences of their actions and their reliance on human power. This spiritual blindness sealed their doom, demonstrating that a lack of divine understanding leads to destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Obadiah 1:7, with its stark portrayal of betrayal by those who "eat thy bread," finds a profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Edom suffered betrayal due to its own foolishness and pride, Jesus, the embodiment of perfect wisdom and humility, willingly endured the deepest betrayal imaginable. He, the true bread of life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), was betrayed by one of His own disciples, Judas, who ate at His table and shared His fellowship ([John 13:18](/john/13-18 "John 13:18 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")). The "wound" laid under Edom by its treacherous allies pales in comparison to the spiritual wounds inflicted upon Christ for the sins of humanity ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")). Unlike Edom, whose lack of understanding led to their destruction, Christ's perfect understanding and obedience to the Father's will led to salvation and victory over sin and death. In Christ, believers find true security and an unbreakable covenant, for He is the faithful friend who will never deceive or abandon us ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You")). Our ultimate trust is not in fleeting human alliances, but in the Lamb of God, who, though betrayed, triumphed, offering us eternal peace and an understanding that transcends all earthly wisdom ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")).

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

Psalms 41:9

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel against me.

Jeremiah 30:14

All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the multitude of thine iniquity; [because] thy sins were increased.

Jeremiah 49:7

¶ Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts; [Is] wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?

John 13:18

¶ I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

Ezekiel 23:22

¶ Therefore, O Aholibah, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will raise up thy lovers against thee, from whom thy mind is alienated, and I will bring them against thee on every side;

Ezekiel 23:25

And I will set my jealousy against thee, and they shall deal furiously with thee: they shall take away thy nose and thine ears; and thy remnant shall fall by the sword: they shall take thy sons and thy daughters; and thy residue shall be devoured by the fire.

Hosea 13:13

The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he [is] an unwise son; for he should not stay long in [the place of] the breaking forth of children.