Obadiah 1:8

Shall I not in that day, saith the LORD, even destroy the wise [men] out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau?

Shall I not in that day {H3117}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, even destroy {H6} the wise {H2450} men out of Edom {H123}, and understanding {H8394} out of the mount {H2022} of Esau {H6215}?

"When that Day comes," says ADONAI, "won't I destroy all the wise men of Edom and leave no discernment on Mount 'Esav?

In that day, declares the LORD, will I not destroy the wise men of Edom and the men of understanding in the mountains of Esau?

Shall I not in that day, saith Jehovah, destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau?

Commentary

Obadiah 1:8 delivers a powerful declaration of divine judgment against the nation of Edom. The Lord Himself promises to strip Edom of its most prized asset: wisdom and understanding, revealing the futility of human intellect when it stands against God's sovereign will.

Context

The book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, a prophetic oracle almost entirely dedicated to pronouncing judgment on Edom. Edom, located southeast of Judah, was descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Despite this familial connection, Edom harbored a deep-seated animosity towards Israel, frequently opposing them throughout history. The specific offense leading to this prophecy was Edom's malicious actions during Judah's time of distress, particularly when Babylon besieged Jerusalem. Instead of offering aid, Edom gloated over Judah's downfall and even participated in plundering the city and capturing fleeing Israelites (Obadiah 1:11-14). Edom was renowned for its strategic location, mountainous fortresses, and, as this verse indicates, its perceived wisdom and counsel, particularly from cities like Teman (Jeremiah 49:7).

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The phrase "saith the LORD" underscores that this is not merely a human prediction but a decree from God Himself. It highlights God's absolute control over nations and His commitment to justice, even against those who seem secure in their own intelligence or strength.
  • The Folly of Earthly Wisdom Apart from God: Edom's wisdom was a source of national pride and security. However, God declares that He will "destroy" it, rendering it useless. This serves as a stark reminder that human wisdom, no matter how profound, is ultimately impotent when it conflicts with God's purposes or when it is used for evil.
  • Consequences of Pride and Cruelty: This judgment is a direct response to Edom's extreme pride and its cruel actions against its brother nation. God promises that the very attributes Edom relied on will be removed, leading to their downfall.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wise men" is chakamim (ื—ึฒื›ึธืžึดื™ื), referring to those who possess practical skill, discernment, and prudence. "Understanding" comes from the Hebrew tebunah (ืชึผึฐื‘ื•ึผื ึธื”), which denotes insight, intelligence, and skillful planning. The verse powerfully states that God will not just diminish but "destroy" (Hebrew: ืึดื‘ึผึทื“, 'ibbad) this wisdom and understanding. This signifies a complete and decisive removal, rendering Edom's counsel and strategic capabilities utterly ineffective, a hallmark of the Day of the Lord for those who oppose Him.

Practical Application

Obadiah 1:8 serves as a timeless warning against relying solely on human intellect, strategy, or power. It teaches us several valuable lessons:

  • Humility Before God: Our greatest wisdom comes from fearing the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). When we trust in our own understanding above God's will, we set ourselves up for failure.
  • God's Justice Prevails: This verse reassures us that God sees and will address injustices and pride. No nation or individual can escape divine accountability.
  • Purpose of Wisdom: True wisdom is meant to guide us in righteousness and to honor God, not to foster pride or enable cruelty. When wisdom is misused, God can render it useless.

Ultimately, this verse calls believers to place their trust not in earthly wisdom or strength, but in the sovereign power and unerring justice of the Lord.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 29:14 (7 votes)

    Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, [even] a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise [men] shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent [men] shall be hid.

  • Job 5:12 (4 votes)

    He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform [their] enterprise.

  • Job 5:14 (4 votes)

    They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night.

  • Psalms 33:10 (3 votes)

    The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

  • Isaiah 19:13 (2 votes)

    The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, [even they that are] the stay of the tribes thereof.

  • Isaiah 19:14 (2 votes)

    The LORD hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, as a drunken [man] staggereth in his vomit.

  • Isaiah 19:3 (2 votes)

    And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards.