Obadiah 1:6

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

The verse Obadiah 1:6 in the King James Version is part of a prophecy detailing the impending judgment upon the nation of Edom, the descendants of Esau. It highlights the thoroughness of this divine judgment, emphasizing that nothing belonging to Edom will remain hidden or undiscovered.

Context

The Book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, a single chapter focusing entirely on the prophecy against Edom. Edom was located south of Judah and shared a complex, often hostile, relationship with Israel, stemming from the rivalry between their ancestors, Jacob and Esau. The immediate context for this strong condemnation is Edom's actions during the fall of Jerusalem, likely around 586 BC, when they stood by, or even actively participated in, the plundering of the city (Obadiah 1:11-14). This verse speaks to the complete exposure and loss of Edom's wealth and resources as a result of their betrayal and pride.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse underscores the certainty and thoroughness of God's judgment upon Edom for their sin, particularly their pride and mistreatment of their "brother" nation, Judah.
  • Exposure of the Hidden: It emphasizes that God's judgment reaches into every corner, revealing and taking away even the most guarded possessions or secrets. What Edom thought was safe is now "searched out."
  • Inevitability: The rhetorical question "How are... searched out!" implies that this outcome is not only happening but is strikingly complete and undeniable.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used here convey a strong sense of thoroughness. "Searched out" comes from the root chapes (ื—ืคืฉื‚), which means to search diligently, examine, or explore, often with the intent to find something hidden. "Sought up" (ื‘ึผืงืฉื - baqash) also means to seek or search for, often with earnestness or purpose. "Hidden things" (ืžืกืชึผืจื™ื - mistarim) refers to hiding places or secret things/treasures. Together, these terms paint a vivid picture of a complete and unavoidable ransacking, leaving nothing concealed.

Reflection

Obadiah 1:6 serves as a powerful reminder that nothing is truly hidden from God. While specifically addressed to Edom's material wealth and strategic hiding places, the principle applies more broadly to all aspects of life. God sees all actions, intentions, and even the secrets we believe are safe (Jeremiah 23:24, Hebrews 4:13). For those who oppose God or mistreat others, this means their deeds and their security will ultimately be exposed and judged. For believers, it offers comfort that God knows their struggles and hidden pain, and that justice will ultimately prevail. The verse highlights the sovereign power of God to bring hidden things to light and execute righteous judgment.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Jeremiah 49:10 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Daniel 2:22 (2 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 50:37 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.