Obadiah 1:2

2 Look, I will make you insignificant among the nations; you will be deeply despised.^[a]

Obadiah 1:2 Meaning and Commentary

Obadiah 1:2

Behold, I have made thee small among the Heathen
Or "a little one", or "thing" ^F15; their number few, and their country not large, as Aben Ezra, especially in comparison of other nations; and therefore had no reason to be so proud, insolent, and secure, as they are afterwards said to be; or rather, "I will make thee"; the past for the future, after the prophetic manner, as Kimchi; that is weak and feeble, as the Targum; reduce their numbers, destroy their towns and cities, and bring them into a low and miserable condition: or the sense is, that he would make them look little, mean, and abject, in the sight of their enemies who would conclude, upon a view of them, that they should have no trouble in subduing them, and therefore should attack them without fear, and as sure of success: thou art greatly despised;
in the eyes of the nations round about; by their enemies, who looked upon them with contempt, because of the smallness of their number, their defenceless state and want of strength to support and defend themselves; see ( Jeremiah 49:15 ) ; had so the pope of Rome is little and despicable in the eyes of the monarchs of the earth; and the antichristian Edom will be more so at the time of its general ruin.

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FOOTNOTES:

F15 (Njq) "parvium", V. L.

Obadiah 1:2 In-Context

1 This is what the Lord God has said about Edom: We have heard a message from the Lord; an envoy has been sent among the nations: Rise up, and let us go to war against her.

2 Look, I will make you insignificant among the nations; you will be deeply despised.

3 Your presumptuous heart has deceived you, you who live in clefts of the rock in your home on the heights, who say to yourself: Who can bring me down to the ground?

4 Though you seem to soar like an eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down. [This is]* the Lord's declaration.

5 If thieves came to you, if marauders by night- how ravaged you will be!- wouldn't they steal only what they wanted? If grape pickers came to you, wouldn't they leave some grapes?

Footnotes

• [a] Jr 49:15