Obadiah 1:2

2 The Lord says to Edom, "I will make you weak; everyone will despise you.

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 the prophecy of Obadiah - what the Sovereign Lord said about the nation of Edom. The Lord has sent his messenger to the nations, and we have heard his message: "Get ready! Let us go to war against Edom!"

2 The Lord says to Edom, "I will make you weak; everyone will despise you.

3 Your pride has deceived you. Your capital is a fortress of solid rock; your home is high in the mountains, and so you say to yourself, "Who can ever pull me down?'

4 Even though you make your home as high as an eagle's nest, so that it seems to be among the stars, yet I will pull you down.

5 "When thieves come at night, they take only what they want. When people gather grapes, they always leave a few. But your enemies have wiped you out completely.