Obadiah 1:4

4 "Though you 1build high like the eagle, Though you set your nest among the 2stars, From there I will bring you down," declares the LORD.

Obadiah 1:4 Meaning and Commentary

Obadiah 1:4

Though thou exaltest [thyself] as the eagle
That soars aloft, flies on high, even out of sight, higher than any other bird does: or, "exaltest thy habitation"; and makest it as high as the eagle's nest; see ( Jeremiah 49:16 ) ; and though thou set thy nest among the stars;
even higher than the eagle's; an hyperbolical expression, supposing that which never was or can be done; yet, if it was possible, would not secure from danger: or should their castles and fortresses be built upon the top of the highest mountains, which seem to reach the heavens, and be among the stars: thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord;
this is said in answer to the question put, or bold challenge made, in ( Obadiah 1:3 ) ; if men cannot do it, God will; and, if he employs instruments to effect it, it shall be done by them; all seeming difficulties are easily surmounted by an omnipotent Being; what are the heights of mountains, or the strength of fortresses, to him? thus the whore of Rome sits upon seven mountains, and mystical Babylon reigns over the kings of the earth; yet shall be thrown down and found no more, for the Lord is strong that judgeth her, ( Revelation 17:9 Revelation 17:18 ) ( Revelation 18:8 Revelation 18:21 ) .

Obadiah 1:4 In-Context

2 "Behold, I will make you small among the nations; You are greatly despised.
3 "The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, You who live in the clefts of the rock, In the loftiness of your dwelling place, Who say in your heart, 'Who will bring me down to earth?'
4 "Though you build high like the eagle, Though you set your nest among the stars, From there I will bring you down," declares the LORD .
5 "If thieves came to you, If robbers by night - O how you will be ruined!- Would they not steal only until they had enough? If grape gatherers came to you, Would they not leave some gleanings?
6 "O how Esau will be ransacked, And his hidden treasures searched out!

Cross References 2

  • 1. Job 20:6, 7; Habakkuk 2:9
  • 2. Isaiah 14:12-15
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