Obadiah 1:2

2 "Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen; thou art greatly despised.

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 The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom: We have heard a word from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen: "Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle":

2 "Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen; thou art greatly despised.

3 The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high, that saith in his heart, `Who shall bring me down to the ground?'

4 Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, from thence will I bring thee down," saith the LORD.

5 "If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night (how thou art cut off!), would they not have stolen till they had enough? If the grape-gatherers came to thee, would they not leave some grapes?