Obadiah 1:2
Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised.
Original Language Analysis
קָטֹ֛ן
thee small
H6996
קָטֹ֛ן
thee small
Strong's:
H6996
Word #:
2 of 7
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
נְתַתִּ֖יךָ
Behold I have made
H5414
נְתַתִּ֖יךָ
Behold I have made
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Isaiah 23:9The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.Numbers 24:18And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.Micah 7:10Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.
Historical Context
Edom's mountainous terrain provided natural fortifications—cities like Petra carved into cliff faces seemed impregnable. Yet geography couldn't protect against God's judgment. The Nabatean displacement of Edom, followed by Roman conquest, fulfilled this prophecy exactly. Archaeological evidence confirms Edom's decline and disappearance. This demonstrates that human pride and security apart from God are illusions.
Questions for Reflection
- What forms of security (wealth, status, education, nationality) do people trust that can vanish instantly?
- How does recognizing God's sovereignty over nations' rise and fall shape political engagement?
Analysis & Commentary
God declares Edom's future: "Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised." The phrase "I have made" uses prophetic perfect—future judgment spoken as completed because it's certain. God will reduce Edom from their proud mountain fortresses to insignificance. "Greatly despised" (bazuy me'od) indicates contempt and humiliation. This teaches divine sovereignty—nations rise and fall at God's command. Edom's pride and presumed security will vanish. The same God who exalts humble people humbles the proud (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5-6). Jesus taught that the first will be last, the last first (Matthew 19:30, 23:12). Edom exemplifies the biblical pattern: pride precedes destruction (Proverbs 16:18).