Obadiah 1:4

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
תַּגְבִּ֣יהַּ
Though thou exalt
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
#3
כַּנֶּ֔שֶׁר
thyself as the eagle
the eagle (or other large bird of prey)
#4
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#5
בֵּ֥ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#6
כּֽוֹכָבִ֖ים
among the stars
a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince
#7
שִׂ֣ים
and though thou set
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#8
קִנֶּ֑ךָ
thy nest
a nest (as fixed), sometimes including the nestlings; figuratively, a chamber or dwelling
#9
מִשָּׁ֥ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#10
אוֹרִֽידְךָ֖
thence will I bring thee down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#11
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#12
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Obadiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection