Obadiah 1:7
All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; they that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none understanding in him.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Edom formed alliances with various powers—sometimes with Assyria, sometimes Babylon, later with other Arab tribes. These political calculations seemed wise but proved futile. When Babylon destroyed Jerusalem (586 BC), Edom apparently cooperated, believing this secured their position. Yet within generations, former allies turned against them. The Nabateans, who may have initially seemed peaceful trading partners, eventually displaced Edom entirely. No human alliance can protect against divine judgment. The principle applies today: trusting political, economic, or social alliances more than God leads to disappointment and destruction.
Questions for Reflection
- What false securities (political parties, economic systems, social networks) might you trust more than God?
- How does pride blind people to coming betrayal, danger, or judgment?
- In what ways does Christ's experience of betrayal by a close associate demonstrate His identification with human suffering while accomplishing redemption?
Analysis & Commentary
All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee—Edom's allies (אַנְשֵׁי בְרִיתֶךָ, anshei veritecha, "men of your covenant") will betray them. "Brought thee to the border" means either escorted you to expulsion or brought you to the brink of destruction. Those who seemed peaceful (שְׁלוֹמֶךָ, shelomecha, from שָׁלוֹם/shalom) will deceive (הִשִּׁיאוּךָ, hissi'ukha—the same root as "deceived" in verse 3 about pride) and overcome you.
They that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee (לַחְמֶךָ יָשִׂימוּ מָזוֹר תַּחְתֶּיךָ, lachmekha yasimu mazor tachteka)—those sharing table fellowship, bound by hospitality's sacred obligations, will set traps. "There is none understanding in him" (אֵין תְּבוּנָה בּוֹ, ein tevunah bo)—Edom lacks discernment to recognize betrayal. This teaches that pride blinds to danger, false alliances provide no security, and God orchestrates judgment through unexpected means. Psalm 41:9 and John 13:18 apply similar language to Judas's betrayal of Christ—showing that even the Messiah experienced what Edom would: betrayal by close associates. Yet Christ's betrayal accomplished salvation; Edom's brought judgment.