Obadiah 1:9

Authorized King James Version

And thy mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְחַתּ֥וּ
shall be dismayed
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
#2
גִבּוֹרֶ֖יךָ
And thy mighty
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#3
תֵּימָ֑ן
men O Teman
teman, the name of two edomites, and of the region and descendant of one of them
#4
לְמַ֧עַן
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#5
יִכָּֽרֶת
may be cut off
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#6
אִ֛ישׁ
to the end that every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#7
מֵהַ֥ר
of the mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#8
עֵשָׂ֖ו
of Esau
esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity
#9
מִקָּֽטֶל׃
by slaughter
a violent death

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection