Chapter
1
Verse
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Obadiah 1:1

ESV The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord GOD concerning Edom: We have heard a report from the LORD, and a messenger has been sent among the nations: “Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!”
NIV The vision of Obadiah. This is what the Sovereign LORD says about Edom-- We have heard a message from the LORD: An envoy was sent to the nations to say, 'Rise, let us go against her for battle'--
NASB The vision of Obadiah. This is what the Lord God says concerning Edom— We have heard a report from the Lord, And a messenger has been sent among the nations saying, 'Arise, and let’s go up against her for battle'—
CSB The vision of Obadiah. This is what the Lord God has said about Edom: We have heard a message from the Lord; an envoy has been sent among the nations: "Rise up, and let's go to war against her."
NLT This is the vision that the Sovereign Lord revealed to Obadiah concerning the land of Edom. We have heard a message from the Lord that an ambassador was sent to the nations to say, 'Get ready, everyone! Let’s assemble our armies and attack Edom!'
KJV The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle.

What does Obadiah 1:1 mean?

The reference to a "vision" is common in books of prophecy. Isaiah, Micah, and Nahum all begin with a declaration of a direct communication from God. The name "Obadiah" means "a worshipper of Yahweh." While this name is used for several Old Testament characters, there is no good reason to think the author of this prophecy is mentioned anywhere else in the Bible.

Part of what makes Obadiah interesting is that this vision is not addressed to the people of Israel. Instead, the message is for the people of Edom. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob. Jacob was re-named Israel, and was the father of the Jewish people. Despite being "brother" nations, Edom was a constant enemy of Israel, and the Old Testament refers to judgment on Edom more than on any other people.

The message to Edom comes directly from God: foreign nations are coming against you. According to history, this is exactly what happened. Shortly after this prophecy was delivered, Edom was conquered by foreign invaders. Survivors were persecuted by factions within Israel. Centuries later, the last remnants of Edomite culture were completely obliterated by Rome.
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