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Obadiah 1:8
ESV Will I not on that day, declares the LORD, destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of Mount Esau?
NIV In that day,' declares the LORD, 'will I not destroy the wise men of Edom, those of understanding in the mountains of Esau?
NASB Will I not on that day,' declares the Lord, 'Eliminate wise men from Edom, And understanding from the mountain of Esau?
CSB In that day -- this is the Lord's declaration -- will I not eliminate the wise ones of Edom and those who understand from the hill country of Esau?
NLT At that time not a single wise person will be left in the whole land of Edom,' says the Lord. 'For on the mountains of Edom I will destroy everyone who has understanding.
KJV Shall I not in that day, saith the LORD, even destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau?

What does Obadiah 1:8 mean?

Esau was the brother of Jacob. Esau's descendants became Edom, while Jacob's descendants became Israel. The Edomites settled in the mountains of Seir. So, references to "Mount Esau," or "Mount Seir," point towards the Edomite nation. References to mountains are important here, since that was a major cause of Edom's arrogance. Edom's cities were in caves and on cliffs. This made them extremely easy to defend.

Since Edom was secure, full of resources, and along a major trade route, the Edomites became overconfident. Over time, they came to believe that they could not be defeated (Obadiah 1:3). They saw themselves as wise, since they were successful. As it turns out, Edom foolishly fell for a trap. The Nabateans, supposed allies from Arabia, sprang a surprise attack during a mutual feast, catching Edom off guard and driving them out of their homes. So much for the "wisdom" and "understanding" of Edom's leaders.

This fulfillment of prophecy happened not long after Obadiah wrote these words. Malachi 1:3–4 describes Edom as desolate and uninhabited.
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