Obadiah 1:8

"“Won’t I in that day”, says the LORD, “destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mountain of Esau?"

Key Reflection

Obadiah 1:8 is a powerful declaration from God, stating, "‘Won’t I in that day’, says the LORD, ‘destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mountain of Esau?’" This verse reflects a divine judgment on the nation of Edom for their role in the suffering of Jacob (Israel). The term "Edom" and "Esau" are often used interchangeably with Edom being seen as a symbol of Israel's enemies. Here, God promises to remove the wisdom and understanding that Edom had gained, emphasizing His sovereignty over all nations and his willingness to judge those who have wronged His people. This judgment is part of a broader theme in Obadiah where God asserts His control over historical events and retribution against those who harm His chosen people.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Shall I not in that day even destroy the wise out of Edom? -It was then no common, no recoverable, loss of wisdom, for God, the Author of wisdom, had destroyed it. The pagan had a proverb, “whom God willeth to destroy, he first dements.” So Isaiah foretells of JudahIsaiah 29:14, “The wisdom of their wise shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent shall be hid.” Edom was celebrated of old for its wisdom. Eliphaz, the chief of Job’s friends, the representative of human wisdom, was a TemaniteJob 4:1. A vestige of the name of the Shuhites, from where came another of his friends, probably still lingers among the mountains of Edom.

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