Commentary on Obadiah 1:2

Obadiah 1:2 reads: “Behold, I will make thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised.” This verse serves as a proclamation, carrying significant implications regarding the nation of Edom. Renowned biblical commentators such as Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke provide valuable insights that delve deep into the theological and historical connotations of this passage.

Historical Context

The Book of Obadiah is one of the Old Testament's shortest books, encapsulated within a single chapter. It prophecies against Edom, a nation that descended from Esau, Jacob’s brother. Throughout Israel’s history, Edom showed hostility towards Israel, particularly during times of calamity. This enmity between the two nations is critical for understanding the tone and intent of Obadiah's message.

Matthew Henry's Insights

Matthew Henry observes that this declaration of Edom's diminishment among the nations reflects God's sovereignty over nations and His judgments. Henry asserts:

• Divine Judgement: God, in His righteousness, can elevate or abase nations based on their conduct towards His people.
• Human Pride: Edom's arrogance and self-confidence are scrutinized. It had an inflated view of its own importance due to its geographical position and natural fortifications.
• Spiritual Pride: Within Edom's rise, there lay a profound spiritual depravity, illustrating a general principle: nations that turn their back on God and His people will ultimately face divine retribution.

Albert Barnes' Commentary

Albert Barnes provides a detailed exegesis, emphasizing the implications of Edom's downfall:

• Destruction of Pride: Barnes suggests that the phrase “I will make thee small” signifies that Edom will face humiliation; its stature will diminish in the eyes of both allies and enemies.
• Judgment upon Nations: The judgment upon Edom serves as a warning to all nations. God's justice prevails; those who oppress His chosen ones will ultimately find themselves judged and in ruin.
• Perspective of the Heathen: The term “heathen” indicates the international context of this prophecy, suggesting that Edom's disgrace will not only be a local or national event but will be recognized globally.

Adam Clarke’s Interpretation

Adam Clarke offers additional perspectives focusing on the nuances of the language and the broader implications:

• Emphasis on Despised State: Clarke elaborates on the term “despised,” indicating that Edom’s prior esteem among nations would completely shift to contempt.
• Corruption and Its Repercussions: He warns that often, a nation's corruption and indifference towards the suffering of others lead to a downfall that even they did not perceive until it was too late.
• The Role of Prophecy: Clarke emphasizes the prophetic nature of this declaration, meant to reinforce the idea that God’s word holds power over empires and destinies.

Theological Reflections

In light of these insights, several theological themes emerge from Obadiah 1:2:

• The Sovereignty of God: One of the core themes in this verse is the absolute sovereignty of God over nations. Both Edom’s pride and its consequent downfall serve as reminders that God is the ultimate judge.
• Justice and Retribution: The idea that God will not overlook the injustices done against His people foreshadows a broader biblical narrative regarding divine judgement, calling nations to accountability.
• Humility Before God: As a practical takeaway, this verse encourages humility among nations and individuals alike, reminding all that their status is subject to divine authority.
• Prophetic Authority: The authority of prophetic words emphasizes the need for awed respect of God's communication through His prophets, which carries weight within both historical and contemporary settings.

Conclusion

In summary, Obadiah 1:2 serves as a profound declaration of God's judgement on Edom. Through the expert commentary from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, we observe both the historical context and the deep theological implications of this verse. It serves as a reminder to all, particularly for pastors, students, and scholars, that God's mercy and justice work in tandem and that nations must exercise humility and justice to avoid falling into the traps of pride and neglect. The insights gained here encourage not only academic reflection but also spiritual introspection and earnest prayer for nations today.