Obadiah 1–9

Obadiah

Your World Will Collapse

¹Obadiah’s Message to Edom

from God, the Master.

We got the news straight from God

by a special messenger sent out to the godless nations:

“On your feet, prepare for battle;

get ready to make war on Edom!

^2–4“Listen to this, Edom:

I’m turning you to a no-account,

the runt of the godless nations, despised.

You thought you were so great,

perched high among the rocks, king of the mountain,

Thinking to yourself,

‘Nobody can get to me! Nobody can touch me!’

Think again. Even if, like an eagle,

you hang out on a high cliff-face,

Even if you build your nest in the stars,

I’ll bring you down to earth.”

God’s sure Word.

^5–14“If thieves crept up on you,

they’d rob you blind—isn’t that so?

If they mugged you on the streets at night,

they’d pick you clean—isn’t that so?

Oh, they’ll take Esau apart, piece by piece,

empty his purse and pockets.

All your old partners will drive you to the edge.

Your old friends will lie to your face.

Your old drinking buddies will stab you in the back.

Your world will collapse. You won’t know what hit you.

So don’t be surprised”—it’s God’s sure Word!—

“when I wipe out all sages from Edom

and rid the Esau mountains of its famous wise men.

Your great heroes will desert you, Teman.

There’ll be nobody left in Esau’s mountains.