Obadiah

vs 1

When we read this, we have to remember that although Obadiah was prophecying about Edom, most likely he was doing it to Israel. He may have gone down to Edom, or this message may have made it to them, but I think the primary audience of this written prophecy is Israel.

So the nations have been told to rise up in battle against poor Edom.

vs 2

Ouch. What is the reason behind this? Do they get given a reason? We'll find out, I guess. But imagine having all the surrounding nations hate you. Bit like Israel now.

vs 3

Sounds like Edom is placed in a pretty good strategic defensible area. But God's message is that high rock mountains and defensible areas are no match for him.

vs 4

Ouch. And when God brings you down, that's big time down. Israel learned that via exile.

vs 5

God is saying that having God against you is worse than having thieves or robbers or grape pickers, because even they will leave something behind. God is going to strip them bare.

vs 6

Ouch, even the hidden treasures taken. It's funny, but I guess back in those days one of the best ways to keep treasure was to just hide it.

vs 7

Even your friends will be against you. What an awful thought, to think that the people you rely on will not only ditch you, but actively work against you. And to be told beforehand of such a betrayal would make you feel terrible.

vs 8

And that's it for Edom. Even wise people, those wise people you hear about in Proverbs for whom things will be okay because of their wisdom - they're all gone.

vs 9

I don't know who Teman is. Oh, he's Esau's grandson. And this is really powerful and awful language. "Everyone will die. Slaughter, death, fear." Harsh!

vs 10

Now we get the reason. Edom has been violent against God's people, so now it is going down.
They are brothers, Jacob and Esau. But when Jacob was being robbed and harassed by the nations, Esau did nothing but watch, and possibly join in. Now they are going to get the same - the nations will plot and join against Edom, and it will fall. Not always good to be on the winning team.