Understanding Obadiah 1:8

Obadiah 1:8 states:

“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?”

Summary of the Verse

This verse illustrates God’s judgment against Edom for its pride and violence against Israel. The wise men of Edom, who relied on their own understanding and might, would be brought low by divine justice.

Commentary Insights

Insights from several public domain commentaries provide depth to the understanding of this verse:

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes the certainty of God’s judgment and the fall of the prideful. He notes that Edom's wise men will not be able to find refuge in their wisdom or cunning when the time of judgment arrives.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes interprets this verse as a foreshadowing of the end of wisdom among Edomites. He comments that the “wise men” are not just the learned in knowledge but also those who believe they are secure in their strength and influence.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke provides insights into the implications of this judgment, arguing that it serves as a warning regarding the consequences of pride and wickedness. He notes, similar to the others, that the removal of understanding signifies total judgment—leaving Edom in desolation.

Related Bible Verse Cross-References

Obadiah 1:8 can be cross-referenced with several other scriptures to deepen our understanding of its themes:

• Proverbs 3:7: “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.”
• Jeremiah 49:7: “Concerning Edom, thus saith the Lord of hosts; Is wisdom no more in Teman? Is counsel perished from the prudent? Is their wisdom vanished?”
• Isaiah 29:14: “Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.”
• 1 Corinthians 1:19: “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
• Daniel 2:21: “And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.”
• Ezekiel 28:17: “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.”
• James 3:15: “This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.”

Thematic Connections

The theme of wise men being humbled by God’s decree is prevalent throughout Scripture. This verse serves as a reminder of the futility of human wisdom apart from God, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of God’s sovereignty over nations and individuals.

Conclusion

Obadiah 1:8 provides a potent reminder of the consequences of pride and the inevitable downfall of those who oppose God’s purpose. By cross-referencing this verse with others, we gain a fuller understanding of the profound truth that wisdom, when separated from divine guidance, ultimately leads to ruin.