Obadiah 1:7

All the men allied with you will drive you to the border; the men at peace with you will deceive and overpower you. Those who eat your bread will set a trap for you without your awareness of it.

Study Bible

All the men allied with you
This phrase refers to the alliances that Edom had formed with neighboring nations. The Hebrew word for "allied" is "בְּרִית" (berith), which means covenant or treaty. Historically, Edom was known to have alliances with surrounding nations, including those who were once considered friends. This highlights the futility of relying on human alliances instead of trusting in God. The alliances that Edom trusted for security would ultimately betray them, illustrating the transient nature of human agreements compared to the eternal covenant with God.

will drive you to the border
The phrase "drive you to the border" suggests a forceful expulsion or exile. The Hebrew root "נָדַח" (nadach) implies being thrust out or banished. This reflects the historical reality of Edom's eventual downfall and displacement. The imagery of being driven to the border signifies a complete loss of security and territory, a powerful reminder of the consequences of pride and betrayal against God's people.

those at peace with you
This phrase refers to those who were considered friends or allies of Edom. The Hebrew word "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom) means peace, completeness, or welfare. It is ironic that those who were supposed to bring peace would instead bring deception. This serves as a cautionary tale about misplaced trust and the deceptive nature of sin, which often masquerades as peace but leads to destruction.

will deceive and overpower you
The words "deceive" and "overpower" indicate betrayal and conquest. The Hebrew word for deceive is "נָשָׁא" (nasha), meaning to lead astray or beguile. Historically, Edom was deceived by its allies, leading to its downfall. This reflects the biblical theme that reliance on human strength and wisdom, apart from God, leads to ruin. The overpowering of Edom serves as a warning against the pride that blinds one to the truth.

Those who eat your bread
This phrase signifies those who shared in Edom's prosperity and hospitality. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing bread was a sign of friendship and covenant. The betrayal by those who "eat your bread" underscores the depth of treachery Edom would face. It is a poignant reminder of the vulnerability that comes from misplaced trust and the ultimate security found only in God.

will set a trap for you
The imagery of setting a trap indicates a premeditated plan to ensnare and destroy. The Hebrew word "מָזוֹר" (mazor) means a snare or trap. This reflects the cunning and deceit of Edom's supposed allies. The setting of a trap is a metaphor for the unexpected and sudden nature of Edom's downfall, serving as a warning against the deceptive allure of sin and the importance of vigilance in spiritual matters.

while you are unaware of it
This phrase highlights Edom's ignorance and false sense of security. The Hebrew root "יָדַע" (yada) means to know or perceive. Edom's unawareness of the impending betrayal underscores the danger of pride and complacency. It serves as a sobering reminder of the need for spiritual discernment and the importance of seeking God's wisdom to avoid the snares of the enemy.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Edom
A nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, often at odds with Israel. Obadiah's prophecy is directed against Edom for its pride and betrayal.

2. Allies of Edom
Nations or groups that were in alliance with Edom, who ultimately betray them.

3. Borders of Edom
The geographical boundaries of Edom, symbolizing the limits of their power and influence.

4. Deception and Betrayal
The act of Edom's allies turning against them, highlighting themes of trust and treachery.

5. Obadiah
The prophet who delivers God's message of judgment against Edom.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Pride
Edom's downfall is a direct result of their pride and self-reliance. We must guard against pride and remember that our strength comes from God.

The Danger of False Alliances
Trusting in worldly alliances rather than God can lead to betrayal and ruin. We should seek God's guidance in our relationships and partnerships.

The Reality of Betrayal
Even those closest to us can betray us, as seen in Edom's experience. We must place our ultimate trust in God, who is faithful and true.

God's Justice
God's judgment on Edom reminds us that He is just and will hold nations and individuals accountable for their actions.

The Importance of Discernment
Edom failed to detect the trap set by their allies. We need spiritual discernment to recognize deceit and avoid falling into similar traps.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the betrayal of Edom's allies reflect the consequences of relying on human alliances rather than God?

2. In what ways can pride lead to a downfall, both personally and collectively, as seen in Edom's account?

3. How can we cultivate discernment to recognize deceit and avoid the traps set by others?

4. What lessons can we learn from Edom's experience about the importance of humility and reliance on God?

5. How do the themes of betrayal and justice in Obadiah 1:7 connect to the broader biblical account of God's faithfulness and righteousness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 41:9
This verse speaks of betrayal by a close friend, similar to how Edom's allies betray them.

Jeremiah 49:7-22
Jeremiah also prophesies against Edom, echoing themes of judgment and destruction.

Lamentations 4:21-22
Lamentations speaks of Edom's rejoicing over Jerusalem's fall, but also predicts Edom's own punishment.

Genesis 27:41
The animosity between Esau and Jacob, which sets the stage for the ongoing conflict between Edom and Israel.

Proverbs 26:27
This proverb warns that those who set traps for others will fall into them, paralleling Edom's fate.