The Weight of Despised Choices
"Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised." - Obadiah 1:2
The book of Obadiah, though often overlooked in the prophetic literature of the Bible, contains profound insights that weave together the themes of pride, humility, and divine judgement. In Obadiah 1:2, we read, "Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised." This succinct verse encapsulates the downfall of Edom, a nation that once stood tall among its neighbors due to its geographical advantage and historical alliances. However, this stature was not grounded in righteousness but rather in pride and hostility towards Israel, God's chosen people.
To fully appreciate the depth of this verse, we must first understand the historical context surrounding Edom. Edom is the descendant of Esau, Jacob's twin brother. While Jacob was favored by God, Esau and his descendants often fell prey to jealousy and enmity. The Edomites reveled in the misfortunes of the Israelites, particularly during times of captivity and destruction, positioning themselves not only as indifferent but as adversaries to God's people. Here we see a critical lesson emerge: pride invariably leads to a profound fall.
Prideful hearts often disregard humility and vulnerability, believing themselves untouchable and invulnerable to change. In this biblical narrative, God declares that He has made Edom small among the heathen—suggesting a drastic reduction of their pride and significance. This humbling is not merely geographical or political; it is a spiritual degradation that reveals a deep-seated truth about how God perceives our hearts and intentions. God does not delight in humbling the high; rather, He longs for transformation—an acknowledgment of our dependence on Him.
Too often, we mirror Edom's pride in our lives. We become enamored with our achievements, our heritage, our possessions, or our affiliations, believing that these attributes secure our worth and identity. Yet, God continually reminds us that it is not power or status that defines us but humility and dependence on Him. In James 4:6, we are reminded, "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." This principle echoes throughout scriptures, reminding us to keep our posture of humility before the Lord.
Furthermore, the phrase “thou art greatly despised” is troubling. It points to the consequences of pride—a life without the favor and approval of God. When we cling to pride, we risk isolation and disdain from both God and humanity. Our refusal to repent and acknowledge our sins can lead to spiritual degradation, transforming us from respected individuals in society to pariahs in the spiritual realm. Therefore, it's imperative to introspect. Are there areas in our lives where pride governs our actions? Where do we need to humble ourselves and seek God's grace?
As we navigate through life's challenges, let us reflect upon Obadiah 1:2 with a heart that desires to be aligned with God’s purpose. Understand that in recognizing our smallness among the heathen and our need for God, we cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. God is aware of your struggles, your pain, and your heart’s cry—there is grace available for the humble; grace that restores and revitalizes our hearts.
In conclusion, as we progress in our spiritual journeys, let us carry the weight of this verse with us, letting it penetrate our hearts. Let us shun the pride that leads to isolation and instead embrace the attitude of humility before God who yearns to lift us up. Like Edom, we run the risk of being greatly despised when we stray from His commands. Let this be a reminder: it is in our meekness and recognition of our need for Christ where we truly find our identity and worth.
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Obadiah 1:2 - "Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised."
"Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised." - Obadiah 1:2
1 Kings 18:3 - "And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:"
Obadiah 1:4
Obadiah 1:1 - "The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle."
1 Chronicles 12:9 - "Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,"
"And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:" - 1 Kings 18:3
1 Chronicles 27:19 - "Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:"
Obadiah 1:6 - "How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!"
1 Kings 18:16 - "So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah."
Obadiah 1:17 - "¶ But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions."
Obadiah 1:21 - "And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S."
1 Chronicles 3:21 - "And the sons of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah: the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shechaniah."
Obadiah 1:4 – "Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down."
Obadiah 1:8 - "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?"
Obadiah 1:4 – "Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down."
1 Chronicles 7:3 - "And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men."
Obadiah 1:10 - "¶ For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever."
"Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third," - 1 Chronicles 12:9
1 Chronicles 9:16 - "And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites."
1 Chronicles 9:44 - "And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these were the sons of Azel."
Obadiah 1:9 - "And thy mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter."
1 Chronicles 8:38 - "And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel."
Obadiah 1:19 - "And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and they of the plain the Philistines: and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria: and Benjamin shall possess Gilead."
2 Chronicles 17:7 - "¶ Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah."
1 Kings 18:6 - "So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself."
Obadiah 1:20 - "And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath; and the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south."
Obadiah 1:4 - "Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD."
1 Kings 18:7 - "¶ And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah?"
"The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle." - Obadiah 1:1