What does Obadiah 1:10 mean?
"¶ For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever." - Obadiah 1:10

The Bible verse Obadiah 1:10 from the King James Version (KJV) reads, "For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off forever." This verse is part of the prophecy of Obadiah, which focuses on the judgment of Edom, a nation that descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob.
To truly understand the meaning and commentary of this verse, it is important to delve into the historical and cultural context in which it was written. The feud between the descendants of Jacob and Esau began in the womb of their mother, Rebecca, and continued throughout their lives and the lives of their descendants. The enmity between Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom) is a recurring theme in the Bible, and it represents the struggle between good and evil, righteousness and unrighteousness.
The violence mentioned in this verse refers to the animosity and aggression displayed by the Edomites towards the Israelites. The Edomites took advantage of the Israelites' plight, either by supporting their enemies or by plundering their cities during times of distress. This verse is a warning to Edom that they will face the consequences of their actions and will be overtaken by shame and ultimately destroyed forever.
The theme of violence and its consequences is a central theme in the book of Obadiah. The prophet emphasizes that God will not overlook the violence and injustices committed by the Edomites against their brother Jacob. This theme is relevant throughout history as we continue to see the repercussions of violence and oppression in the world.
The concept of shame covering the Edomites signifies their humiliation and disgrace in the eyes of God and man. This shame is a result of their unjust treatment of their brethren, the Israelites, and it serves as a warning to all who engage in violence and wickedness. It serves as a reminder that God sees all and will hold individuals and nations accountable for their actions.
The phrase "thou shalt be cut off forever" denotes the severity and permanence of the punishment that the Edomites will face. This pronouncement of judgment and destruction signifies the finality of their fate. The Edomites will be completely eradicated, and their legacy will be one of shame and dishonor.
In addition to the historical and cultural context, the symbolism in this verse is significant. The struggle between Jacob and Esau represents the broader conflict between good and evil. Jacob, who represents the chosen people of Israel, embodies righteousness and obedience to God, while Esau, representing the Edomites, symbolizes rebellion and ungodliness. The animosity between these two nations reflects the ongoing battle between the forces of light and darkness, and the ultimate victory of righteousness over evil.
Overall, Obadiah 1:10 serves as a prophetic warning to all who engage in violence and oppression, reminding them that their actions will not go unpunished. It also highlights the eternal truth that God's justice will prevail, and those who perpetrate evil will ultimately face the consequences of their deeds. This verse is a poignant reminder of the moral and spiritual principles that underpin the judgment and justice of God.
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Obadiah 1:10 - "¶ For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever."
"¶ For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever." - Obadiah 1:10
Nehemiah 10:5 - "Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,"
1 Kings 18:3 - "And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:"
"Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah," - Nehemiah 10:5
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 1:2 - "Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised."
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."
"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."
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?"