What does Obadiah 1:15 mean?
“For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.” — Obadiah 1:15
The Bible verse Obadiah 1:15 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."
This verse is taken from the book of Obadiah in the Old Testament. The book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, consisting of only 21 verses, yet it carries a powerful message. The prophet Obadiah delivers a message from the Lord to the nations, particularly to the nation of Edom, to proclaim God's judgment for their sins.
The verse starts with "For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen," signifying that the judgment of the Lord is imminent for all the nations, not just Edom. The mention of "the day of the Lord" in the Bible typically refers to a time of divine judgment and reckoning, often associated with the end times. This indicates that the consequences of the nations' actions are about to be realized, and God's justice will be executed.
The verse continues, "as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee," conveying the concept of retribution and justice. This principle echoes the biblical teaching of sowing and reaping, where individuals and nations will reap what they sow. In other words, the Lord will repay each nation according to their deeds. This theme is also seen in Galatians 6:7, which states, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
The verse concludes with "thy reward shall return upon thine own head," emphasizing the accountability and responsibility of the nations for their actions. The reward or consequences of their deeds will come back upon them, indicating that they will experience the full weight of their actions. This reflects the biblical principle that God is just and will ultimately bring judgment and recompense.
In the broader context of the book of Obadiah, the prophet addresses the nation of Edom, who had shown hostility and cruelty towards their brother nation, Israel. Edom not only stood by and watched when Jerusalem was conquered and plundered but also rejoiced over Israel's downfall. This verse, in particular, serves as a warning to Edom and all nations that they will be held accountable for their actions.
Symbolically, this verse serves as a reminder of the universal principles of divine justice and retribution. It reflects the overarching theme found throughout the Bible that God is a just and righteous judge who holds all nations accountable for their actions. It also underscores the importance of treating others with compassion and fairness, as one's deeds will ultimately come back to them.
In conclusion, Obadiah 1:15 delivers a powerful message of divine judgment and retribution, emphasizing the imminent day of the Lord and the accountability of all nations for their actions. The verse serves as a warning and a call to repentance, urging nations to consider their deeds and the consequences they will face. It also reaffirms the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, highlighting the justice and righteousness of God.
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Artwork for Obadiah 1:15
Obadiah 1:15 - "For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."
"For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head." - Obadiah 1:15
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."
Obadiah 1:2 - "Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised."
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 1:5 - "If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? if the grapegatherers came to thee, would they not leave some grapes?"
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."
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?"