What does Obadiah 1:6 mean?
"How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!" - Obadiah 1:6
The Bible verse Obadiah 1:6 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!" This verse comes from the book of Obadiah, which is the shortest book in the Old Testament, consisting of only 21 verses. The book of Obadiah is a prophecy against the nation of Edom, the descendants of Esau, for their pride and mistreatment of their brother nation, Israel.
To fully understand the meaning and commentary of this verse, it is important to understand the historical and cultural context in which it was written. The Edomites were the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob (Israel), and they inhabited the region south of Judah, in the mountainous area of Seir. The Book of Obadiah is directed towards the Edomites and their arrogance and mistreatment of the Israelites. The verse in question highlights the exposure of Edom's hidden sins and evil deeds.
The prophecy in Obadiah 1:6 serves as a warning to the Edomites that their sins and injustices will not remain hidden, but will be brought to light and judged by God. The “things of Esau” refers to the sins and injustices committed by the Edomites, and the verse emphasizes the fact that these hidden sins will be exposed and brought to justice. This serves as a reminder that nothing is hidden from God, and all actions will be brought to account.
In a broader sense, Obadiah 1:6 underscores the universal truth that all hidden things will eventually be revealed. It serves as a warning to those who engage in wrongdoing, reminding them that God sees all and justice will prevail in the end. This verse echoes the sentiment expressed in Luke 8:17, "For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad."
Furthermore, the verse conveys the theme of justice and accountability. The prophecy in Obadiah 1:6 assures that the hidden things of Esau will be sought out, implying that God will hold them accountable for their actions. This theme of divine justice runs throughout the book of Obadiah, as the Edomites are condemned for their pride, violence, and treachery against their brother nation, Israel.
Symbolically, the verse can also be interpreted as a reminder of the consequences of sin. The hidden things of Esau symbolize the sins and transgressions that are often concealed from the eyes of others. However, God’s omniscience ensures that nothing remains hidden, and ultimately, all hidden things will be sought out and brought into the light.
In conclusion, Obadiah 1:6 from the King James Version of the Bible conveys a profound message about justice, accountability, and the consequences of sin. It serves as a warning to those who engage in wrongdoing, reminding them that nothing remains hidden from God and justice will prevail in the end. The verse also carries a universal truth about the exposure of hidden things and the inevitable accountability for one’s actions. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the divine judgment and the importance of living a righteous and accountable life.
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Obadiah 1:6 - "How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!"
"How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!" - Obadiah 1:6
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."
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:"
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."
"So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself." - 1 Kings 18:6
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."
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