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Obadiah 1:4

Old Testament Minor Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Obadiah 1:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Though thou mount on high as the eagle, and though thy nest be set among the stars, I will bring thee down from thence, saith Jehovah.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Though thou mount on high as the eagle, and though thy nest be set among the stars, I will bring thee down from thence, saith Jehovah.
Obadiah 1:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Obadiah 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord Jehovah concerning Edom: We have heard tidings from Jehovah, and an ambassador is sent among the nations, [saying], Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle.
2Behold, I have made thee small among the nations: thou art greatly despised.
3The pride of thy heart hath deceived thee, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?
4Though thou mount on high as the eagle, and though thy nest be set among the stars, I will bring thee down from thence, saith Jehovah.
5If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night (how art thou cut off!), would they not steal [only] till they had enough? if grape-gatherers came to thee, would they not leave some gleaning grapes?
6How are [the things of] Esau searched! how are his hidden treasures sought out!
7All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee on thy way, even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; [they that eat] thy bread lay a snare under thee: there is no understanding in him.
← Obadiah 1:3Obadiah 1:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Though thou exaltest [thyself] as the eagle, etc.] That soars aloft, flies on high, even out of sight, higher than any other bird does: or, “exaltest thy habitation”; and makest it as high as the eagle’s nest; (see <244916> Jeremiah 49:16); and though thou set thy nest among the stars; even higher than the eagle’s; an hyperbolical expression, supposing that which never was or can be done; yet, if it was possible, would not secure from danger: or should their castles and fortresses be built upon the top of the highest mountains, which seem to reach the heavens, and be among the stars: thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord; this is said in answer to the question put, or bold challenge…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“exalt thyself--or supply from the second clause, "thy nest" [MAURER] (Compare ; ; ). set . . . nest among . . . stars--namely, on the loftiest hills which seem to reach the very stars. Edom is a type of Antichrist (; ; ). thence will I bring thee down--in spite of thy boast (), "Who shall bring me down?"”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle - (or, thy nest) The eagle builds its nest in places nearly inaccessible to man. The Edomites were a race of eagles. It is not the language of poetry or exaggeration; but is poetic, because so true. “And though thou set thy nest in the stars.” This is men’s language, strange as it is. “I shall touch the stars with my crown;” “I shall strike the stars with my lofty crown;” “since I have touched heaven with my lance.” As Job says Job 20:6-7, “Though his excellency mount up to the heavens and his head reacheth unto the clouds,” yet,” he shall perish forever, like his own dung.” And Isaiah to the king of Babylon, the type of Anti Christ and of the Evil one…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Bring thee down - God who is in the heavens would throw thee down. When men could not marshal armies against thee, stars should fight in their courses against thee. Nothing can stand which God will cast down, Jer 49:16-17. Obadiah 1:5”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“exalt: Job 20:6, Job 20:7, Job 39:27, Job 39:28; Jer 49:16; Hab 2:9 among: Isa 14:12-15; Jer 51:53; Amo 9:2 Obadiah 1:5”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification