Obadiah 1:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They believed they could not be overthrown by their foes, not because of any valor or military prowess inherent within them, but rather because they regarded the ruggedness and inaccessibility of their land as sufficient to protect them from invaders, filled as it is with steep cliffs, wild hills, and towering mountains. So, he questions, why do you disregard the strength of your attackers? But even if you resided in a land that was truly inhospitable and high, and even if you soared like an eagle and built your nest seemingly in the heavens (this is a figurative expression); still, you would be brought low from there as well, for God, for whom nothing is impossible, will bring you down.

As we explore prophecies, we must first establish a historical foundation and, if possible, construct the intervening towers and roof. The prophet speaks, addressing Edom as the least among the nations, and although you are few in number, you arrogantly elevate yourself beyond your means. Dwelling in caves or rocky crevices, lacking grand structures, you mistakenly think yourself exalted like an eagle, imagining yourself among the stars. Yet, even if you somehow reach the heights of heaven, I will also cast you down and bring you to the ground, says the Lord God.

The additional phrase in Jeremiah about "seeking to occupy the top of the hill" carries a deeper significance, directing us to understand that it alludes to Mount Zion and the city of Jerusalem, or the temple built therein. As for the eagle, naturalists note its unparalleled flight; it possesses extraordinary vision, soaring above the seas while remaining unseen, observing fish from heights and descending upon them with incredible swiftness.

With this historical understanding, let us turn to the spiritual interpretation. Though you, heretic, may believe you are great and look down upon the Church as insignificant, you remain small and despised among the nations, and your scorn is magnified. The arrogance of your heart has betrayed you. Among heretics, who does not exhibit pride, dismissing the simplicity of the Church while mistaking faith for ignorance?

"Who dwells in the clefts of the rock and sets his throne on high" points to the heretics who falsely equate their mysterious knowledge to strength. Jesus is often referred to as the Rock; the psalmist declares, "Set my feet upon a rock" (Psalm 39:3), and Jesus calls Peter a rock upon which He will build His Church (Matthew 16:18). However, the term here highlights a separation from Christ, indicating that heresies are not grounded in truth. The phrase "who sets his throne on high" reflects the arrogant demeanor of those placing their confidence in false doctrines, attempting to secure their own heavenly kingdom—an exaggeration indeed.

Thus the apostle writes, "You have reigned without us, and would that you might reign without us, that we too might reign with you" (1 Corinthians 4:8). David similarly affirms, "They have put their mouths in heaven, and their tongues have gone out upon the earth" (Psalm 72:9).

However, if they soar like eagles, even if they nest among the stars, the Lord will still bring them down. For just as the enemy plants tares among the wheat while the householder sleeps (Matthew 13:25), this eagle, with its magnificent plumage, seeks the heights of the cedar tree, promoting growth by the waters, yet its nest is among the stars of the Church, where it is said, "But the righteous shall shine as the stars" (Matthew 13:43).

This also relates to the flesh, which, following the coming of Christ, became weak and contemptible, yielding to the soul’s power, vainly aspiring to elevate itself while being rooted in its own thoughts, trying to claim authority and influence. This state seeks to rise high, imitating the eagle, without realizing it has led many saints astray, yet it too will ultimately face defeat and be brought low by the Lord's hand.

What we interpret concerning the heretics and the flesh can likewise be applied to the Jews.