Obadiah 1:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In stating that “there is no sense in them,” he addresses the false prophets, deceivers, and flatterers, as well as those who promote misleading interpretations of celestial signs—people who descend into such folly as to believe they can gain knowledge of future events from these. The idolaters were deeply affected by these circumstances. The Idumeans, who suffered similarly, sought to discern the outcomes of impending conflicts as war loomed everywhere. They gathered individuals skilled in divination, instructing them to prophesy the results of the war; they likely predicted victory. However, they were revealed for what they were and lost their credibility, as they possessed no genuine ability to foresee the future. Driven by their desperation, they resorted to fabrications. It was noted that those from Teman and even the Idumeans, once valiant, would display cowardice and trepidation. He indicated this, adding, “And thy soldiers shall fear, which are of Theban, that a man may be weaned from the mountain of Esau,” suggesting that all the Idumeans would ultimately perish. The undeniable reason for their ongoing misfortunes is encapsulated in the expression “for the sake of plague and wickedness against thy brother.” Because you have shed the blood of one who is kin, namely Jacob or his descendants, you shall face destruction through warfare and be utterly eradicated, laden with shame and ignominy. He made clear that they would inevitably endure such dire tribulations, saying, “And thou shalt be rejected for ever.” The phrase “from this day” brings to mind the time when the Babylonians seized and ravaged Judah, laying siege to all who gathered in Jerusalem. The Idumeans, watching for those attempting to flee, killed them, effectively aiding the invaders while leading the descendants of Jacob into captivity. Thus, they bore responsibility for the suffering of their brethren, displaying a level of cruelty that was scarcely less than that of the Babylonians.

49:19), and then adds: ‘Behold as an eagle shall ascend, and fly, and spread her wings over Bosra, and the heart of the strong of Edom in that day shall be as the heart of a woman in labor’ (Jer. 49:22), it became evident that all those who had once allied with Edom, providing support to the grand city, abandoned it and joined the enemies, casting a net around it and overpowering it. Thus, it became apparent that there was no wisdom in Edom, as he placed his trust in those who ultimately became his foes.

On another note, when Esau’s secrets are revealed, exposing the significant mysteries that ensnarled the nations, a member of the Church might declare, ‘We know her schemes’ (Sir. 1). Consequently, they will depart from Edom’s confines and cast him out, moving into the realm of the Church, where they will unveil his corrupt teachings. They will then mock and oppose their former instructor, declaring that what he imparted to them is false; they will conquer him and, enlightened by the faith of the Church, will demonstrate the fallacy of his doctrine. Those who once feasted with heretics—not partaking of the Bread of the Eucharist, but rather the bread of lamentation and the bread baked with ashes, which is transformed (Hos. 7:8)—will pose inquiries regarding the Scriptures, ensnaring the Edomite or the worldly, fundamentally carnal teacher (for it is noted in Galatians (Gal. 5:19-20) that heresies belong to the works of the flesh), revealing ultimately that there is no wisdom in Edom.