All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; they that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none understanding in him.

OBADIAH 1:7KJV
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Obadiah 1:7 (KJV)

What does Obadiah 1:7 mean?

Obadiah 1:7 describes how Edom’s allies—those who were supposed to be friends and partners—will betray Edom, leading them to ruin and leaving them without understanding or help. The verse paints a picture of complete betrayal, where even those who shared bread with Edom set traps against them.

In this verse, the prophet Obadiah is speaking a message from God to the people of Edom, warning them that their trusted allies will turn against them. The setting is one of political alliances and supposed peace, but these relationships are shown to be false and treacherous. The verse uses strong language to show that Edom’s confidence in its friends is misplaced, and that their downfall will come from those they least expect.

The Hebrew behind Obadiah 1:7

  • "Confederacy" (בְּרִית, berit): This word means a formal agreement or alliance. Here, it highlights that Edom’s downfall comes not from open enemies, but from those with whom they had a binding relationship.
  • "Peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): This word often means wholeness or well-being, but here it refers to those who were supposed to be at peace with Edom. The betrayal is sharper because it comes from those who should have been trustworthy.
  • "Laid a wound" (שָׁם מָזוֹר, sham mazor): The phrase means to set a trap or ambush, not just to injure. It shows that the betrayal was planned and hidden, not accidental.
  • "Understanding" (תְּבוּנָה, tevunah): This word means insight or wisdom. The verse ends by saying there is none of this left in Edom, emphasizing their helplessness and confusion.

Why Obadiah 1:7 matters

  • Obadiah 1:7 warns that trusting in alliances or human relationships for security can be dangerous, especially when those relationships are not genuine.
  • The verse shows that betrayal can come from the closest quarters, making the warning more personal and severe for Edom.
  • This verse connects to the wider message of Obadiah, where Edom’s pride and sense of security are shown to be misplaced, leading to their eventual downfall.

Where else these words appear

“deceived” Hebrew H5377 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 3:13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
  • Psalms 55:15 Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.
  • Jeremiah 23:39 Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence:

“understanding” Hebrew H8394 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 31:3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
  • Psalms 147:5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.
  • Proverbs 18:2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.