The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; (a) We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and (b) let us rise up against her in battle.
The Argument - The Idumeans, who came from Esau, were mortal enemies always to the Israelites, who came from Jacob, and therefore did not only vex them continually with various types of cruelty, but also stirred up others to fight against them. Therefore when they were now in their greatest prosperity, and did most triumph against Israel, which was in great affliction and misery, God raised up his Prophet to comfort the Israelites. For God had now determined to destroy their adversaries, who did so severely vex them, and to send them those who would deliver them, and set up the kingdom of the Messiah which he had promised.
(a) God has certainly revealed to his prophets, that he will raise up the heathen to destroy the Edomites, concerning which the rumour is now proclaimed; (Jeremiah 49:14).
(b) Thus the heathen encourage themselves to rise against Edom.