CRITICAL NOTES.]
Obadiah 1:5.] Spoliation shall be complete; not such as thieves or grape-gatherers make, who leave the rest when they have had enough.
Obadiah 1:6. Hidden] places explored; all treasures searched out, lit. diligent and earnest tracking out (Zephaniah 1:12).
HOMILETICS
THE IRREPARABLE LOSS.—Obadiah 1:5-6
The prophet now depicts the utter overthrow of Edom. The material wealth on which they relied shall be taken away, and nothing shall remain or be recovered.
I. Their treasures are searched out. “How are the things of Esau searched out!” The most secret places, the most hidden things, are diligently tracked out. Everything safely stored up in holes of the rock was sought after and discovered. No place can hide from God. No wealth can protect from retribution. Nothing can be concealed and kept on earth. Our best treasures are searched out, stolen by thieves or corroded by time. In the judgment day the hidden things of all men will be brought to light, every hiding-place of sin exposed, and sinners stripped of their pride and self-confidence.
II. Their treasures are taken away. The grape-gatherer leaves some gleanings, thieves and robbers retreat with what they can carry with them: but the enemy would act much worse than ordinary plunderers. Nothing shall escape them. The devastation should be complete. A gleaning was left in Israel (Isaiah 17:6; Isaiah 24:13), but Edom was utterly spoiled. Treasures ensure not from the invader, aggrandize not the possessors, but become the spoil of the conqueror. Nations may trust to their defences and individuals to their wealth, but God can take them all away. “I have made Esau bare. I have uncovered his secret places, and he shall not be able to hide himself.”
III. The regret at the loss is great. “How art thou cut off!” This parenthetic sentence indicates the amazement of the prophet at the great destruction of the ungodly. Sad to see men lose reputation and happiness, the health of the body and the fortunes of the family, without the least hope of recovery. What a sight to behold men exposed to judgment, robbed of all defence, and stupefied in their sin.
1. God pities such. Judgment is strange work to him. He desires not the death of any sinner. O Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thee!
2. God’s servants pity such. Amos mourns over the destruction which he announces in the name of God. David and Jeremiah wept because men kept not the law. All true prophets are in sympathy with the people for whom they labour. A lost soul should cause tears to flow like rivers of water.” Oh that they were wise, that they understood this!”
ILLUSTRATIONS TO THE CHAPTER
Obadiah 1:5-6. Thieves. Paulinus, when he was told that the Goths had sacked Nola and plundered him of all he had, lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Lord, thou knowest where I have laid up my treasure” [Bib. Museum].