Obadiah 1:5
““If thieves came to you, if robbers by night—oh, what disaster awaits you—wouldn’t they only steal until they had enough? If grape pickers came to you, wouldn’t they leave some gleaning grapes?”
What does Obadiah 1:5 mean?
This verse uses everyday comparisons to describe how thoroughly Edom will be destroyed. When thieves break in, they take what they need and leave; when harvesters pick grapes, they naturally leave some behind. But what's coming for Edom will be so complete and devastating that not even these small mercies will apply—nothing will be spared or left over. The prophet is speaking during a time when Edom had betrayed Judah, and he's emphasizing that divine judgment will be total and without exception. It's a way of saying that Edom's punishment won't be partial or incomplete like ordinary human destruction; it will be absolute. For those of us facing difficult circumstances, this verse reminds us that God's justice is thorough, while for those who've caused harm, it serves as a sobering warning about consequences.