Definition: The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation [is] high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Obadiah 1:3. It's a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about human pride. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that someone who is overly proud and confident – and perhaps blinded by their own self-importance – has deceived themself. They think they are above God and can be brought down to the ground. Let's unpack it word by word: “Obadiah 1:3” : This refers to a specific prophecy given by Obadiah, a prophet in the Old Testament. It’s a warning about the future. “The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee…” : This is the core of the message. “Pride” means excessive self-regard or arrogance. "Thy heart" refers to the person's thoughts and feelings. "Hath deceived thee" means they’ve been tricked or misled by their own pride. “Thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation [is] high…” : This describes a very specific person – someone who is standing on a high place, like a cliff or a mountain. “Dwellest” means they reside or live somewhere. “Clefts of the rock” refers to a rocky area. "Whose habitation is high" means they are self-important and positioned in a way that makes them seem superior. “…whose [is]”] - This is a very important word – it’s a pause, a hesitation before the truth is revealed. It’s like a question mark hanging in the air. Putting it all together: The verse paints a picture of someone who believes they are special and independent, and that belief has led them to think they can be brought down. They've been tricked into thinking their own superiority will protect them from God’s judgment. It suggests a dangerous tendency to believe you're better than everyone else – and that’s a really difficult thing to overcome. The Message & Context: This verse is often interpreted as a warning against pride, arrogance, and self-reliance. It’s a reminder that true strength comes from humility and dependence on God, not from feeling superior to others. It's a call for repentance - acknowledging our flaws and seeking God’s guidance instead of clinging to our own ego. Important Note: This verse is often used in a symbolic way – it doesn’t necessarily mean that the person actually will be brought down to the ground. It’s more about recognizing the danger of pride itself. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Obadiah 1? Discuss how this verse relates to other biblical stories? Give you some practical ways to combat pride in your own life?