Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this tough verse from Obadiah 1:7. It’s a really powerful and somewhat dramatic statement about the state of Israel and its leaders. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This passage is essentially saying that the leaders of Israel – those who were supposed to be friends with them – have been actively trying to harm and deceive them. They've created a situation where trust has been broken, and people are being misled. Let’s unpack it word by word: “All the men of thy confederacy” : This refers to all the leaders of Israel – kings, priests, judges, etc. "Confederacy" means a group of people working together. “…have brought thee [even] to the border” : “Border” in this context doesn't mean a physical boundary. It means a place of conflict or separation. The leaders have deliberately pushed Israel away from peace and harmony with God. It’s like they've intentionally created distance between them and their relationship with God. “…the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee” : This is the core of the message. These leaders, who had previously been allies, have been actively misleading Israel. They've been leading them down a path of wrongdoing or false promises. “[They that eat] thy bread have laid a wound under thee” : This is a very strong metaphor. "Eating" here means exploiting, taking advantage of, and benefiting from Israel’s vulnerability. The leaders are actively stealing resources, disrupting their systems, and causing harm to the people they were supposed to protect. It's like they're deliberately inflicting pain. “[There is] none understanding in him” : This is a crucial part. It suggests that no one – not even those who should understand – can truly grasp the truth of what’s happening. The leaders are operating in a way that is incomprehensible and leads to widespread suffering. Overall Meaning & Tone: The verse expresses deep disappointment, anger, and a sense of impending disaster for Israel. It's a warning about the dangers of pride, deceit, and the consequences of rejecting God’s guidance. It suggests a time of great hardship and potential destruction. Important Note: The Bible often uses figurative language to convey serious truths. This verse isn’t meant to be taken literally in every detail, but it highlights a significant challenge to Israel's relationship with God and the importance of seeking His guidance. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on interpretation of the text within a biblical context. Different scholars may offer different insights. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain a particular metaphor in more detail? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage?