We have heard from Yahweh and a messenger has been sent to the nations, telling them:

Get everything ready then go into battle against Edom.

2 And Yahweh says to Edom:

Listen,

I will make you into an insignificant nation.

≈ You’ll become utterly despised.

3 Your inner pride has deceived you,

you who live on the rocky cliffs,

≈ with your homes up there so high.

You say to yourselves that

no one can bring you down to the ground.

4 If you go up high like an eagle,

≈ even if your nest was up between the stars,

Yahweh declares that his command can bring you down from there.

5 If it was thieves who came to destroy you in the night,

(and yes, you’re going to be destroyed)

they would only steal what they wanted.

Or if it was grape-pickers who came to you,

at least they’d leave behind the smaller grapes.

6 How Esau’s descendants will be looted.

≈ Their hidden treasures will be found and taken.

7 Those who have treaties with you will force you to the border.

≈ Those who talk about peace will deceive you.

≈ Those who eat meals with you will set a trap for you.

You have no idea what’s about to hit you.

8 Yahweh will make a declaration on that day.

The wise people of Edom will be destroyed.

≈ Understanding will disappear from Esau’s hill.

9 And you the city of Teyman, your warriors will be shattered,

≈ so that everyone from Esau’s hill country will be slaughtered.