Book of Obadiah - Chapter 1 - Verse 5

When interpreting the verse "If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? if the grapegatherers came to thee, would they not leave some grapes?" it is essential to understand the context in which it was written. This verse is a metaphorical expression used to highlight the devastation and destruction that has befallen a particular nation. The imagery of thieves and robbers coming in the night signifies the sudden and violent nature of the enemy's attack. The question posed about thieves stealing until they have enough and grapegatherers leaving some grapes implies the relentless and thorough nature of the destruction wrought by the enemy.

Furthermore, this verse serves as a warning to the nation to reflect on their actions and behavior that may have led to their downfall. It challenges them to consider what they have done to deserve such a fate and emphasizes the inevitability of facing consequences for their wrongdoing. Ultimately, this verse urges readers to contemplate the repercussions of their actions and serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of righteousness and moral conduct.

In this verse, the prophet Nahum is delivering a message of judgment to the city of Nineveh, which was known for its wickedness and violence. The imagery used here is powerful and vivid, comparing the impending destruction of Nineveh to a city being ransacked by thieves and robbers in the night. The rhetorical question posed by Nahum highlights the severity of Nineveh's downfall - even thieves would not completely destroy a city, they would steal until they had their fill. Similarly, even grapegatherers, who typically leave some grapes behind during harvest, would not show mercy to Nineveh. This verse serves as a warning to the city of Nineveh, emphasizing the inevitability and completeness of their coming destruction if they do not repent and turn from their sinful ways. Through theological interpretation and word studies, we can see that the prophet Nahum uses these vivid images to convey the severity of God's judgment and the consequences of unrepentant sin.