The Edomites might have been inclined to ridicule such a prediction of calamity for their nation. The territory of Edom was mountainous. Earlier settlers of that area were called “Horites,” meaning cave dwellers. (Gen. 14:6; Deut. 2:12, 22) Their location high up in mountains difficult to approach made the Edomites feel overly secure from enemy attack.

The presumptuousness of your heart is what has deceived you, you who are residing in the retreats of the crag, the height where he dwells, saying in his heart, “Who will bring me down to the earth?”

Obad. 2-4.

The presumptuous Edomites were to be made “small” in both numbers and dignity. God would bring them to ruin no matter how high they might place their dwellings, or how remote these might be.