Obadiah 1:16

KJV

For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, [so] shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.

KJV (with Strong's)

For as ye have drunk {H8354} upon my holy {H6944} mountain {H2022}, so shall all the heathen {H1471} drink {H8354} continually {H8548}, yea, they shall drink {H8354}, and they shall swallow down {H3886}, and they shall be as though they had not {H3808} been.

Complete Jewish Bible

For just as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so will all the nations drink in turn; yes, they will drink and gulp it down and be as if they had never existed.

Berean Standard Bible

For as you drank on My holy mountain, so all the nations will drink continually. They will drink and gulp it down; they will be as if they had never existed.

American Standard Version

For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the nations drink continually; yea, they shall drink, and swallow down, and shall be as though they had not been.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Obadiah 1:16 pronounces a severe divine judgment against Edom and, by extension, all nations that oppose God's people. It declares that just as Edom reveled in and plundered God's holy mountain (Jerusalem) during its downfall, so too will they and other hostile nations be forced to drink from the cup of God's wrath, leading to their complete and irreversible annihilation, as if they had never existed. This verse underscores God's unwavering justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, a prophetic oracle delivered primarily against the nation of Edom. The preceding verses (Obadiah 1:10-14) meticulously detail Edom's egregious sins against Judah: their violence against their brother Jacob, their standing aloof during Jerusalem's invasion, their gloating over Judah's calamity, their plundering of the city, and their active participation in cutting off fugitives and delivering survivors to the enemy. Verse 15 sets the stage for the judgment, declaring that "the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen," establishing the principle of *lex talionis* – "as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee." Verse 16 then elaborates on this judgment, specifically using the metaphor of drinking, which is further developed in the subsequent verses (Obadiah 1:17-21) that describe the restoration of Israel and the complete destruction of Edom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Obadiah likely dates to the period following the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, or perhaps an earlier raid. Edom, descended from Esau, was a long-standing rival and often hostile neighbor to Judah (descended from Jacob). Despite their shared ancestry, Edom consistently displayed animosity, culminating in their particularly cruel actions during Jerusalem's fall. Instead of offering aid or refuge, they actively participated in the plunder and betrayal of their kin. The reference to "my holy mountain" (Zion/Jerusalem) highlights the sacrilege of Edom's actions, as they defiled a place consecrated to God. The act of "drinking" in this context carries a strong cultural and prophetic weight, often symbolizing the experience of judgment or suffering, as exemplified by the "cup of wrath" imagery common in ancient Near Eastern and biblical literature.
* **Key Themes:** Obadiah 1:16 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Retribution and Poetic Justice**, where the punishment precisely mirrors the crime. Edom "drank" in revelry and plunder on God's mountain, and therefore they will "drink continually" from the cup of divine wrath. This is a clear application of the principle found in passages like [Psalm 9:15-16](/psalms/9-15-16 "Psalm 9:15-16 - The Wicked Caught in Their Own Trap"). Secondly, the phrase "all the heathen" expands the scope beyond Edom, emphasizing **Universal Judgment** and God's absolute sovereignty over all nations. It underscores that no nation, regardless of its power, stands outside the purview of God's justice, a truth echoed throughout prophetic literature, such as in [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - The Cup of God's Wrath for All Nations"). Finally, the culminating phrase "they shall be as though they had not been" highlights the theme of **Complete Annihilation** for those who persistently oppose God and His people, signifying an irreversible and total destruction that removes them from memory and existence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **drunk (Hebrew, _shâthâh'_):** From H8354, meaning "to imbibe (literally or figuratively); assuredly, banquet, certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk(-ard), surely." In this context, it is used figuratively. The first instance refers to Edom's revelry, plunder, and perhaps even the blood of Judah, upon God's holy mountain. The subsequent instances refer to the forced consumption of divine judgment, emphasizing the full and inescapable experience of God's wrath.
* **heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** From H1471, meaning "a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts; Gentile, heathen, nation, people." While Obadiah's primary focus is Edom, the use of "all the heathen" broadens the scope of judgment to include any nation that acts with similar hostility and pride against God's purposes or His people. It signifies the universal reach of God's justice.
* **swallow down (Hebrew, _lûwaʻ'_):** From H3886, meaning "to gulp; figuratively, to be rash; swallow down (up)." This word intensifies the imagery of "drinking." It implies a complete, unmitigated, and forceful consumption of the judgment. It's not merely a sip but a gulping down, indicating the overwhelming and total nature of the divine retribution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain":** This clause establishes the premise for the judgment. "Ye" refers to Edom, and by extension, other nations who participated in or gloated over Jerusalem's destruction. "Drunk upon my holy mountain" is a powerful metaphor, likely referring to their revelry, plundering, and perhaps even bloodlust as they desecrated Jerusalem (God's dwelling place, Zion). It implies their participation in the destruction and their perceived triumph over God's people.
* **"so shall all the heathen drink continually":** This introduces the divine retribution. The "so" indicates a direct correlation and *lex talionis* principle. "All the heathen" expands the judgment beyond Edom to encompass all nations that embody similar hostility towards God and His people. "Drink continually" signifies an unending, relentless, and inescapable experience of God's wrath, a judgment that is not temporary but persistent until its full effect is realized.
* **"yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down":** This repetition and intensification emphasize the certainty and totality of the judgment. "They shall drink" reiterates the inevitability of experiencing God's wrath, while "they shall swallow down" adds a layer of complete consumption, implying that the judgment will be fully absorbed and will leave nothing untouched. It highlights the thoroughness of God's retribution.
* **"and they shall be as though they had not been":** This climactic phrase describes the ultimate outcome of the judgment. It is a vivid Hebrew idiom denoting complete annihilation, utter oblivion, and removal from memory and existence. It signifies not just defeat or subjugation, but a wiping out from history, in stark contrast to the enduring nature of God's covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
Obadiah 1:16 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful message of judgment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the recurring image of "drinking." In biblical prophecy, "drinking" from a cup often symbolizes experiencing divine wrath or judgment, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of Trembling") and [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Fury"). Here, the initial "drinking" by Edom on God's mountain represents their destructive revelry and plunder, while their subsequent "drinking continually" signifies the forced consumption of God's judgment. This creates a powerful **Irony** or **Poetic Justice**, where the instrument of their sin becomes the instrument of their punishment. The verse also employs **Repetition** ("they shall drink... they shall drink") and **Intensification** ("swallow down") to underscore the certainty, severity, and completeness of the impending doom. Finally, the concluding phrase "as though they had not been" is a form of **Hyperbole** or vivid **Idiom**, emphasizing the absolute and irreversible nature of the annihilation, suggesting a complete erasure from existence and memory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Obadiah 1:16 profoundly articulates the biblical principle of divine justice and God's unwavering commitment to righteous judgment against those who oppress His people and defy His sovereignty. It reveals that God is not indifferent to human cruelty or the desecration of what is holy. The *lex talionis* ("as you have done, so it will be done to you") is a foundational aspect of God's moral governance, ensuring that wickedness does not go unpunished. Furthermore, the universal scope of "all the heathen" underscores that God's authority extends over all nations, and none can escape His ultimate reckoning. This verse serves as both a stern warning to the proud and a comforting assurance to the afflicted, affirming that God sees every injustice and will ultimately bring about a just and final resolution, ensuring that those who stand against Him will ultimately face utter destruction.

* [Psalm 9:15-16](/psalms/9-15-16 "Psalm 9:15-16 - The Wicked Caught in Their Own Trap")
* [Jeremiah 25:15-29](/jeremiah/25-15-29 "Jeremiah 25:15-29 - The Cup of Wrath for All Nations")
* [Revelation 14:9-11](/revelation/14-9-11 "Revelation 14:9-11 - The Wine of God's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Obadiah 1:16 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Firstly, it serves as a stark warning against the sins of pride, indifference, and gloating over the misfortunes of others, especially those who are suffering or vulnerable. Edom's downfall was not merely for their hostility, but for their active participation in and celebration of Judah's pain. This calls us to cultivate empathy, compassion, and active solidarity with those who are oppressed, rather than standing aloof or, worse, contributing to their distress. Secondly, the verse provides immense comfort and hope to those who feel victimized, marginalized, or oppressed. It assures us that God is a righteous judge who sees every injustice, hears every cry, and will ultimately bring about a just recompense. Our ultimate vindication and the assurance of justice rest securely in the hands of a sovereign God who will not allow evil to triumph indefinitely. This truth should embolden us to persevere in faith, knowing that the final word belongs to Him who judges righteously.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be tempted to stand aloof or even gloat when others, especially those we perceive as rivals, face difficulties?**
* **How does the assurance of God's ultimate justice in Obadiah 1:16 impact my perspective on current injustices in the world?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater empathy and actively support those who are suffering or oppressed, rather than remaining indifferent?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "drinking" in this verse?**

Answer: The act of "drinking" in Obadiah 1:16 carries a dual and highly significant meaning. In the first instance, "as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain," it refers to Edom's revelry, plundering, and perhaps even the violence they inflicted upon Jerusalem. It signifies their participation in the city's desecration and their perceived triumph. In the subsequent clauses, "so shall all the heathen drink continually," "they shall drink, and they shall swallow down," the metaphor shifts to represent the experience of divine judgment. It is a common biblical idiom for receiving God's wrath or punishment, often depicted as drinking from a "cup of fury" or "cup of trembling" (e.g., [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of Trembling"); [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Fury")). Thus, the verse employs a powerful poetic justice: the manner in which Edom celebrated Judah's downfall becomes the very means by which they experience God's righteous retribution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Obadiah 1:16 directly prophesies judgment against Edom and other hostile nations, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest theological significance are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "holy mountain" that was desecrated by Edom foreshadows the ultimate violation of God's holiness in the crucifixion of Christ, the true temple and dwelling place of God (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")). The judgment pronounced upon the "heathen" for their opposition to God's people points forward to Christ's role as the ultimate Judge of all humanity. He is the one to whom "all judgment has been committed" by the Father (cf. [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - Christ as Judge")). The "drinking" of God's wrath, which Obadiah describes for the nations, was uniquely and fully experienced by Jesus on the cross, as He bore the full cup of God's righteous indignation against sin on behalf of His people (cf. [Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). His voluntary submission to this judgment ensures that those who believe in Him will never have to "drink continually" from that cup of wrath. Furthermore, the finality of "as though they had not been" for those who oppose God finds its ultimate expression in the final judgment, where all who reject Christ will face eternal separation and destruction, being blotted out from the Book of Life (cf. [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Conversely, for those in Christ, there is no condemnation, but eternal life and a secure future with God, where the memory of past evils is forever erased (cf. [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ"); [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")). Thus, Obadiah 1:16, a prophecy of judgment, ultimately magnifies the redemptive work of Christ, who bore the judgment for us, and who will one day execute perfect justice, establishing His eternal kingdom where evil is utterly vanquished.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joel 3:17

So shall ye know that I [am] the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.

Jeremiah 49:12

For thus saith the LORD; Behold, they whose judgment [was] not to drink of the cup have assuredly drunken; and [art] thou he [that] shall altogether go unpunished? thou shalt not go unpunished, but thou shalt surely drink [of it].

Jeremiah 25:15

¶ For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.

Jeremiah 25:16

And they shall drink, and be moved, and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them.

Isaiah 51:22

Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God [that] pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, [even] the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:

Isaiah 51:23

But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.

Isaiah 8:9

¶ Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.