Obadiah 1:17

KJV

¶ But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.

KJV (with Strong's)

But upon mount {H2022} Zion {H6726} shall be deliverance {H6413}, and there shall be holiness {H6944}; and the house {H1004} of Jacob {H3290} shall possess {H3423} their possessions {H4180}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But on Mount Tziyon there will be a holy remnant who will escape, and the house of Ya'akov will repossess their rightful inheritance.

Berean Standard Bible

But on Mount Zion there will be deliverance, and it will be holy, and the house of Jacob will reclaim their possession.

American Standard Version

But in mount Zion there shall be those that escape, and it shall be holy; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Obadiah 1:17 marks a pivotal shift in the prophecy, moving from a pronouncement of divine judgment against Edom to a glorious promise of restoration and hope for Israel. It declares that Mount Zion will be the locus of God's saving power, where His people will experience complete deliverance and be set apart in holiness. Furthermore, it assures the "house of Jacob" that they will fully reclaim their rightful inheritance and possessions, signifying a comprehensive spiritual and physical restoration orchestrated by God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, primarily dedicated to a severe prophetic oracle against Edom, the descendants of Esau. The preceding verses (Obadiah 1:1-16) meticulously detail Edom's pride, violence, and, most critically, their active participation and gleeful observation of Jerusalem's destruction by foreign invaders, specifically mentioned in [Obadiah 1:11-14](/obadiah/1-11-14 "Obadiah 1:11-14 - Edom's Cruelty Against Judah"). This context of Edom's treachery sets the stage for God's righteous judgment upon them. Verse 17, however, introduces a dramatic and hopeful turning point. It shifts the focus entirely from the downfall of the oppressor to the promised vindication and restoration of the oppressed, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, the "house of Jacob." This transition underscores a recurring prophetic pattern where divine judgment on the wicked is immediately followed by a promise of salvation and renewal for the righteous remnant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Obadiah's prophecy is likely the Babylonian siege and subsequent destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, or a similar earlier invasion. During this catastrophic event, Edom, Judah's long-standing sibling nation, not only failed to assist Judah but actively plundered the city and handed over Jewish fugitives to the Babylonians. This betrayal was a profound violation of familial ties and covenant solidarity, making Edom's judgment particularly severe. Mount Zion, mentioned in the verse, is not merely a geographical location but a deeply significant theological symbol. It represents Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God's temple, the center of Israelite worship, and the seat of Davidic kingship. The promise of deliverance and holiness "upon mount Zion" signifies the restoration of God's presence and the re-establishment of His holy city as a beacon of hope and salvation, reversing the shame and desolation it experienced. The concept of "possessing their possessions" relates directly to the ancestral land promised to Abraham and his descendants, which was lost or threatened during periods of exile and foreign domination, as seen in the foundational promises of [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham").

* **Key Themes:** Obadiah 1:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. First, it powerfully asserts the **Sovereignty of God** over all nations and history, demonstrating that despite the temporary triumph of oppressors like Edom, God's ultimate plan for His people will prevail. Second, it highlights **Divine Justice**, as the judgment against Edom for their pride and cruelty is balanced by the vindication and restoration of Israel. Third, the verse underscores **Covenant Faithfulness**, affirming God's unwavering commitment to His promises made to Abraham and Jacob, ensuring the survival and eventual flourishing of His chosen people. Fourth, **Deliverance and Salvation** are central, portraying God as the active rescuer who intervenes on behalf of the oppressed. Finally, the themes of **Holiness** and **Restoration of Inheritance** are prominent. The mention of "holiness" on Mount Zion points to a spiritual purification and renewed consecration of the people and place to God, echoing the call for God's people to be set apart, as emphasized in [1 Peter 1:16](/1_peter/1-16 "Be Holy, for I Am Holy"). The promise to "possess their possessions" speaks to the full restoration of their land, identity, and prosperity, symbolizing a complete reversal of their fortunes and the fulfillment of ancient promises regarding their rightful place in the land, a theme found throughout prophetic literature, such as in [Ezekiel 36:24-28](/ezekiel/36-24-28 "Restoration and New Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliverance (Hebrew, _pᵉlêyṭâh'_):** This word (H6413) signifies an escape, a remnant, or a saved portion. It implies a rescue from danger or destruction, emphasizing God's active intervention to preserve and secure His people. In this context, it speaks of a complete salvation from their enemies and the dire circumstances they faced, providing a secure refuge.
* **Holiness (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** The term (H6944) refers to a sacred place or thing, or abstractly, sanctity. It denotes being set apart, consecrated, or dedicated exclusively to God's service and purposes. Its presence on Mount Zion indicates not only a physical restoration but also a spiritual purification of the people and the place, making it fit for God's presence and worship.
* **Possess (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This verb (H3423) means to occupy by driving out previous tenants, to inherit, seize, or take possession. It carries the strong implication of rightful ownership being restored, often after dispossession. The repetition with "possessions" (H4180, _môwrâsh'_, meaning a possession or inheritance) creates a powerful emphasis on the certainty and completeness of Israel's reclaiming what was rightfully theirs, particularly their ancestral land and status.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance":** This opening clause dramatically shifts the focus from Edom's judgment to Israel's hope. "Mount Zion" serves as both a literal geographical location (Jerusalem) and a symbolic theological center, representing God's dwelling place and the heart of His covenant people. The promise of "deliverance" signifies God's active and powerful intervention to rescue His people from oppression, exile, and the consequences of their enemies' actions, establishing a secure refuge there.
* **"and there shall be holiness;":** Following deliverance, this phrase highlights the spiritual dimension of the restoration. The presence of "holiness" on Mount Zion indicates that the restored community will not only be physically secure but also spiritually purified, set apart, and consecrated to God. This implies a renewed covenant relationship, marked by purity, righteousness, and a dedicated walk with God, making the city and its inhabitants a sacred space reflecting God's character.
* **"and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.":** This final clause promises a complete and undeniable restoration of what was lost. "The house of Jacob" refers to the entire nation of Israel. The emphatic repetition of the root "possess" (from _yârash_) and "possessions" (from _môwrâsh_) underscores the certainty and completeness of their reclaiming their ancestral land, their inheritance, their identity, and their rightful place among the nations. It speaks to a full vindication and the reversal of all past losses.

#### Literary Devices
Obadiah 1:17 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of hope and restoration. **Contrast** is the most prominent, as the verse dramatically pivots from the preceding pronouncements of Edom's utter destruction to Israel's glorious future. This juxtaposition highlights God's justice and faithfulness, showing that while the proud oppressor falls, the humble oppressed are raised up. **Symbolism** is evident in "Mount Zion," which transcends its geographical reality to represent God's holy dwelling, the center of His covenant, and the place of ultimate salvation and spiritual renewal. The phrase "the house of Jacob" also functions as **Synecdoche**, representing the entire nation of Israel. Finally, the **Repetition** of the root in "possess their possessions" (Hebrew _yârash_ and _môwrâsh_) serves as a powerful emphasis, underscoring the absolute certainty, completeness, and divine guarantee of Israel's full restoration of their rightful inheritance and identity. This rhetorical device ensures the reader grasps the unwavering nature of God's promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Obadiah 1:17 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His ultimate sovereignty over history and nations. It encapsulates the biblical tension between divine judgment and redemptive grace, demonstrating that while God will justly punish the wicked, His covenant promises to His people remain steadfast. The prophecy assures that even in the face of immense suffering and loss, God's plan for His chosen people includes not only physical deliverance but also spiritual purification and the restoration of their rightful inheritance. This holistic restoration points to God's desire for His people to dwell securely in His presence, set apart for His purposes, and fully enjoy the blessings He has promised. It foreshadows a future where God's kingdom is fully established, and His people live in perfect harmony with His will.

* [Psalm 2:6](/psalms/2-6 "Psalm 2:6 - God's King on Zion")
* [Joel 3:17](/joel/3-17 "Joel 3:17 - God Dwells in Zion")
* [Ezekiel 36:24-28](/zekiel/36-24-28 "Ezekiel 36:24-28 - Restoration and New Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Obadiah 1:17 offers a powerful message of hope and resilience for believers facing adversity today. Just as God promised deliverance and restoration to the "house of Jacob" after their suffering, we can trust in His unfailing promises in our own lives. This verse reminds us that even when circumstances seem bleak, and we feel dispossessed or overwhelmed by the "Edoms" of our world (whether spiritual opposition, personal trials, or societal injustices), God remains sovereign. Our ultimate deliverance comes from Him, and He is working to restore all that has been lost or broken. The call to "holiness" is equally vital; true restoration is not merely external but involves an inward transformation, a setting apart of our lives for God's purposes. As we seek to live holy lives, we reflect His character and become vessels through which His deliverance and restoration can flow to others. Furthermore, understanding our spiritual inheritance in Christ empowers us to live with confidence, knowing that we are heirs of God's promises, possessing blessings far greater than any earthly possession.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to experience God's deliverance or restoration?**
* **How does the concept of "holiness" challenge or encourage you in your daily walk with God?**
* **What does it mean for you, as a believer, to "possess your possessions" in a spiritual sense?**
* **How does God's ultimate justice, as seen in Obadiah, shape your perspective on current injustices in the world?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "Mount Zion" in this verse?**

Answer: "Mount Zion" is highly significant, representing not just a physical hill in Jerusalem but also the spiritual heart of Israel. It was the location of God's temple and the seat of His presence among His people. In Obadiah 1:17, its mention signifies that God's promised deliverance and holiness would be centered in His holy city, indicating a full restoration of His people's spiritual and national identity. It becomes a symbol of God's enduring covenant faithfulness and the place from which His salvation emanates, as also seen in [Psalm 9:11](/psalms/9-11 "Psalm 9:11 - Sing Praises to the Lord, who Dwells in Zion").

**What does it mean for "the house of Jacob to possess their possessions"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the complete and certain restoration of Israel's inheritance. Historically, it refers to the reclaiming of their ancestral land, which was promised to Abraham and his descendants (e.g., [Genesis 13:15](/genesis/13-15 "Genesis 13:15 - The Land Promise to Abraham")). It also signifies the restoration of their national identity, their prosperity, and their rightful place among the nations, reversing the losses and shame experienced during exile and oppression. The repetition of the root word for "possess" underscores the divine guarantee of this restoration.

**How does "holiness" fit into the promise of deliverance and possession?**

Answer: The inclusion of "holiness" alongside deliverance and possession signifies that God's restoration is not merely physical or material; it is also profoundly spiritual. It indicates that the restored community on Mount Zion will be purified, set apart, and consecrated to God. This implies a renewed covenant relationship where the people live in moral and spiritual integrity, reflecting God's own holy character. True restoration involves not just a return to a place but a return to a right relationship with God, as envisioned in passages like [Zechariah 8:3](/zechariah/8-3 "Zechariah 8:3 - God Returns to Zion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Obadiah 1:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant community. The "deliverance" promised upon Mount Zion is fully realized in Christ, who is our ultimate refuge and salvation. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus delivers us from the dominion of sin and darkness, transferring us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, as articulated in [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness"). The "holiness" that was to be on Mount Zion is now established in believers, who are sanctified by the Holy Spirit and called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes, because Christ Himself is our sanctification (see [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption") and [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct")). Furthermore, the "house of Jacob" now finds its spiritual embodiment in the church, composed of both Jew and Gentile believers, who are the true heirs of Abraham's promises (as explained in [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). This spiritual "house of Jacob" "possesses their possessions" not primarily in terms of earthly land, but in the immeasurable spiritual inheritance found in Christ – eternal life, reconciliation with God, the indwelling Spirit, and every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, as magnificently declared in [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"). Ultimately, the Mount Zion of Obadiah points forward to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God, where believers have come through Christ, and where perfect deliverance, holiness, and eternal inheritance are fully realized (see [Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - You Have Come to Mount Zion")).

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

Revelation 21:27

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Amos 9:11

¶ In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:

Amos 9:15

And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.

Isaiah 14:1

¶ For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

Isaiah 14:2

And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.

Amos 9:8

Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD [are] upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the LORD.

Joel 2:32

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.