Obadiah 1:19

KJV

And [they of] the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and [they of] the plain the Philistines: and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria: and Benjamin [shall possess] Gilead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they of the south {H5045} shall possess {H3423} the mount {H2022} of Esau {H6215}; and they of the plain {H8219} the Philistines {H6430}: and they shall possess {H3423} the fields {H7704} of Ephraim {H669}, and the fields {H7704} of Samaria {H8111}: and Benjamin {H1144} shall possess Gilead {H1568}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those in the Negev will repossess the mountain of 'Esav, and those in the Sh'felah the land of the P'lishtim; they will repossess the field of Efrayim and the field of Shomron, and Binyamin will occupy Gil'ad.

Berean Standard Bible

Those from the Negev will possess the mountains of Esau; those from the foothills will possess the land of the Philistines. They will occupy the fields of Ephraim and Samaria, and Benjamin will possess Gilead.

American Standard Version

And they of the South shall possess the mount of Esau, and they of the lowland the Philistines; and they shall possess the field of Ephraim, and the field of Samaria; and Benjamin shall possess Gilead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Obadiah 1:19 is a prophetic declaration detailing the future restoration and territorial expansion of the people of Judah and, by extension, the entire nation of Israel. Following the severe judgment pronounced upon Edom, this verse shifts to a vision of divine reversal and blessing for God's chosen people, outlining specific regions they will reclaim and possess, signifying a comprehensive return to power and a reunification of the scattered tribes of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, primarily focusing on the impending judgment of Edom, the descendants of Esau, for their pride and their malicious actions against Judah during Jerusalem's distress, particularly their participation in the plundering of Jerusalem (cf. [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Treachery")). After foretelling Edom's complete destruction and the ultimate triumph of God's people (Obadiah 1:15-16), the prophecy shifts in [Obadiah 1:17](/obadiah/1-17 "Obadiah 1:17 - Deliverance on Mount Zion") to describe the deliverance of Mount Zion and the expansion of its inhabitants' dominion. Verse 19 specifically details which territories "they of the south" (Judahites) and other tribes will possess, signifying a comprehensive return to power and a reunification of the scattered tribes of Israel, culminating in the establishment of God's kingdom (cf. [Obadiah 1:21](/obadiah/1-21 "Obadiah 1:21 - The Kingdom of the Lord")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Obadiah is generally dated to the period shortly after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, or perhaps earlier during a significant Philistine-Arab invasion (cf. [2 Chronicles 21:16-17](/2_chronicles/21-16-17 "2 Chronicles 21:16-17 - Philistine and Arab Invasion")). Edom, Judah's long-standing adversary and kin, actively participated in or gloated over Jerusalem's downfall, a betrayal that deeply offended God (cf. [Lamentations 4:21-22](/lamentations/4-21-22 "Lamentations 4:21-22 - Edom's Rejoicing and Judgment")). The "south" (Negev) refers to the arid southern region of Judah, while "the plain" (Shephelah) refers to the fertile lowlands between the Judean hills and the Mediterranean coast, historically occupied by the Philistines. Ephraim and Samaria represent the former northern kingdom of Israel, whose inhabitants had been scattered by Assyria (cf. [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Assyrian Captivity of Israel")). Gilead, east of the Jordan, was a territory often contested and inhabited by various tribes, including Benjamin. The reclaiming of these diverse territories speaks to a post-exilic vision of a restored, unified Israel, reclaiming its promised inheritance and dominion over its historical enemies.

* **Key Themes:** Obadiah 1:19 contributes to several major themes within the book and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Retribution**, as Edom's treachery is met with their complete disinheritance, while Judah is restored. Secondly, it powerfully portrays **Territorial Restoration and Inheritance**, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to Israel, even after periods of discipline. The detailed geographical list underscores the literal and comprehensive nature of this promised possession, extending from the south to the north, and west to east. Thirdly, the mention of Ephraim, Samaria, and Benjamin possessing Gilead points to the theme of **National Reunification**. This verse envisions a future where the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah are brought together under one banner, fulfilling promises of a complete ingathering of all twelve tribes (cf. [Ezekiel 37:15-28](/ezekiel/37-15-28 "Ezekiel 37:15-28 - The Reunification of Israel and Judah")). Ultimately, this passage reinforces the overarching theme of **God's Sovereign Rule**, demonstrating His power to execute judgment and bring about His redemptive purposes for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **south (Hebrew, _negeb'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be parched," this term refers to the south, specifically the Negeb or southern district of Judah. Occasionally, it can refer to Egypt as being south of Palestine. In this context, it identifies the people of Judah's southern region as the primary agents who will initiate the territorial expansion.
* **possess (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This primitive root means "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place)." By implication, it can mean to seize, rob, inherit, expel, impoverish, or ruin. Here, it signifies a forceful and complete reclamation of land, not merely a peaceful inheritance, but an active taking of possession from former occupiers, reflecting a divine reversal of fortunes.
* **Esau (Hebrew, _ʻÊsâv'_):** Apparently a form of the passive participle of a root meaning "to handle," suggesting "rough" or "sensibly felt." Esau was the son of Isaac and twin brother of Jacob, whose descendants formed the nation of Edom. "The mount of Esau" refers to Edom's mountainous territory, symbolizing their entire nation and signifying the complete subjugation and disinheritance of this long-standing adversary of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [they of] the south shall possess the mount of Esau;":** This clause declares that the inhabitants of the southern region of Judah (the Negeb) will expand their territory to include the mountainous land of Edom. This signifies a complete reversal of fortunes, as Edom, who previously gloated over Judah's downfall, will now be dispossessed by Judah. It highlights the divine justice meted out to Edom and the restoration of Judah's dominion.
* **"and [they of] the plain the Philistines:":** This continues the theme of territorial expansion, stating that the inhabitants of the coastal plain (the Shephelah), which was historically occupied by the Philistines, will also come under Israel's control. This indicates the reclamation of fertile western lowlands, a region that had been a persistent source of conflict and oppression for Israel, signifying a comprehensive victory over another traditional enemy.
* **"and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria:":** This clause broadens the scope of possession to include the territories of the former northern kingdom of Israel—Ephraim, a prominent tribe, and Samaria, its capital city. This points towards the reunification of the divided kingdoms, indicating that the restored Judah will encompass lands historically belonging to the northern tribes, thus envisioning a complete ingathering of all Israel.
* **"and Benjamin [shall possess] Gilead.":** The final clause specifies that the tribe of Benjamin will possess Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River. Gilead was a strategically important and fertile area, associated with both northern and southern tribes. This detail further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the restoration and reunification, extending Israel's dominion across the Jordan and signifying the complete re-establishment of the twelve tribes within their ancestral lands.

#### Literary Devices
Obadiah 1:19 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful prophetic message. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, a divine declaration of future events, specifically the restoration and territorial expansion of Israel. **Merism** is evident in the comprehensive listing of geographical regions—"the south," "the plain," "mount of Esau," "Philistines," "Ephraim," "Samaria," and "Gilead." By naming specific, distinct areas from various directions (south, west, north, east), the prophet signifies the totality and vastness of the promised dominion, encompassing all of Israel's historical lands and extending over its traditional enemies. This also functions as **Synecdoche**, where a part (specific regions or tribes) stands for the whole (the entire restored nation of Israel). The repetitive use of the verb "possess" (implied in the second and fourth clauses) creates a powerful sense of **Emphasis** and **Affirmation**, underscoring the certainty and completeness of this divine reversal and re-establishment of Israel's inheritance. Furthermore, the contrast between Edom's previous gloating and Judah's subsequent possession of Edom's territory creates a strong sense of **Irony** and **Poetic Justice**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Obadiah 1:19 is a profound statement on God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign control over the destinies of nations. It demonstrates that divine justice is not merely punitive for the wicked but also redemptive and restorative for His chosen people. The disinheritance of Edom and the re-inheritance of Israel underscore God's commitment to His people, even after their periods of discipline. This prophecy provides a vision of hope—a comprehensive restoration, reunification, and territorial expansion of Israel, signaling the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. It reminds us that God's plans for His people are sure, and His promises will ultimately be fulfilled, bringing about a complete reversal of fortunes for those who trust in Him.

* [Isaiah 11:13-14](/isaiah/11-13-14 "Reunification and Dominion")
* [Ezekiel 37:21-22](/ezekiel/37-21-22 "One Nation, One King")
* [Amos 9:11-15](/amos/9-11-15 "Restoration of David's Booth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Obadiah 1:19 offers a powerful message of hope and assurance for believers today. Just as God promised restoration and possession to Israel after their trials and the treachery of their enemies, He also promises a future hope and an ultimate triumph for His church. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that His justice will prevail, and His people will ultimately inherit their spiritual and eternal blessings. It speaks to the ultimate victory of God's kingdom and the complete restoration of His people, providing comfort and foresight into His final purposes. In our own lives, we may face periods of displacement, injustice, or spiritual struggle, feeling as though our inheritance has been lost or usurped. This prophecy reminds us that God is actively working to restore what was lost, to bring justice where there was injustice, and to establish His reign. It calls us to persevere in faith, knowing that our ultimate inheritance is secure in Christ, and that God will bring about His perfect will in His timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of territorial restoration in Obadiah 1:19 encourage you in areas of your life where you feel dispossessed or have experienced loss?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises, even when His people have been unfaithful or suffered greatly?**
* **How can the concept of "possessing" spiritual territory apply to our lives as believers today?**
* **In what ways does the prophecy of reunification in this verse speak to the importance of unity within the body of Christ?**

### FAQ

**Who are "they of the south" mentioned in Obadiah 1:19?**

Answer: "They of the south" refers to the inhabitants of the Negeb, the southern region of Judah. This indicates that the people of Judah, the southern kingdom, would be the primary agents in fulfilling this prophecy of territorial expansion and reclamation. It highlights their role in the divine reversal of fortunes against their adversaries.

**Why is Edom, referred to as "the mount of Esau," specifically mentioned as being possessed?**

Answer: Edom, the descendants of Esau, held a unique and often hostile relationship with Israel, despite their kinship (cf. [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Edom Refuses Passage")). They were singled out for severe judgment in Obadiah due to their pride and, more specifically, their malicious actions and gloating during Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon (cf. [Obadiah 1:11-14](/obadiah/1-11-14 "Edom's Cruelty")). Therefore, their dispossession by Judah represents a profound act of divine justice and a complete reversal of their perceived triumph, symbolizing the ultimate victory of God's people over their historical enemies.

**Does this prophecy of territorial expansion have a literal fulfillment?**

Answer: While some aspects of this prophecy may have seen partial historical fulfillment in the post-exilic period, particularly under the Hasmoneans who conquered Edomite territory, many scholars view its comprehensive nature as pointing to an eschatological fulfillment. The vision of a fully unified Israel possessing all these diverse lands, including those of the former northern kingdom and traditional enemies, suggests a future, complete restoration that transcends any single historical event. It speaks to God's ultimate plan for His people and His kingdom, which finds its ultimate reality in the spiritual dominion of Christ and the New Heavens and New Earth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Obadiah 1:19, with its vivid imagery of territorial reclamation and national reunification for Israel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His spiritual kingdom. The "possession" of lands by the people of God is transformed from a geopolitical reality into a spiritual inheritance for all who are in Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus, the true Son of David, establishes a kingdom that transcends earthly boundaries, inviting both Jew and Gentile into a unified body (cf. [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace")). The "mount of Esau" and the "Philistines" represent the enemies and hostile powers that once oppressed God's people; in Christ, these are overcome not by physical conquest but by the triumph over sin, death, and Satan (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Triumph Over Principalities")). The reunification of Ephraim, Samaria, and Benjamin with Judah foreshadows the "one new humanity" in Christ, where tribal and national distinctions are transcended in a spiritual unity (cf. [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). Believers, as heirs with Christ, inherit not just physical land but "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and are promised a place in the New Jerusalem, the ultimate and eternal "possession" where God dwells with His people (cf. [Revelation 21:1-7](/rev/21-1-7 "The New Heavens and New Earth")). Thus, the prophecy of Obadiah 1:19 points forward to Christ's universal dominion and the glorious inheritance of His redeemed people.

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

Zephaniah 2:4

¶ For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.

Zephaniah 2:7

And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.

Jeremiah 32:44

Men shall buy fields for money, and subscribe evidences, and seal [them], and take witnesses in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, and in the cities of the mountains, and in the cities of the valley, and in the cities of the south: for I will cause their captivity to return, saith the LORD.

Amos 9:12

That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.

Jeremiah 31:4

Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.

Jeremiah 31:6

For there shall be a day, [that] the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God.

Ezekiel 37:21

And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land: