Obadiah 1:21

And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S.

And saviours {H3467} shall come up {H5927} on mount {H2022} Zion {H6726} to judge {H8199} the mount {H2022} of Esau {H6215}; and the kingdom {H4410} shall be the LORD'S {H3068}.

Then the victorious will ascend Mount Tziyon to rule over Mount 'Esav, but the kingship will belong to ADONAI.

The deliverers will ascend Mount Zion to rule over the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will belong to the LORD.

And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be Jehovah’s.

Obadiah 1:21 concludes the shortest book in the Old Testament with a powerful declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty and justice. This verse serves as the climax of Obadiah's prophecy, which is primarily directed against the nation of Edom, the descendants of Esau, brother of Jacob.

Context of Obadiah 1:21

The Book of Obadiah condemns Edom for their pride and, crucially, for their violent indifference and even active participation in the downfall of Judah (Jerusalem) when foreign invaders attacked (likely referring to the Babylonian conquest or earlier invasions). Edom, historically hostile to Israel, took advantage of Judah's distress, gloating over their misfortune and preventing refugees from escaping. Verses leading up to this point detail Edom's impending destruction as divine retribution for their actions. Obadiah 1:21 shifts from judgment on Edom to the glorious future of God's people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The judgment on "mount Esau" (Edom) underscores God's commitment to justice. He does not ignore the oppression and cruelty inflicted upon His people.
  • Zion's Vindication and Deliverance: The coming of "saviours" from "mount Zion" signifies the restoration and triumph of Israel. These saviours are not necessarily a singular messianic figure but likely refer to leaders or deliverers from Judah who will execute God's judgment and establish order. This signifies the reversal of fortunes, where those who were oppressed become instruments of divine justice.
  • The Sovereignty of God's Kingdom: The culminating phrase, "and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S," is the ultimate message. Despite the rise and fall of earthly nations, and the temporary suffering of God's people, the ultimate authority and dominion belong to God alone. This echoes a universal truth found throughout scripture, that God's reign is eternal and supreme. Zechariah 14:9 similarly declares, "And the LORD shall be king over all the earth."

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "saviours" (yoshe'im) literally means "those who save" or "deliverers." In this context, it refers to those who will bring about deliverance and execute justice on behalf of God's people. It emphasizes the active role of God's chosen instruments in fulfilling His purposes.
  • "Mount Zion" is a powerful symbol throughout the Bible, representing Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God, and the center from which His rule and blessing extend. Its prominence here highlights the ultimate victory and restoration originating from God's holy city. See Psalm 2:6 for another reference to Zion's significance.
  • "Mount Esau" directly refers to the territory and people of Edom, descendants of Esau. Its judgment signifies the complete overthrow of those who opposed God's people.

Practical Application

Obadiah 1:21 offers enduring hope and a strong reminder of God's character. It assures believers that no injustice goes unnoticed by God, and ultimately, His justice will prevail. In times of oppression or despair, this verse points to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the vindication of His people. It encourages reliance on God's sovereign plan, knowing that He will establish His perfect rule and bring all things to their just conclusion. This final declaration reminds us to align our lives with the coming kingdom of God, trusting in His ultimate authority and righteousness, as emphasized in Daniel 2:44, which speaks of a kingdom that shall never be destroyed.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 11:15

    And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

  • Zechariah 14:9

    And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.

  • James 5:20

    Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

  • Daniel 7:27

    And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

  • Psalms 22:28

    For the kingdom [is] the LORD'S: and he [is] the governor among the nations.

  • 1 Timothy 4:16

    Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

  • Luke 22:30

    That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back