Obadiah 1:17

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

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}.

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

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

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

Context

Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, primarily delivers a prophecy of judgment against Edom, the descendants of Esau, for their pride and, specifically, for their violent actions and passive participation in the destruction of Jerusalem by foreign invaders (see Obadiah 1:11-14). Following this pronouncement of divine retribution upon Edom, verse 17 shifts dramatically to a promise of restoration and hope for Israel, the "house of Jacob." It marks a turning point from judgment on the oppressor to deliverance for the oppressed, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance and Salvation: The verse begins with a powerful declaration that "upon mount Zion shall be deliverance." This speaks to God's active intervention to rescue His people from their enemies and restore their fortunes. It's a promise of salvation, not by human might, but by divine power.
  • Holiness and Purity: The phrase "and there shall be holiness" indicates that the restored community will not only be physically delivered but also spiritually purified and set apart for God. This implies a renewed covenant relationship marked by moral and spiritual integrity, reflecting God's own character, as seen in 1 Peter 1:16.
  • Restoration of Inheritance: The promise that "the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions" signifies a complete restoration of what was lost, including their land, their ancestral inheritance, and their rightful place among the nations. This echoes the long-standing covenant promises made to Abraham and his descendants concerning the land.
  • Sovereignty of God: Obadiah 1:17 underscores God's ultimate control over history, nations, and the destiny of His people. Despite the temporary triumph of enemies like Edom, God's plan for Israel's restoration and eventual triumph remains steadfast.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "deliverance" (מִפְלָט, miflat) implies a place of escape or refuge, emphasizing a secure haven provided by God.
  • "Holiness" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) signifies being set apart, sacred, or consecrated. It implies a state of being dedicated exclusively to God's service and purposes.
  • The phrase "possess their possessions" uses a repetition of the root meaning "to inherit" (יָרַשׁ, yarash), creating a strong emphasis on the certainty and completeness of Israel reclaiming their rightful inheritance and ancestral lands.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound hope and lessons for believers today:

  • Hope in God's Promises: Even in times of oppression or loss, Obadiah 1:17 reminds us that God's promises of deliverance and restoration are unfailing. Just as He delivered Israel, He continues to provide salvation and refuge for those who trust in Him.
  • The Call to Holiness: The spiritual aspect of restoration—holiness—is crucial. God desires not just our physical well-being but also our spiritual purity and consecration to Him. Our lives should reflect His character, being set apart from the world's values.
  • Spiritual Inheritance: For New Testament believers, the "possessions" extend beyond physical land to a spiritual inheritance in Christ. We are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, having received every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. This includes reconciliation with God, eternal life, and the promise of future glory.
  • God's Justice Prevails: The verse provides assurance that ultimately, God's justice will prevail. Those who oppress or act cruelly will face consequences, while God's people will experience vindication and restoration.
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Cross-References

  • Revelation 21:27 (13 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

    ¶ 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 (13 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    ¶ 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 (10 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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.