Obadiah 1 17

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.

Obadiah 1:17 nkjv

"But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance, And there shall be holiness; The house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.

Obadiah 1:17 niv

But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and Jacob will possess his inheritance.

Obadiah 1:17 esv

But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy, and the house of Jacob shall possess their own possessions.

Obadiah 1:17 nlt

"But Jerusalem will become a refuge for those who escape;
it will be a holy place.
And the people of Israel will come back
to reclaim their inheritance.

Obadiah 1 verses

Obadiah 1 17 Meaning

Obadiah 1:17 declares a future marked by divine reversal: while nations like Edom face judgment, Mount Zion, representing God's people, will become a secure haven where deliverance is found. It emphasizes the restoration of God's people to a state of consecration, regaining their rightful inheritance and reclaiming what was lost, symbolizing complete restoration and dominion.

Obadiah 1 17 Context

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, a prophetic oracle primarily directed against Edom, Jacob's twin brother. The preceding verses (Obadiah 1:15-16) describe the Day of the Lord coming upon all nations, particularly focusing on Edom's devastating judgment for their violence and treachery against Judah (Obadiah 1:10-14). In stark contrast to Edom's utter destruction, Obadiah 1:17 pivots to a positive prophecy concerning Judah (the house of Jacob). It serves as a message of hope and restoration for God's chosen people, affirming divine sovereignty in judgment and redemption.

Obadiah 1 17 Word analysis

• But: (וּבְהַר, ūḇəhar)

  • This conjunctive "But" serves as a powerful contrastive, shifting the focus abruptly from the predicted desolation of Edom (and other nations) to the promised restoration of Israel. It highlights God's distinct purposes for His covenant people.

• on Mount Zion: (צִיּוֹן, tsiyyôn)

  • Original Language: Har Tsiyyon. Mount Zion is not merely a geographical location but a profound theological symbol. It refers to Jerusalem, particularly the temple mount and the city of David, symbolizing God's dwelling place, His capital on earth, and the place from which His salvation and rule emanate.
  • Significance: It represents divine presence, security, and the spiritual heart of God's covenant with Israel. It stands as a beacon of hope against the surrounding darkness and chaos.

• there shall be: (תִּהְיֶה, tihyeh)

  • A declaration of certain future occurrence. It signifies an assured state or condition that will exist.

• deliverance: (פְלֵיטָה, pəlêṭah)

  • Original Language: peletah (פלֵיטָה). Means escape, refuge, survivors, or remnant.
  • Significance: This indicates salvation from destruction, a remnant preserved from judgment, a secure place of refuge for God's people amidst universal calamity. It implies not just physical survival but also liberation and a fresh start.

• and there shall be holiness: (קֹדֶשׁ, qoḏeš)

  • Original Language: qodesh (קֹדֶשׁ). Means holiness, sanctification, sacredness, set-apartness for divine use.
  • Significance: This signifies more than mere escape; it points to a spiritual purification and consecration. The restored people of God on Mount Zion will be set apart for God, cleansed from their sins, reflecting God's own holy character. It is a state of moral purity and separation unto God's service.

• And the house of Jacob: (וּבֵית יַעֲקֹב, ūḇêṯ yaʿăqōḇ)

  • Original Language: Beit Ya'aqov.
  • Significance: This refers to the people of Israel, all the descendants of Jacob, God's covenant people. It collectively designates those who are heirs to God's promises and recipient of His restoration. It emphasizes the collective restoration, not just individuals.

• shall possess: (וְיָרְשׁוּ, wəyārəšû)

  • Original Language: yarash (ירשׁ). Means to inherit, take possession of, dispossess.
  • Significance: This verb strongly conveys the idea of receiving an inheritance, claiming ownership, and even displacing former occupants to claim what rightfully belongs to them according to God's promise. It implies both recovering what was lost and asserting divinely granted authority.

• their possessions: (מוֹרָשֵׁיהֶם, môrāšêhem)

  • Original Language: morasheihem (מוֹרָשָׁה). Means an inheritance, heritage, patrimony.
  • Significance: This denotes what rightfully belongs to the house of Jacob—the land, cities, blessings, and divine promises given to their forefathers. This encompasses their territorial inheritance (like Edom's former land mentioned in later verses, Amos 9:12), but also broader spiritual and physical prosperity that was lost or challenged due to their disobedience and enemies' aggression. It signifies complete restoration and reclaiming of their destiny.

Obadiah 1 17 Bonus section

The prophecy in Obadiah 1:17 carries a profound double fulfillment: it spoke to the literal restoration of Judah from exile and their re-establishment in the land. However, its language of deliverance, holiness, and eternal possession transcends this, pointing to the spiritual salvation offered in Christ through the New Covenant, where believers are brought to the heavenly Mount Zion (Heb 12:22-24). It also has a future eschatological dimension, hinting at the full redemption of Israel and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth, with Jerusalem as its holy center (Zech 14:9-11). The juxtaposition with Edom's fate emphasizes that God's justice is perfect; those who act with pride and cruelty against His people will face judgment, while His covenant people, though disciplined, will ultimately be restored and flourish in holiness.

Obadiah 1 17 Commentary

Obadiah 1:17 stands as a brilliant prophecy contrasting the doom of the ungodly nations with the certain hope for God's chosen people. After detailing Edom's utter desolation, the "but" clause signals a divine reversal. Mount Zion, the heart of God's dwelling and the symbol of His people, is proclaimed as a secure haven. Here, there will be "deliverance" – not merely escape from physical danger, but salvation for a remnant who endure. Furthermore, "holiness" will prevail, signifying a purified people set apart for God, cleansed from defilement and reflecting His character. This promises a restored moral and spiritual state, essential for God's dwelling among them. Finally, "the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions." This means a comprehensive restoration, not just survival but active reclaiming of their inheritance, whether land, resources, or their rightful place as God's chosen nation, exercising dominion over their enemies. This speaks of God's covenant faithfulness and ultimately points towards an eschatological fulfillment where God's people truly inherit His kingdom and blessings.