Obadiah 1 19

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.

Obadiah 1:19 nkjv

The South shall possess the mountains of Esau, And the Lowland shall possess Philistia. They shall possess the fields of Ephraim And the fields of Samaria. Benjamin shall possess Gilead.

Obadiah 1:19 niv

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

Obadiah 1:19 esv

Those of the Negeb shall possess Mount Esau, and those of the Shephelah shall possess the land of the Philistines; they shall possess the land of Ephraim and the land of Samaria, and Benjamin shall possess Gilead.

Obadiah 1:19 nlt

"Then my people living in the Negev
will occupy the mountains of Edom.
Those living in the foothills of Judah
will possess the Philistine plains
and take over the fields of Ephraim and Samaria.
And the people of Benjamin
will occupy the land of Gilead.

Obadiah 1 verses

Obadiah 1 19 Meaning

Obadiah 1:19 prophesies a future territorial expansion and restoration for the people of Judah (and the wider nation of Israel), specifically indicating that regions currently held by long-standing adversaries—Edom and Philistia—along with traditional territories of the northern kingdom of Israel—Ephraim, Samaria, and Gilead—will be brought under the possession of the Lord's people. This speaks to the complete re-establishment of Israel within its promised borders after divine judgment upon its enemies, culminating in God's people inheriting their divinely appointed land.

Obadiah 1 19 Context

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, consisting of a single chapter primarily focused on the judgment of Edom and the restoration of Judah. Historically, Edom, a nation descended from Esau (Jacob's brother), had a long-standing antagonistic relationship with Israel. Their animosity peaked during Jerusalem's darkest hour, likely the Babylonian siege and destruction around 586 BC, when Edom not only failed to aid Judah but actively rejoiced in their downfall, plundered the weakened city, and captured escaping Judeans (Obadiah 1:10-14). This betrayal invoked God's severe wrath.

Verse 19 immediately follows prophecies of Edom's utter desolation (Obadiah 1:18) and Zion's holiness and possession of their former territory (Obadiah 1:17). Thus, it shifts the focus from Edom's demise to Israel's resurgence. The verse paints a picture of reversed fortunes: those oppressed and dispossessed will now possess. It details the geographical scope of this restoration and expansion, emphasizing the comprehensiveness of God's plan for His people after the period of their suffering and the judgment of their adversaries. This prophecy looks beyond the immediate post-exilic return, anticipating a full, ultimate re-establishment of the promised land under the Lord's dominion.

Obadiah 1 19 Word analysis

• Then (וְיָרְשׁוּ - v'yarshu - beginning of the verb for 'and possess' or 'then possess'): Connects the action to the preceding prophecy, specifically the deliverance on Mount Zion and the burning of Esau as stubble (v. 17-18). It indicates a direct consequence of Edom's judgment and Judah's salvation.
• those from the Negev (הַנֶּגֶב - haNegev): Refers to the inhabitants of the southern region of Judah, which was often sparsely populated and susceptible to attacks from Edom or other southern groups. Spiritually, it signifies the Lord's people, even those from the more desolate or vulnerable areas.
• will possess (יָרְשׁוּ - yāreshû): From the Hebrew verb yarash, meaning "to take possession of," "to inherit," or "to dispossess." It implies acquiring territory by divine right, often involving displacing existing occupants. This is a recurring theme for Israel's land claims. It highlights that the possession is a God-given entitlement, not merely conquest.
• the mountains of Esau (אֶת־הַר-עֵשָׂו - et-har-Esau): This refers to the rugged, mountainous territory of Edom, southeast of Judah. Esau's name is often used interchangeably with Edom in biblical texts (Gen 36:8). The phrase "mountains of Esau" denotes their stronghold and very identity, emphasizing the complete overthrow and dispossession of the enemy.
• and those from the Shephelah (וְהַשְּׁפֵלָה - v'haShphelah): Refers to the lowlands or foothills, a transitional region between Judah's central highlands and the coastal plain. Historically, this area was a frequent battleground with the Philistines.
• will possess (יָרְשׁוּ - yāreshû): Repeats the theme of divine enablement to acquire territory.
• the Philistine plains (אֶת־פְּלִשְׁתִּים - et-Pelishthim): Refers to the coastal plains inhabited by the Philistines, ancient and formidable enemies of Israel (e.g., in Judges and Samuel). This signifies Israel's westward expansion and triumph over another perennial foe.
• And those from Ephraim (וְיָרְשׁוּ אֶת־שֹׁמְרוֹן וְגִלְעָד - v'yarshu et-Shomron v'Gilad): Refers to the tribes descended from Joseph's son, Ephraim, who became the dominant tribe and often represented the entire northern kingdom of Israel after the kingdom split (1 Kings 11:26). Their inclusion indicates the reunification of the entire nation.
• and Samaria (וְשֹׁמְרוֹן - v'Shomron): Samaria was the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 16:24) and a symbol of that kingdom. Its inclusion further clarifies the reference to the northern tribes.
• will possess (וְיָרְשׁוּ - v'yarshu): Third repetition, reinforcing the certainty and comprehensive nature of this restoration.
• Gilead (וְגִלְעָד - v'Gil'ad): Territory east of the Jordan River, historically settled by Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh (Num 32). This expands the scope of restoration to include land across the Jordan, demonstrating the re-gathering and expansion of Israel in all directions—south (Edom), west (Philistia), and east (Gilead) through the returning northern tribes.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then those from the Negev will possess the mountains of Esau": This phrase highlights the southward expansion of Judah. The Negev was often barren, signifying that even the most vulnerable or remote parts of Judah would be empowered by God to overtake the mighty stronghold of Edom, reversing the traditional power dynamic. This signifies complete dominion over the primary enemy.
• "and those from the Shephelah will possess the Philistine plains": This signifies Judah's westward expansion and conquering its coastal adversaries. The Shephelah, a buffer zone, becoming the launchpad for reclaiming Philistine territory underscores a total transformation of power and security for Judah.
• "And those from Ephraim and Samaria will possess Gilead": This is crucial for understanding the reunification aspect. Ephraim and Samaria represent the exiled Northern Kingdom. Their restoration and subsequent expansion into Gilead (east of Jordan) show the re-integration of all historical Israelite territories and the healing of the division between Judah and the northern tribes, reflecting a complete restoration of the ideal unified Israel. This points to a restored nation that embodies the fullness of God's covenant promises, rather than just a remnant.

Obadiah 1 19 Bonus section

The pattern of "possessing the land" by God's people in Obadiah 1:19 resonates deeply with the original commission given to Abraham and later to Israel regarding the Promised Land. The term "possess" (yarash) inherently carries the idea of inheriting what rightfully belongs to them through divine promise and displacing those who unjustly occupied it. This implies a moral and spiritual right bestowed by God, beyond mere military conquest. The re-taking of territories signifies not only a physical expansion but a spiritual reclaiming of divine sovereignty over these lands, leading to a restored state of rest and dominion that ultimately foreshadows the cosmic reign of the Lord over all the earth (Obadiah 1:21). The comprehensive scope—north, south, east, west—implies the re-gathering of all the tribes of Israel, solidifying the idea of one united nation under the divine kingship, often linked in later prophecy to the Davidic reign.

Obadiah 1 19 Commentary

Obadiah 1:19 is a vivid prophecy of comprehensive territorial restoration and expansion for the people of Israel after God's judgment on Edom. It is a striking picture of reversed fortunes. Edom, who gloated over Israel's downfall, will be utterly dispossessed, their strongholds becoming Israel's inheritance. This isn't merely land gain, but a deeply theological statement of divine justice and faithfulness. God delivers His people, judges their oppressors, and fulfills His ancient covenant promises concerning their land and heritage (Gen 15:18-21, Num 24:18-19).

The specificity of the regions (Negev, Shephelah, Mountains of Esau, Philistine plains, Ephraim, Samaria, Gilead) emphasizes the holistic nature of this restoration. It speaks to a reunified Israel, healing the ancient rift between Judah and the Northern Kingdom (Ephraim/Samaria), extending its control to historical boundaries and beyond, conquering perennial enemies on all fronts—south, west, and east. This future state signifies complete security, dominion, and prosperity under God's blessing.

While there might have been partial fulfillments post-exile (e.g., Maccabean period where some Edomite and Philistine territories were influenced by Judah), the full scope and magnitude of this prophecy suggest an ultimate, eschatological fulfillment, possibly within the context of the Messianic Kingdom. It stands as a testament to God's unfailing commitment to His covenant people, demonstrating His sovereignty over nations and His power to orchestrate perfect justice and redemption. This prophecy provides immense hope that despite suffering and displacement, God’s plan for His people ultimately triumphs, culminating in an unparalleled era of restoration and dominion.