Obadiah 17–21 (NASB 1995)
In a world increasingly confused about identity, allegiance, and authority, Scripture forces a far more foundational question: Where does true citizenship lie, and who is truly King? The book of Obadiah, though the shortest of the Minor Prophets, ends by lifting our eyes above every earthly kingdom and fixing them on an unshakable truth: “The kingdom will be the LORD’s” (Obad. 21).
Obadiah has taken us on a sobering journey. It began with the pride of Edom, moved through the certainty of divine judgment, and warned of the coming Day of the Lord. Yet the book does not conclude with destruction. It ends with hope. Judgment is never God’s final word for His people. Instead, the prophecy culminates in deliverance, restoration, and ultimate triumph under the reign of the Messiah.
The Promise of Deliverance (Obadiah 17)
“But on Mount Zion there will be those who escape,
And it will be holy;
And the house of Jacob will possess their possessions.” (Obad. 17, NASB 1995)
That opening word, “But,” is one of the most powerful gospel words in Scripture. Edom falls, but Zion rises. Judgment comes, but deliverance follows. God always preserves a remnant for Himself.
Mount Zion represents more than geography. It points to the presence of God among His people. In the New Testament, that hope finds fulfillment in Christ Himself who is the greater temple. Jesus declared, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). What was broken would be restored, not through human strength, but through divine intervention.
The phrase “those who escape” emphasizes that deliverance is God’s work, not human achievement. Joel echoes this same promise: “Whoever calls on the name of the LORD will be delivered” (Joel 2:32). God rescues His people and sets them apart and we note the phrase “it will be holy.” In sharp contrast to Edom’s unholy pride, God preserves a holy people for His name.
Deliverance also leads to restoration. “The house of Jacob will possess their possessions.” What the enemy sought to steal, God restores. Identity, purpose, and worship are renewed when God delivers His people.
Application: God’s deliverance always leads to restored identity, renewed purpose, and rightful worship.
The Restoration of God’s People (Obadiah 18–20)
Obadiah now widens the lens to show the depth and breadth of God’s restorative work. Restoration is not partial; it is complete.
First, restoration includes purification. “The house of Jacob will be a fire… but the house of Esau will be as stubble” (v. 18). Fire imagery throughout Scripture reflects both judgment and refinement. God purifies His people while removing all opposition to His purposes. Divine justice is not arbitrary; it is cleansing and redemptive.
Second, restoration includes repossession. The territories listed in verses 19–20 recall God’s covenant promises in Genesis 15:18–21. What was lost is reclaimed. God keeps His promises fully and finally.
Yet this restoration points beyond geography. The physical regathering of Israel foreshadows a greater reality, the restoration accomplished through Christ. When the disciples asked Jesus about restoring the kingdom to Israel, He redirected their focus: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses…” (Acts 1:6–8). The church does not advance by claiming territory, but by proclaiming the gospel.
Application: The church today experiences restoration and revitalization not through territory, but through gospel advance, unity in Christ, and hope in His return.
The Triumph of God’s Kingdom (Obadiah 21)
“The deliverers will ascend Mount Zion
To judge the mountain of Esau,
And the kingdom will be the LORD’s.” (Obad. 21)
Edom’s kingdom disappears from history. Every human empire eventually collapses. Scripture affirms this truth repeatedly: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Rev. 11:15).
Ultimately, this verse points to Jesus Christ. He is the One who ascends the mountain. He is the righteous King who judges justly and reigns eternally. Where earthly leadership fails, Christ fulfills perfectly.
Obadiah does not end with Edom. It ends with Jesus.
Living as Citizens of the Coming Kingdom
Because the kingdom belongs to the Lord, life must be lived differently.
- Hope: God’s kingdom is certain, even when the world feels unstable.
- Holiness: Those delivered by God are set apart for God.
- Faithfulness: Believers live as ambassadors of Christ’s kingdom (2 Cor. 5:20).
- Mission: Others are invited into a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Heb. 12:28–29).
One truth remains unchanging, unchallenged, and unshakable:
The Kingdom shall be the Lord’s.