Obadiah 1:21
The deliverers will ascend Mount Zion to rule over the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will belong to the LORD.
The deliverers will ascend Mount Zion

God will raise up appointed leaders to administer His justice and restore His people. From Zion, the place of David’s throne and the temple, God’s saving rule will go forth. The deliverance of Israel will display the Lord’s faithfulness to His covenant and His power to reverse the oppression of His people.

Neh 9:27 So You delivered them into the hands of enemies…
Isa 2:3 And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up…
Jol 2:32 And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved…

to rule over the mountains of Esau.

Edom’s rugged homeland south and east of the Dead Sea had long represented hostility toward Israel. Though descended from Esau, Jacob’s brother, Edom rejoiced over Jerusalem’s downfall and exploited Judah’s distress. God’s judgment will bring Edom’s proud strength under His rule, fulfilling His warnings against those who oppose His people.

Num 24:18-19 Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy;…
Gen 25:23 And He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb,…
Gen 27:29 May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you.…

And the kingdom will belong to the LORD.

Human powers, national pride, and ancient rivalries will not have the final word. The Lord will openly reign over all the earth, bringing judgment upon evil and establishing righteousness. Obadiah’s closing promise reaches beyond Edom’s fall to the coming kingdom of Christ, when every authority will stand subject to the Lord.

Psa 22:28 For dominion belongs to the LORD, and He rules…
Zec 14:9 On that day the LORD will become King over all the earth—…
Rev 11:15 The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Deliverers
These are the saviors or leaders who will ascend Mount Zion. In the context of Obadiah, they represent those who will bring about God's justice and restoration.

2. Mount Zion
A significant biblical location, often symbolizing God's holy presence and the center of His kingdom. It is a place of deliverance and divine rule.

3. Mountains of Esau
Refers to the territory of Edom, the descendants of Esau. In the prophetic context, it symbolizes opposition to God's people and His kingdom.

4. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is sovereign and whose kingdom will ultimately prevail.

5. The Kingdom
Represents God's ultimate rule and authority over all nations, emphasizing the eschatological hope of God's people.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty
Obadiah 1:21 emphasizes that the ultimate authority and kingdom belong to the LORD. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God's plans will prevail despite current circumstances.

Role of Deliverers
The deliverers ascending Mount Zion symbolize God's use of His people to bring about justice and restoration. Christians are called to be agents of God's kingdom, promoting His justice and righteousness.

Judgment and Restoration
The judgment of the mountains of Esau signifies God's justice against those who oppose Him. It serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning with God's purposes and the hope of restoration for His people.

Eschatological Hope
The promise that "the kingdom will belong to the LORD" points to the future hope of God's complete reign. Believers are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, anticipating the fulfillment of God's promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of deliverers in Obadiah 1:21 relate to the role of believers today in advancing God's kingdom?

2. In what ways does Mount Zion serve as a symbol of hope and divine presence throughout the Bible?

3. How can understanding the judgment of the mountains of Esau help us navigate challenges and opposition in our own spiritual journey?

4. What practical steps can we take to align our lives with the truth that "the kingdom will belong to the LORD"?

5. How do the themes of judgment and restoration in Obadiah connect with the broader account of redemption found in the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 2
This psalm speaks of God's anointed king and the establishment of His kingdom, echoing the theme of divine rule found in Obadiah.

Revelation 11:15
This verse proclaims the coming of God's kingdom, aligning with the prophetic vision of God's ultimate reign in Obadiah.

Isaiah 2:2-4
Describes the exaltation of Mount Zion and the establishment of God's rule, similar to the deliverance and judgment themes in Obadiah.
Christ as a ConquerorG. Jeans, M. A.Obadiah 1:21
Saviours and JudgesA.C. Thiselton Obadiah 1:21
The God of Our Salvation and His InstrumentsF. G. Crossman.Obadiah 1:21
The KingdomA.C. Thiselton Obadiah 1:21
The Kingdom Of GodLyman Abbott, D. D.Obadiah 1:21
The Kingdom Shall be the Lord'sJ. Monte Gibson.Obadiah 1:21
People
Benjamin, Canaanites, Esau, Jacob, Joseph, Obadiah, Teman
Places
Edom, Esau, Gilead, Jerusalem, Mount Esau, Mount Zion, Negeb, Samaria, Sepharad, Shephelah, Teman, Zarephath
Topics
Ascend, Deliverers, Esau, Govern, Judge, Judges, Kept, Kingdom, Lord's, Mount, Mountain, Mountains, Rule, Safe, Saviors, Saviours, Zion
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Obadiah 1:21

     2375   kingdom of God
     4254   mountains
     8797   persecution, attitudes

Obadiah 1:1-21

     5263   communication

Obadiah 1:17-21

     9145   Messianic age

Library
Obadiah
The book of Obadiah--shortest of all the prophetic books--is occupied, in the main, as the superscription suggests, with the fate of Edom. Her people have been humbled, the high and rocky fastnesses in which they trusted have not been able to save them. Neighbouring Arab tribes have successfully attacked them and driven them from their home (vv, 1-7).[1] This is the divine penalty for their cruel and unbrotherly treatment of the Jews after the siege of Jerusalem, vv. 10-14, 15b. Nay, a day
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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