Ultimate Deliverance
“But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.” Obadiah 1.17
“But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.” Obadiah 1.17
The Bible has often represented groups which have been antagonistic toward His people – whether Old Testament Israel or the New Testament Church. In this little book of Obadiah (smallest in the Old Testament), God is represented as summoning the nations against Edom. The Edomites were the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, who seemed to always seek ways to frustrate and hinder the descendants of Jacob. Beyond frustration, the Edomites would attack the helpless and oppose progress at every opportunity.
Edom was a nation known for having created a mountain fortress known as Petra. Known as the “Rose City,” it is internationally famous for its monumental rock-cut architecture carved directly into vibrant sandstone cliffs. Because of their seemingly impregnable location in the “clefts of the rocks,” the Edomites are the subject of prophecies in the books of Obadiah and Jeremiah regarding pride and judgment.
Along with their treachery, the Edomites arrogance led them to believe they were untouchable – even by God. In apposition to their beliefs, God was watching and recording their sins allowing them to pile up towards His judgment against them. Obadiah clearly announced God’s promise of preservation for His people, (Obadiah 1.17) while also proclaiming complete and total destruction of those who opposed God’s elect. (Obadiah 1.10, 16)
Many have tried to identify this prophet; however, his identity remains an enigma. While suggestions have been offered, it seems more fitting to allow him to remain ambiguous since his message spans distances far beyond what can be bottled up in a simple family feud. He speaks to the righteous and wicked of all generations. His message to those who arrogantly go their way thinking they are impregnable is that God is still on the throne and in control. The ways of the wicked are sure to fail and in the end will not even be remembered: “… they shall be as though they had not been.” (Obadiah 1.16ff)
The message to God’s elect – whether from the descendants of Jacob or from the New Testament Church – is that “… upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.” (Obadiah 1.17)
When all is said and done, our Lord rules and reigns – His kingdom is sure – and, those who follow Him will be part of those who are blessed.
“And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S.” Obadiah 1.21
“God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.” Psalm 47.8
Edom was a nation known for having created a mountain fortress known as Petra. Known as the “Rose City,” it is internationally famous for its monumental rock-cut architecture carved directly into vibrant sandstone cliffs. Because of their seemingly impregnable location in the “clefts of the rocks,” the Edomites are the subject of prophecies in the books of Obadiah and Jeremiah regarding pride and judgment.
Along with their treachery, the Edomites arrogance led them to believe they were untouchable – even by God. In apposition to their beliefs, God was watching and recording their sins allowing them to pile up towards His judgment against them. Obadiah clearly announced God’s promise of preservation for His people, (Obadiah 1.17) while also proclaiming complete and total destruction of those who opposed God’s elect. (Obadiah 1.10, 16)
Many have tried to identify this prophet; however, his identity remains an enigma. While suggestions have been offered, it seems more fitting to allow him to remain ambiguous since his message spans distances far beyond what can be bottled up in a simple family feud. He speaks to the righteous and wicked of all generations. His message to those who arrogantly go their way thinking they are impregnable is that God is still on the throne and in control. The ways of the wicked are sure to fail and in the end will not even be remembered: “… they shall be as though they had not been.” (Obadiah 1.16ff)
The message to God’s elect – whether from the descendants of Jacob or from the New Testament Church – is that “… upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.” (Obadiah 1.17)
When all is said and done, our Lord rules and reigns – His kingdom is sure – and, those who follow Him will be part of those who are blessed.
“And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S.” Obadiah 1.21
“God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.” Psalm 47.8
Copyright © 2026 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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