Obadiah 1:18

The Deliverance of Israel · Obadiah 1:15–21
Read Obadiah 1

Translations

Modern
Then the house of Jacob will be a blazing fire, and the house of Joseph a burning flame; but the house of Esau will be stubble—Jacob will set it ablaze and consume it. Therefore no survivor will remain from the house of Esau.” For the LORD has spoken.
Traditional
And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the Lord hath spoken it.
Literal
And the house of Jacob will become a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau as stubble; and they will burn them and consume them, and there will not be a survivor to the house of Esau.” For YHWH has spoken.
Latin
Et erit domus Jacob ignis, et domus Joseph flamma, et domus Esau stipula: et succendentur in eis, et devorabunt eos, et non erunt reliquiæ domus Esau, quia Dominus locutus est.

Original

Hebrew
English
Then the house of Jacob will be a blazing fire, and the house of Joseph a burning flame; but the house of Esau will be stubble—Jacob will set it ablaze and consume it. Therefore no survivor will remain from the house of Esau.” For the LORD has spoken.

Notes

The idea of retribution is shown through the image of a fierce fire destroying Edom completely. Babylonian King Nabonidus burned Edomite cities in 553 BC.

The law of retribution (lex talionis) means we face the consequences of our actions. Edom's betrayal and pride would lead to her own downfall when vengeance came. Justice would deliver Israel and punish Edom (see also Jeremiah 49:7–22; Ezekiel 32:29; Malachi 1:2–5).

Theme notes and profiles

Joseph

Events

People

Esau: Isaac's firstborn son; sold birthright to Jacob; became Edom Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Joseph: Son of Jacob, ruler in Egypt

Glossary

Book of Obadiah

Topics

Esau: Mount of Edom, Called Mount of Esau Esau: Prophecies Concerning Fire: God's Enemies Fire: The Church Destroying Her Enemies Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of Blessing and Restoration The Edomites: Predictions Respecting: Exterminating Slaughter of The Edomites: Predictions Respecting: Israel an Instrument of Their Punishment The Edomites: Predictions Respecting: Israel's Occupation of Their Country Zion: Restoration of, Promised