Translations
Original
Notes
in Sepharad: This likely refers to a group of Jewish exiles in Asia Minor. They would return to the Negev. The scene matches some real events but also looks forward to the end times.
God's people in the Negev, the foothills of Judah, and Benjamin (three regions of Judah) would take over their neighbors' territories (Edom, the Philistine plains, Gilead). Restored Israel would regain Ephraim and Samaria (territory lost from 722 to 721 BC to Assyria) and expand its borders to the lands promised during the conquest (the Philistine plains, the land of Gilead, the Phoenician coast). See also Ezekiel 47:13–23.
History moves toward a day when the Lord will rule over the whole world as his kingdom. This message gives hope to God’s people and warns the nations that ignore him.
Events
- Prophecies of Obadiahc. 585 BC
People
Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes
Places
Canaan: Ancient region; descendants of Ham; promised to Abraham's descendants Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions Negeb: The southern region of Israel, a semi-arid area Sepharad: City in Asia Minor; destination of exiled Jews Zarephath: A Phoenician city where Elijah stayed with a widow
Glossary
Topics
Esau: Mount of Edom, Called Mount of Esau Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of Blessing and Restoration Sepharad: An Unknown Place, to Which the Inhabitants of Jerusalem Were Exiled Zion: Restoration of, Promised