Obadiah 1:18

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָה֩

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְבֵ֣ית

H1004

And the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יַעֲקֹ֨ב

H3290

of Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

אֵ֜שׁ

H784

shall be a fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

לְבֵ֣ית

H1004

And the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יוֹסֵ֣ף

H3130

of Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

לֶהָבָ֗ה

H3852

a flame

flame

לְבֵ֣ית

H1004

And the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

עֵשָׂ֔ו

H6215

of Esau

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

#10

לְקַ֔שׁ

H7179

for stubble

straw (as dry)

#11

וְדָלְק֥וּ

H1814

and they shall kindle

to flame (literally or figuratively)

#12

בָהֶ֖ם

#13

וַאֲכָל֑וּם

H398

in them and devour

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#14

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

יִֽהְיֶ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#16

שָׂרִיד֙

H8300

them and there shall not be any remaining

a survivor

#17

לְבֵ֣ית

H1004

And the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#18

עֵשָׂ֔ו

H6215

of Esau

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

#19

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#20

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

for the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#21

דִּבֵּֽר׃

H1696

hath spoken

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Obadiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Obadiah chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?