Obadiah 1:19

Authorized King James Version

And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and they of the plain the Philistines: and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria: and Benjamin shall possess Gilead.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְיָרְשׁוּ֙

H3423

and they shall possess

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

הַנֶּ֜גֶב

H5045

And they of the south

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַ֣ר

H2022

the mount

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

עֵשָׂ֗ו

H6215

of Esau

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

וְהַשְּׁפֵלָה֙

H8219

and they of the plain

lowland, i.e., (with the article) the maritime slope of palestine

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים

H6430

the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וְיָרְשׁוּ֙

H3423

and they shall possess

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

שְׂדֵ֣ה

H7704

and the fields

a field (as flat)

#12

אֶפְרַ֔יִם

H669

of Ephraim

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#13

וְאֵ֖ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

שְׂדֵ֣ה

H7704

and the fields

a field (as flat)

#15

שֹׁמְר֑וֹן

H8111

of Samaria

shomeron, a place in palestine

#16

וּבִנְיָמִ֖ן

H1144

and Benjamin

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#17

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#18

הַגִּלְעָֽד׃

H1568

shall possess Gilead

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

Analysis

Within the broader context of Obadiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Obadiah's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Obadiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?