Obadiah 1:21

Analysis & Commentary

And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S. Obadiah's prophecy concludes with a glorious vision of God's ultimate triumph. "Saviours shall come up on mount Zion" (וְעָלוּ מוֹשִׁעִים בְּהַר צִיּוֹן, ve'alu moshi'im behar tziyon) uses the plural "saviours" or "deliverers" (מוֹשִׁעִים, moshi'im)—from the same root as Joshua/Jesus (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, Yehoshua, "Yahweh saves"). These saviors come from Zion, God's chosen place, to execute His justice.

Their mission: "to judge the mount of Esau" (לִשְׁפֹּט אֶת־הַר עֵשָׂו, lishpot et-har esav). The verb שָׁפַט (shafat) means both to judge and to rule—they will bring justice upon Edom (mount of Esau) and establish righteous governance. This fulfills the lex talionis principle stated earlier (v. 15)—as Edom did, so shall be done to them.

The climax: "and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S" (וְהָיְתָה לַיהוָה הַמְּלוּכָה, vehayetah l'YHWH hammelukhah). This is Obadiah's ultimate point—not merely Edom's punishment or Israel's restoration, but the establishment of God's universal reign. All rebellion will be subdued, all enemies defeated, and God will rule as sovereign King over all creation.

This verse anticipates the entire biblical storyline's consummation. The "saviours" find partial fulfillment in judges and kings who delivered Israel (Judges 3:9, 15; Nehemiah 9:27), but the ultimate Savior is Jesus Christ—the name itself means "Yahweh saves." He came from Zion (Isaiah 59:20, Romans 11:26), executes judgment on all evil (John 5:22, Acts 17:31, Revelation 19:11-16), and establishes God's eternal kingdom. Believers share in this judging role (1 Corinthians 6:2-3, Revelation 20:4). The book of Revelation repeatedly declares the theme of Obadiah 21: "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 11:15).

Historical Context

For Obadiah's original audience, this promise addressed their desperate situation. Edom had betrayed them, Babylon had destroyed their city, exile had scattered their people, and God's covenant promises seemed nullified. Where was God's kingdom? How could Yahweh be King when His people were defeated and His temple destroyed?

God's answer: History isn't finished. Saviors will arise from Zion to execute judgment on Edom and establish God's rule. This began fulfillment when post-exilic leaders like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah restored Israel. It continued as Edom declined and eventually disappeared. But the full answer awaited the Messiah.

Jesus came proclaiming "the kingdom of God is at hand" (Mark 1:15). He demonstrated kingdom authority over sickness, demons, nature, and death. His death and resurrection defeated Satan, sin, and death—securing God's ultimate victory. His ascension established His reign at God's right hand (Ephesians 1:20-23). His return will consummate the kingdom when every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Then, finally and fully, "the kingdom shall be the LORD'S." This is the Christian hope—not merely personal salvation but cosmic restoration under God's righteous, gracious reign through Christ. Come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20).

Questions for Reflection

• How does the promise that 'the kingdom shall be the LORD'S' shape your understanding of history's direction and ultimate purpose?
• In what ways does Jesus Christ fulfill the role of the ultimate Savior who comes from Zion to judge and establish God's kingdom?
• How should the certainty of God's coming universal reign affect your response to present injustice, evil, and rebellion against God?
• What does it mean that believers will participate in Christ's judging and reigning work (1 Corinthians 6:2-3)?
• How does this final verse of Obadiah bring comfort to those suffering under oppression or injustice, knowing that God will ultimately triumph?