Obadiah 1:19

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.

Obadiah 1:19 (KJV)

Context

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, containing one chapter of prophecy against Edom, a nation descended from Esau, Jacob’s brother. The Edomites had a long history of hostility toward Israel, and this verse comes after the announcement of Edom’s judgment.

Meaning

In Obadiah 1:19, the prophet describes a dramatic reversal. “They of the south” refers to the people of Judah in the Negev, the southern region. They will possess the mount of Esau, the hill country of Edom. “They of the plain” denotes those living in the Shephelah, the western foothills, and they will take the land of the Philistines. The verse also says they will possess the fields of Ephraim and Samaria, the northern territories of Israel, and Benjamin will possess Gilead, east of the Jordan. These specific locations show the people of God expanding in every direction, reclaiming land once held by enemies. The mention of Benjamin, the smallest tribe, underscores that no part of God’s people is excluded from the inheritance.

Biblical connections

The verse directly reverses the judgment on Edom described earlier in Obadiah, where Edom is condemned for violence against Jacob (Obadiah 1:10-14). That passage recounts how Edom stood aloof when strangers carried off Jacob’s wealth and even looted Jerusalem, so the land given to Edom now passes to Judah. The promise also connects to God’s covenant faithfulness in assigning inheritances to the nations, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:8-9, where the Most High set boundaries for the peoples according to the number of the children of Israel.

Application

This verse teaches that God is faithful to restore what His people have lost. It also warns that those who oppose God’s people will see their possessions given to others. Believers can trust that God’s justice will prevail and that He will fulfill every promise, even when circumstances seem hopeless.

Reflection

The restoration described here points to the ultimate establishment of God’s kingdom, where His people will inherit blessings in a spiritual sense. It encourages confidence in God’s sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant.