Obadiah 1:21 Meaning Explained

Obadiah 1:21

Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD’s.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The prophecy shifts from judging Edom to a grander, divine ownership: "the kingdom shall be the LORD'S." This isn't just about earthly rulers, but a declaration that God's ultimate sovereignty will be recognized and established universally, transcending any national or political power.

What Obadiah 1:21 means

The prophet Obadiah has just delivered a fierce judgment against Edom for their cruelty towards Judah during Jerusalem's downfall. This final verse shifts the focus from judgment to ultimate restoration and divine sovereignty, looking beyond the immediate historical conflict to a future when God's reign will be fully established. It speaks of deliverers emerging from Zion who will bring justice to Edom, culminating in the universal dominion of the Lord.

Saviors Ascending to Rule

The final words of Obadiah speak of 'saviors' coming up to Mount Zion. Who are these figures, and what does their 'coming up' signify?

The Role of 'Saviors'

The word 'saviors' (Hebrew: moshiim) in this verse isn't just about a single heroic figure. It points to individuals raised up by God to deliver His people, a concept familiar from the book of Judges, where God repeatedly raised up judges as saviors.

Historical and Typological Fulfillment:*

Literal Fulfillment: Some see this fulfilled in figures like Zerubbabel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and especially the Maccabees, who acted as deliverers and rulers for Israel, even subjugating the Edomites.
Typological Fulfillment: More deeply, these historical 'saviors' point forward. They are types, or foreshadowings, of the ultimate Savior, Jesus Christ. Just as ancient judges delivered Israel from physical oppression, Christ delivers humanity from sin and spiritual bondage.
Future Fulfillment: For some interpreters, this also points to a future role for believers, perhaps in the final establishment of God's kingdom, working alongside Christ.

Ascending to Mount Zion: This 'coming up' to Mount Zion signifies more than just arrival; it implies taking a position of dignity, authority, and divine presence. Mount Zion, the dwelling place of God, becomes the center from which His justice and rule are exercised.

Divine Judgment and Universal Kingdom

The prophecy culminates in judgment on Esau and a grand declaration about the kingdom. What does this final pronouncement reveal about God's ultimate plan?

Vengeance and Incorporation

The verse declares that these saviors will 'rule' or 'judge' Mount Esau (representing Edom). This signifies divine vengeance upon those who oppressed God's people. However, the 'judgment' here isn't solely punitive; it also implies bringing under rightful authority.

Understand the original words

Original language

Saviorsמוֹשִׁיעִים

mōšîʿîm · Hebrew Noun

Refers to those whom God raises up to deliver, rescue, or liberate His people from oppression or judgment. In a broader theological context, this anticipates the ultimate work of salvation through the Messiah.

Mount Zionצִיּוֹן

ṣiyyōn · Hebrew Noun

The mountain in Jerusalem where the Temple stood, symbolic of God’s dwelling place, His holiness, and the seat of His covenant kingdom among His people. It represents the center of God's rule and refuge.

ruleשָׁפַט

šāpaṭ · Hebrew Verb

To exercise authority, govern, or judge. In a biblical context, it involves administering justice, maintaining order, and executing the will of a superior power, ultimately reflecting God's sovereignty.

Mount Esauעֵשָׂו

ʿēśāw · Hebrew Proper Noun

Historical context

Written: Likely written during the Babylonian exile, around the 6th century BC, though some scholars suggest an earlier date.
Author: Obadiah, traditionally understood as the prophet Obadiah, though specific details about his life are scarce.
Location: The prophecy is set in Jerusalem (Mount Zion) and concerns judgment against Edom (Mount Esau). It was likely written from Judah.
Genre: Prophecy, characterized by its strong pronouncements of judgment and eschatological hope.

Historical background

This prophecy looks beyond the immediate historical deliverances of Israel, like the Maccabean revolt, to the ultimate reign of God through His Messiah, a kingdom that transcends national boundaries and encompasses all of history.

c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar II destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling many Judeans. This event marks a profound crisis for the people of God and sets the stage for prophecies of restoration and future judgment.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus' Decree and Jewish Return
King Cyrus of Persia issues a decree allowing the exiled Judeans to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple. This marks the beginning of the post-exilic period and a partial restoration of the Davidic kingdom.
c. 515 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed and dedicated. While a significant achievement, it lacks the glory of Solomon's Temple and is built during a time of foreign rule.
c. 445-433 BC
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah leads the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, a crucial step in re-establishing the city's security and the people's hope amidst ongoing political challenges.

Key themes

01Divine sovereign rule
02Judgment on enemies
03Restoration and salvation

Cross-references

Jeremiah 31:7

This passage speaks of Jacob being restored and prospering, echoing Obadiah's theme of restoration and God's ultimate kingdom prevailing over enemies.

Ezekiel 35:15

This verse directly addresses Mount Seir (representing Edom), mirroring Obadiah's focus on God's judgment against Esau and the vindication of His people.

Daniel 2:44

This speaks of a kingdom set up by God that will never be destroyed, directly correlating with Obadiah's declaration that 'the kingdom shall be the LORD’s.'

Luke 1:33

This prophecy about Jesus' eternal reign directly echoes the climax of Obadiah, highlighting the everlasting nature of God's kingdom which will encompass all nations.

Revelation 11:15

This passage proclaims that 'the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,' providing a New Testament fulfillment to Obadiah's final prophetic statement.

Scholarly commentary

Obadiah 1:21: "And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S."

And saviors shall ascend on Mount Zion - The body should not be without its head; saviours there should be, and those, successively. The title was familiar to them of old Judges 3:9 , Judges 3:15 . "The children of Israel cried unto the Lord, Who raised them up a savior, and he saved them. And the Lord gave unto Israel a savior" 2 Kings 13:5 , in the time of Jehoahaz. Nehemi…
barnes

Obadiah 1:21: "And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S."

And saviours shall come up - Certain persons whom God may choose to be deliverers of his people; such as Zerubbabel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Maccabees. Some think these saviours, מושיעים moshiim, mean the apostles of our Lord. Several MSS. have מושעים mushaim, the preserved; those that are saved, i.e., they who were delivered from the captivity; and those of Mount Zion sha…
clarke

Frequently asked questions

What does Obadiah 1:21 mean?

Explain the meaning of Obadiah 1:21

What is the context of Obadiah 1:21?

Study this verse in Sola

Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.

Open in Sola app Get the app

Ask a follow-up

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does "Saviors" mean in the original Hebrew?”
“Why did Obadiah, traditionally understood as the prophet Obadiah, though specific details about his life are scarce. write Obadiah 1:21?”
“How does divine sovereign rule show up in Obadiah 1:21?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about Obadiah 1:21 is available in the Sola app.

This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.

What Obadiah 1:21 means

Original language

Saviorsמוֹשִׁיעִים

mōšîʿîm · Hebrew Noun

Mount Zionצִיּוֹן

ṣiyyōn · Hebrew Noun

ruleשָׁפַט

šāpaṭ · Hebrew Verb

Mount Esauעֵשָׂו

ʿēśāw · Hebrew Proper Noun

Historical context

Written: Likely written during the Babylonian exile, around the 6th century BC, though some scholars suggest an earlier date.
Author: Obadiah, traditionally understood as the prophet Obadiah, though specific details about his life are scarce.
Location: The prophecy is set in Jerusalem (Mount Zion) and concerns judgment against Edom (Mount Esau). It was likely written from Judah.
Genre: Prophecy, characterized by its strong pronouncements of judgment and eschatological hope.

Historical background

c. 586 BC

Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple

The Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar II destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling many Judeans. This event marks a profound crisis for the people of God and sets the stage for prophecies of restoration and future judgment.

c. 538 BC

Cyrus' Decree and Jewish Return

King Cyrus of Persia issues a decree allowing the exiled Judeans to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple. This marks the beginning of the post-exilic period and a partial restoration of the Davidic kingdom.

c. 515 BC

Rebuilding of the Second Temple

The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed and dedicated. While a significant achievement, it lacks the glory of Solomon's Temple and is built during a time of foreign rule.

c. 445-433 BC

Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls

Nehemiah leads the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, a crucial step in re-establishing the city's security and the people's hope amidst ongoing political challenges.