In the context of biblical prophecies about the restoration of Israel's kingdom in the latter days, the mention of Edom holds significant symbolic representation. Edom is depicted as a collective of enemies of Jacob, united under a confederacy, as foretold in Psalm 83: "With one mind they plot together; 'Come,' they say, 'let us destroy them as a nation so that Israel’s name is remembered no more'" (Psalm 83:4,5). The echoes of this sentiment are heard in contemporary chants by some Palestinians, expressing a desire for Israel's elimination with slogans like "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."
The Modern Identification of Edom:
While the nation of Edom no longer exists, the tents of Edom are identified as the Palestinians and Southern Jordanians. These "tents" – referring to refugees or military encampments – came into existence in 1949, after the conclusion of a war. The linkage between the biblical Edom and modern-day territories such as Gaza, the West Bank, and Southern Jordan becomes evident when examining the prophecies.
the Bedouins. The Bedouins (Baudouin, Beduin, Bedawin, bed’oo-in, written also Bed- awee, Bedawi, and Ahl Bedoo) are a group of various desert dwelling families that originated in the Middle East or North Africa in approximately the years from 500BC – 700 AD and who are still active to this very day. These people can currently be found in countries such as Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine and also at the Dead Sea of Jordan, where the infamous Dead Sea Scrolls were found in the year 1946. Even though there are active communities of the Bedouins all over the world, the actual true origins of these people are a mystery.
Prophecies in Obadiah:
Obadiah's prophetic vision unveils a confederacy that mirrors the historical relationship between Edom and Israel. Within this vision, a divine judgment looms over the Mount of Esau, foretelling their utter destruction due to the violence perpetrated against Jacob's descendants. The pronouncement depicts this destruction as eternal, with shame enveloping them for their actions. The prophecy delineates the eventual deliverance on Mount Zion and the consequent possession of their rightful territories by the house of Jacob.
Specifically, Obadiah records a solemn sentence: "Every one of the Mount of Esau shall be cut off by slaughter forever, and shame shall cover them, because of their violence against Jacob." This statement emphasizes the severity of divine retribution for their historical offenses. Edom's revelry and indulgence on Yahweh's holy mountain, continuing to this day, foreshadow a shared fate for all nations, bringing about their obliteration to the point of nonexistence.
The prophecy further illuminates that upon Mount Zion, deliverance shall manifest, sanctifying the place. The house of Jacob is depicted as a force akin to fire, symbolizing its strength and potency, while the house of Joseph is likened to a flame, reinforcing its fervour and intensity. In comparison, the house of Esau is metaphorically equated to stubble, signifying their vulnerability and eventual consumption by the intense fire of Jacob and Joseph. The outcome is dire, with no remnant of the house of Esau surviving this divine judgment.
Obadiah delineates a designated time for this sequence of events to unfold. Deliverers are prophesied to arise on Mount Zion, tasked with judging the Mount of Esau. This judgment leads to the establishment of a kingdom that ultimately belongs to Yahweh, signifying divine authority and sovereignty over the events foretold.
This comprehensive prophecy in Obadiah (verses 9, 10, 16-18, 21) presents a vivid and decisive portrayal of divine retribution against the Mount of Esau for their transgressions, simultaneously heralding deliverance and possession for the house of Jacob.
Obadiah's prophetic vision unveils a confederacy that mirrors the historical relationship between Edom and Israel. Within this vision, a divine judgment looms over the Mount of Esau, foretelling their utter destruction due to the violence perpetrated against Jacob's descendants. The pronouncement depicts this destruction as eternal, with shame enveloping them for their actions. The prophecy delineates the eventual deliverance on Mount Zion and the consequent possession of their rightful territories by the house of Jacob.
Specifically, Obadiah records a solemn sentence: "Every one of the Mount of Esau shall be cut off by slaughter forever, and shame shall cover them, because of their violence against Jacob." This statement emphasizes the severity of divine retribution for their historical offenses. Edom's revelry and indulgence on Yahweh's holy mountain, continuing to this day, foreshadow a shared fate for all nations, bringing about their obliteration to the point of nonexistence.
The prophecy further illuminates that upon Mount Zion, deliverance shall manifest, sanctifying the place. The house of Jacob is depicted as a force akin to fire, symbolizing its strength and potency, while the house of Joseph is likened to a flame, reinforcing its fervour and intensity. In comparison, the house of Esau is metaphorically equated to stubble, signifying their vulnerability and eventual consumption by the intense fire of Jacob and Joseph. The outcome is dire, with no remnant of the house of Esau surviving this divine judgment.
Obadiah delineates a designated time for this sequence of events to unfold. Deliverers are prophesied to arise on Mount Zion, tasked with judging the Mount of Esau. This judgment leads to the establishment of a kingdom that ultimately belongs to Yahweh, signifying divine authority and sovereignty over the events foretold.
This comprehensive prophecy in Obadiah (verses 9, 10, 16-18, 21) presents a vivid and decisive portrayal of divine retribution against the Mount of Esau for their transgressions, simultaneously heralding deliverance and possession for the house of Jacob.
Identification of Palestinians as Edomites:
A closer examination of Obadiah 19 reveals a territorial aspect, suggesting that those controlling specific territories in the Holy Land will come to possess additional territories. The areas being retaken by Israelites are now populated by Palestinians, potentially identifying them as Edomites. The verse mentions the South possessing the mountains of Esau (southern Jordan and parts of the West Bank), the Lowland possessing Philistia (Gaza Strip), and other regions currently held by Israelis or Palestinians.
A closer examination of Obadiah 19 reveals a territorial aspect, suggesting that those controlling specific territories in the Holy Land will come to possess additional territories. The areas being retaken by Israelites are now populated by Palestinians, potentially identifying them as Edomites. The verse mentions the South possessing the mountains of Esau (southern Jordan and parts of the West Bank), the Lowland possessing Philistia (Gaza Strip), and other regions currently held by Israelis or Palestinians.
Identification of Palestinians as Edomites:
A meticulous examination of Obadiah 19 unveils a crucial territorial aspect, suggesting that those who currently control specific regions in the Holy Land will come to possess additional territories. The verses hint at a reclamation process by Israelites, targeting areas allegedly usurped by the Edomites. Intriguingly, the territories specified in this prophecy are presently inhabited by Jews, providing a contemporary twist to the ancient text.
The prophecy becomes even more compelling when viewed in its full context, where Israelites are portrayed as reclaiming territories seized by the Edomites. Remarkably, the areas earmarked for retrieval are currently populated by Jews, while the territories under contention are predominantly inhabited by Palestinians. This nuanced perspective seems to align with the identification of Palestinians as, at least to a significant extent, descendants or symbolic representatives of the biblical Edomites.
In Obadiah 19, the territorial divisions are delineated, emphasizing the correlation between the biblical narrative and the modern geopolitical landscape. The prophecy foresees the South, now held by Israelis in the Negev, taking possession of the mountains of Esau, encompassing southern Jordan and potentially extending to the area of Hebron in the southern West Bank, currently populated by Palestinians. The Lowland, identified as the Shephelah, situated between the central hill country to the east and the coastal plain to the west, is prophesied to possess Philistia. Presently, the Gaza Strip occupies most of Philistia, a territory now held by Palestinians.
Further intricacies emerge as the prophecy unfolds. The fields of Ephraim and Samaria in the northern West Bank, presently occupied by Palestinians, are envisioned to be reclaimed by Jewish inhabitants of the Shephelah. Additionally, the area around Jerusalem, held by Israelis, is prophesied to possess Gilead in northern Jordan. These detailed territorial allocations provide a vivid portrayal of the envisioned redistribution, raising intriguing questions about the contemporary parallels drawn between the biblical Edomites and the present-day Palestinian population.
Confederacy and Divine Intervention:
In Obadiah verse 7, the concept of Edom being part of a confederacy, an alliance, is evident—a scenario that may align with the prophecy in Psalm 83:1-8. Regardless, what becomes apparent is the eventual betrayal of Edom by its allies. Ironically, the Edomites remain oblivious to this impending turn of events. Their perceived wisdom and understanding, perhaps better described as cunning, fail to reveal the imminent betrayal, leading to their ultimate confounding and destruction by God, as highlighted in Obadiah 8-9 and corroborated by Jeremiah 49:7.
Proverbs 24:17 imparts a timeless wisdom: "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles." This principle resonates in Obadiah 12-14, elucidating one of the primary reasons for God's anger toward Edom. Historically, Edom has not only endorsed but actively participated in the invasions of Israel and Judah, as noted in Amos 1:11-12—a recurring pattern that seems destined to persist in the end times. Edom's role includes obstructing the escape routes of Israelites, exacerbating their devastation, and facilitating their surrender to the enemy, as outlined in Obadiah 10-11, 13-14.
End-Time Scenario and Divine Retribution:
The consequences for Edom are severe, echoing the broader divine principle that nations dealing maliciously with God's people will face retribution (verses 15-16). However, Edom's fate is portrayed as particularly dire. Obadiah prophesies that at the time of Christ's return, the land of Edom will undergo destruction. This grim outlook is underscored by verse 18, hinting that none of the physical descendants of Esau will survive at that critical juncture, aligning with Jeremiah 49:7-22.
The consequences for Edom are severe, echoing the broader divine principle that nations dealing maliciously with God's people will face retribution (verses 15-16). However, Edom's fate is portrayed as particularly dire. Obadiah prophesies that at the time of Christ's return, the land of Edom will undergo destruction. This grim outlook is underscored by verse 18, hinting that none of the physical descendants of Esau will survive at that critical juncture, aligning with Jeremiah 49:7-22.
Conclusion:
This prophecy has led many to anticipate the imminent occurrence of the war described in Psalm 83, believed by some to precede the invasion outlined in Ezekiel 38. The interconnectedness of these prophecies underscores the intricate tapestry of biblical foresight, providing a framework for understanding and interpreting unfolding events in the grand narrative of divine revelation.
This prophecy has led many to anticipate the imminent occurrence of the war described in Psalm 83, believed by some to precede the invasion outlined in Ezekiel 38. The interconnectedness of these prophecies underscores the intricate tapestry of biblical foresight, providing a framework for understanding and interpreting unfolding events in the grand narrative of divine revelation.
