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 1:19KJV
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Obadiah 1:19 (KJV)

What does Obadiah 1:19 mean?

Obadiah 1:19 describes how different groups from Israel will reclaim various territories: those from the south will take over the mountain region of Esau, people from the plain will take the land of the Philistines, and others will possess the fields of Ephraim, Samaria, and Gilead. The verse is a promise of restored land and victory over former enemies.

The prophet Obadiah is speaking to the people of Israel after a time of national disaster and loss. This verse lists specific regions—historical enemies and lost territories—to show that Israel will not only return but also expand into areas once held by others. The verse uses familiar place names to make the promise concrete and vivid for its original audience.

The Hebrew behind Obadiah 1:19

  • "south" (נֶגֶב, negev): This word refers to the southern region of Judah, often a dry, desert-like area. Its mention highlights that even the farthest or least fertile parts of Israel will play a role in reclaiming land.
  • "possess" (יָרַשׁ, yarash): This verb means to take possession of or inherit. In this context, it stresses not just temporary occupation but a lasting, rightful claim to these lands.
  • "mount" (הַר, har): Used here for "mount of Esau," this word points to the highlands of Edom, the territory of Israel’s long-time rival. The focus on mountains often signals strongholds or important regions.
  • "fields" (שָׂדֶה, sadeh): This word refers to open land or farmland, emphasizing the practical, everyday value of what will be regained—not just cities, but productive territory.

Why Obadiah 1:19 matters

  • Obadiah 1:19 clarifies that the restoration promised to Israel is not vague or symbolic; it involves specific, historical lands that had been lost or controlled by enemies.
  • The verse connects to the wider message of Obadiah, which is about justice and reversal: those who oppressed Israel (like Edom and the Philistines) will lose their power, and Israel will be restored.
  • By naming both well-known enemies and lost Israelite territories, the verse reassures the original audience that God’s promise covers all areas of loss, not just spiritual or future hopes.

Where else these words appear

“plain” Hebrew H8219 · used in 19 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:7 Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates.
  • Joshua 15:33 And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,
  • 2 Chronicles 26:10 Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.

“Esau” Hebrew H6215 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 25:25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
  • Genesis 28:6 When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan;
  • Genesis 36:12 And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau's wife.

“south” Hebrew H5045 · used in 98 verses

  • Genesis 12:9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.
  • Joshua 15:19 Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.
  • Isaiah 21:1 The burden of the desert of the sea. As whirlwinds in the south pass through; so it cometh from the desert, from a terrible land.

“Samaria” Hebrew H8111 · used in 101 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:32 For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.
  • 2 Kings 10:36 And the time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty and eight years.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:8 And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.