Divine Restoration: The Promise of Possession
"And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath; and the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south." - Obadiah 1:20
In Obadiah 1:20, we find a powerful promise woven into the fabric of a prophetic narrative: "And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath; and the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south." This verse not only encapsulates a historical moment of restoration for Israel, but it also speaks volumes to our lives today about hope, redemption, and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
The context of Obadiah is crucial; it addresses the consequences of Edom’s betrayal of Israel during a time of national calamity. Edom’s actions during the Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem were detrimental to Israel's plight, and Obadiah’s prophecy serves as both a condemnation of Edom and a message of hope to Israel. With the mention of captivity, we see that for Israel, those years in exile were far more than a mere political situation. Captivity represents a disconnection from their identity, their faith, and their homeland.
However, the verse doesn’t end on that somber note. The promise of restoration is vividly portrayed: "the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess…" This assurance that they will regain what was lost—territory, identity, and a sense of belonging—speaks to deeper themes of spiritual possession and fulfillment. God promises His children not merely a return to their former state, but something greater: victory over their enemies and possession of the lands they once inhabited. The lands of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath, represent a renewed future where God’s people reclaim their rightful places and inherit the blessings laid out for them.
When we unpack the names within the verse, we encounter deeper layers of meaning. Zarephath, a city known for its significant role in the life of the prophet Elijah, symbolizes God’s provision. The subsequent reference to Sepharad, often identified with Spain, signifies a broader diaspora and the enduring nature of God’s people, irrespective of their geographic location. The call to “possess” indicates an active engagement in reclaiming what belongs to us as children of God. Likewise, the cities of the south refer to areas abundant with resources and blessings, revealing God’s desire for His people to thrive and not merely survive.
In our own lives, we may feel like we are experiencing a form of captivity—whether it's through circumstances, sin, disappointment, or the chaos of a world broken by conflict. The promise in Obadiah 1:20 reminds us that captivity is not the end of the story; God has a plan for us that includes restoration and possession of our destined blessings. Are there areas in your life where you feel defeated or in exile? Maybe you’ve lost hope in a situation that seems stacked against you, or perhaps you feel far from God and His promises.
Reflect on what it means for you to reclaim your identity as a child of God, called to thrive in His blessings. Consider your own “Zarephath,” the place where God provides for your needs even in the midst of trials and challenges.
As believers, we are continuously called to engage in the act of possessing our spiritual inheritance. We are co-heirs with Christ! Ephesians 1:11 tells us that in Christ, we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will. Obadiah’s words echo this truth of divine intervention—God has a future, a fulfilled promise waiting for those who will trust and step out in faith.
Let us declare today that we will no longer dwell in the shadow of our captivities but will rise up to claim the promises that God has spoken over our lives. Just as the children of Israel were encouraged to possess the cities of the south, may we too embrace our calling to take hold of the abundant life that Christ offers, walking forward in faith towards the future that lies ahead.
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Obadiah 1:20 - "And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath; and the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south."
"And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath; and the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south." - Obadiah 1:20
1 Kings 18:3 - "And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:"
Obadiah 1:4
Obadiah 1:1 - "The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle."
1 Chronicles 12:9 - "Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,"
"And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly:" - 1 Kings 18:3
1 Chronicles 27:19 - "Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:"
Obadiah 1:6 - "How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!"
1 Kings 18:16 - "So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah."
Obadiah 1:17 - "¶ But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions."
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."
Obadiah 1:2 - "Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised."
1 Chronicles 3:21 - "And the sons of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah: the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shechaniah."
Obadiah 1:4 – "Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down."
Obadiah 1:8 - "Shall I not in that day, saith the LORD, even destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau?"
Obadiah 1:4 – "Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down."
1 Chronicles 7:3 - "And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men."
Obadiah 1:10 - "¶ For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever."
"Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third," - 1 Chronicles 12:9
1 Chronicles 9:16 - "And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites."
1 Chronicles 9:44 - "And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these were the sons of Azel."
Obadiah 1:9 - "And thy mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter."
1 Chronicles 8:38 - "And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel."
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."
1 Kings 18:6 - "So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself."
Obadiah 1:4 - "Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD."
1 Kings 18:7 - "¶ And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah?"
"The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle." - Obadiah 1:1
"Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD." - Obadiah 1:4