“The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord God concerning Edom; We have heard a rumor from the Lord, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle (Obadiah 1).” Obadiah's vision concerns Edom, but since God has called Esau's name Edom, this prophecy is actually testifying truths which pertain to the nation of Islam (Genesis 36:1). The first few verses of Obadiah's vision are nearly replicated in the book of Jeremiah, thus giving believers two accountings of the same vision. There are only a few, very slight, and seemingly insignificant differences within the wordings of these two nearly replicated portions of scripture, however every subtle difference works like a flag which marks something of significance towards the interpretation of the prophecy (Jeremiah 49:13-16). For instance, when Jeremiah's account testifies that an ambassador is sent among the heathen, the word "gather" is added to the prophecy. The inclusion of this word serves to suggest that this ambassador is attempting to bring all of the Islamic nation together, as one. “I have heard a rumor from the Lord, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, saying, Gather ye together, and come against her, and rise up to the battle (Jeremiah 49:14).” “They know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither understand his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor (Micah 4:12).”
To grasp what God testifying in the book of Obadiah, believers must perceive and know that in God's eyes, all of his people dwell among the heathen. “I will take you from among the heathen… and will bring you into your own land (Ezekiel 36:24).” For additional evidence concerning this truth, note that the Hebrew word which was translated into the word “heathen” was also translated into the words: people, gentiles, and nations. Verses which contain this word suggest that it pertains to everyone who does not know the Lord in truth, even persons within our assemblies of worship. That very same Hebrew word was used in the verses: “He shall bring forth judgment to the gentiles (Isaiah 42:1).” “He shall judge among the nations (Isaiah 2:4),” “He shall judge among the heathen (Psalm 110:6).” Before reviewing one final piece of evidence which suggests that the word "heathen" can apply to people within God's house, keep in mind that our God is a righteous judge, and that he will judge between heathen, and heathen. “As for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle (Ezekiel 34:17).” “Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon kingdoms that have not called upon thy name (Psalm 79:6).”
“Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised (Obadiah 2).” In Jeremiah’s nearly replicated version of this verse, the words “have made” are scribed “will make.” This barely noticeable and seemingly insignificant change of wording, reminds believers that God calls those things which are not, as though they have already been. In essence, this change of wording causes believers to perceive and know that there is coming a day in the which the counsel of these ambassadors will be turned back upon their own heads. “For, lo, I will make thee small among the heathen, and despised among men (Jeremiah 49:15).” The ambassador that is working to gather all the Islamic nation together as one, is Moab, so therefore it is important to know just who that name pertains to. The name "Moab" is a parable name in prophecy, and it pertains to a group of Islamic priests and prophets that have been dealing with the covenant message. They are, and were, offended by it, so they are keeping some of its truths a secret. They have crafted together certain counsel for the purpose of discrediting Christianity. “The calamity of Moab is near to come (Jeremiah 48:16).” Many of the leaders that are following Moab's counsel will be left to suffer affliction, because Moab has turned back from seeking to do God's will, and he is compelling all of the Islamic nation to come against God's word. Consequently, many of the Muslim leaders that endure the affliction of God's wrath, will despise Moab. “Concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him (Micah 3:5).”
“The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground (Obadiah 3)?” These reproving words incriminate Moab, because Moab's name is synonymous with pride. “We have heard the pride of Moab (Jeremiah 48:29).” But definitive proof of Moab’s identity comes from Jeremiah's account of the vision, for it links Bozrah’s name to the prophecy, saying, “I have sworn by myself, saith the Lord, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes (Jeremiah 49:13).” Bozrah is a city of Moab (Jeremiah 48:24); and in prophecy, Bozrah's name pertains to the thoughts of the ambassadors that are gathering all of the Islamic nation together as one. “Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah (Isaiah 63:1)?” “I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah (Micah 2:12).” “The Lord hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea (Isaiah 34:6).”
“Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence I will bring thee down, saith the Lord (Obadiah 4).” By comparing Moab's ego to that an exalted eagle, not only has God reproved Moab’s pride, but he also supplied evidence that Moab is very much aware of the covenant message. Jeremiah’s account of this verse suggests that Moab will lift himself up to be chief over the covenant message. Find evidence of this promotion in the words, "O thou... that holdest the height of the hill." These words are included in the verse: “Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as an eagle, I will bring thee down (Jeremiah 49:16).”
So, despite all the evidences which were published against Moab's wicked counsel, Moab has continued to act in accordance with his own will. “Prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear the word of the Lord… My hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people… because, even because they have seduced my people (Ezekiel 13:2; 13:9-10).” “They refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears… lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 7:11-12).” The Lord our God has openly confessed that he would set his hand for a second time to recover his people from the nation of Islam (Isaiah 11:11), but Moab has despised God's instructions. “The soul that doeth aught presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people, because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall be utterly cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him (Numbers 15:30-31).”
Another sobering thought which magnifies the effect of Obadiah’s vision, is that, for every truth which is prophesied against Moab, a similar truth was prophesied against the rebellious leaders of Christianity. Therefore, the reprimand of Obadiah's prophecy also pertains to every religious authority who despises God’s instructions, for they will all be made small, and despised in the eyes of God's people. God named the prideful ambassadors which are attempting to bring Christianity together as one, Assyrians. “The stout heart of the king of Assyria… for he saith… I gathered all the earth (Isaiah 10: 12-14).” As in the case of Moab, Assyrians have also despised parts of God's message, wherefore they too will be despised in the eyes of God's people (Isaiah 37:22). Most of their troubles are prophesied in verses which testify truths against Babylon; for example, Babylon is mounting up to heaven (Jeremiah 51:53). But the ultimate incriminating verse which reveals that the Assyrian's fate will be like that of Moab, is a verse which confirms that Babylon is working against the Lord, and it testifies that God has laid a snare against her: “How is the hammer of the whole earth cut asunder and broken! How is Babylon become a desolation among the nations! I have laid a snare for thee, and thou art also taken, O Babylon, and thou wast not aware: thou art found, and also caught, because thou hast striven against the Lord (Jeremiah 50:23-24).” “O priests, that despise my name… I also made you contemptible and base before all the people (Malachi 1:6; 2:9).” “I made thee a reproach to the heathen (Ezekiel 22:4).” “Behold, I will… make them like vile figs, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil (Jeremiah 29:17).” “God hath thrown down in his wrath the strong holds of the daughter of Judah; he hath brought them down to the ground: he hath polluted the kingdom and the princes thereof (Lamentations 2:2).”
“If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? If grape gathers came to thee, would they not leave some grapes (Obadiah 5)?” This verse magnifies the awesome power that God has to fulfill his word: for God's word confirms that religion, with all of its deceit, and with all of its mistaken interpretations, would be utterly, entirely, and wholly, cut off! God will not leave any of his children trapped in the lies of men, even those newly forged lies which were devised by the likes of Moab, and the Assyrian. “None of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor any of theirs (Ezekiel 7:11).” “The Lord thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed (Deuteronomy 7:20).”
Moab, even unwittingly, was blaspheming God’s name as he told lies, because he intended to keep the truths of the covenant message silent. He stood by, and watched, as Muslims rose up and murdered people of other religions, violently attacking them, and ruining their places of assembly. The power to stop these attacks was in his hands. Therefore, even though Moab may escape the affliction of God's initial pestilence, those who were seduced by his counsel will not escape, and they will be mad. “They will destroy till they have enough (Jeremiah 49:9).” Moab will witness it as his people begin to rise up and destroy their own nation, brother against brother, until he repents, and confesses the truth of God’s word. “Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them (Jeremiah 11:11).” “I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure… They shall howl, saying, How is it broken down! How hath Moab turned back with shame… Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against the Lord (Jeremiah 48:38-42).” “The ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly (Isaiah 33:7).”
“How are the things of Esau searched out! How are his hidden things sought up (Obadiah 6)?” “I have made Esau bare, I have uncovered his secret places, and he shall not be able to hide himself: his seed is spoiled, and his brethren, and his neighbors, and he is not (Jeremiah 49:10).” To fully perceive the implications of these two verses, believers must perceive and know that Esau's name in prophecy pertains to everyone that despises the truth of God's word (Genesis 25:34). In this portion of the visions, God is testifying and insinuating that Moab, as well as the Assyrian, will not escape the noisome pestilences. For when the newly revealed truths of prophecy are broadcast throughout the land, then believers who suffered the pestilences will perceive which leaders hid the truth, and they will be mad. For this reason, everyone who is hiding the truth, is commanded to confess it before that Day (Jeremiah 21:12). “Thus saith the Lord my God; Feed the flock of slaughter; Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty… and their own shepherds pity them not. For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land… but, lo, I will deliver the men every one into his neighbor’s hand, and into the hand of his king: and they shall smite the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver them (Zechariah 11:4-6).” “Moab is spoiled, and gone up out of her cities (Jeremiah 48:15).” “The spoilers are come upon all the high places (Jeremiah 12:12).”
“All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; they that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none understanding in him (Obadiah 7).” The first part of this verse confesses that Moab's followers were taken in a snare, and the last part of the verse pertains to the snare which God has crafted against Moab. Moab, as well as the Assyrian, taught their followers powerful understandings of scripture which brought them even to the border of Zion: however they withheld certain truths which were necessary for God's people to enter into the everlasting gates: truths which also would have allowed believers to escape the pestilences. Both Moab, and the Assyrian, had doubts and fears about the message and its release, and so they remained silent. The conclusion of the verse testifies that the followers of these prophets will turn against them, for Moab and the Assyrian will be blamed for all their troubles, as well as their afflictions. The word "wound" suggests that these prophets will be wounded at heart, because Moab, and the Assyrian will be persecuted, and they will be misunderstood by their own followers. "They that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none understanding in him." Their persecutions are God's snare, and the truth of the matter has been revealed unto them so that they might fear the things which are prophesied to come upon them, and turn their faces to God, seeking to do his will.
“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 8)?” This outrageous question suggests that God will not leave any Islamic leader uncertain as to whether or not the covenant message is the truth, for from the lest of the prophets, even unto last priest that ever hears the covenant message; all of them will know that it is God’s hand. For this reason every wise leader should study to know the newly revealed truths and instructions of prophecy, because Judgment Day is reserved against everyone that refuses to follow God’s instructions, or that refuses to accept the new covenant (Zechariah 12:3). “The day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon everyone that is proud and lofty, and upon everyone that is lifted up (Isaiah 2:12).” “He respects not any that are wise of heart (Job 37:24).” “Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord, and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:7).” Whosoever is shown the truth of God’s word, is shown the truth so that they might rise up and warn others. “Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth (Micah 4:13).”
“And thy mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that everyone of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter (Obadiah 9).” In prophecy, the city of “Teman” pertains to devout Islamic leaders that are strong in faith. God’s messengers will convince these leaders to hear the covenant message. “I will send a fire upon Teman, which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah (Amos 1:12).” “In that day will I make the governors of Judah like a hearth of fire among wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place (Zechariah 12:6).” Even the wise men of Teman will need to study the covenant message, or else they will be ignorant of God’s instructions.
“For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever (Obadiah 10).” In prophecy, the parable name of “Jacob” pertains to every faithful believer that was shown the truth of God’s word, regardless of whether or not they are familiar with the covenant message. God is with Jacob, and God protects Jacob: however, even believers that know the truth of God's word will need to have their end time understandings perfected. “Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the Lord: for I am with thee… I will not make a full end of thee, but will correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished (Jeremiah 46:28).” God is bringing an army against Jacob, and Jacob will be forced to suffer the army's misunderstandings. God's army is not exclusively meant for a punishment, but it is also a way for God to get Jacob's attention, for Jacob needs to receive knowledge. The fierceness of God’s army will convince Jacob to forsake his own ways, and he will turn and go in the way of the Lord. “The Lord… will punish Jacob according to his ways (Hosea 12:2).” Once again read the words of Obadiah's verse, and consider them carefully: for this verse yields evidence that the armies which came against Jacob, violently mistreated him; and this verse also yields evidence that after Jacob has been corrected, then his persecutors will be punished, as well as destroyed (Deuteronomy 30:7).
“In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them (Obadiah 11).” This verse yields evidence that some of the mighty priests and prophets of Teman participated in Jacob’s hurt, and they did it after they were fighting on behalf of the covenant message. In other words, even though they were aware of the covenant message, these leaders continued to despise and neglect God's instructions. Certain details of their offenses are listed in the next several verses of Obadiah’s prophecy. Each listed offense is also an implied instruction, which means that paying attention to this list can help believers avoid punishment, as well as wrath.
“Thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress (Obadiah 12).” This verse suggests that God is against believers that mistreat the deceived by inciting violence against them, or by boasting against them with degrading remarks, or condemnations, or even with celebratory comments. “In my adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not (Psalm 35:15).” Avoid making this mistake, for all of God's people are commanded not to strive, but they are to teach one another with kindness, and with patience (2Timothy 2:24).
“Thou shouldest not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yea, thou shouldest not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity (Obadiah 13).” God will not give the armies of heaven an inheritance from sanctuaries which already exist. The armies of heaven will be inheriting newly converted persons which were not counted among God’s people. “He hath shown his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen (Psalm 111:6).” “Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance (Psalm 2:8).” God's armies are commissioned to go forth bearing the newly revealed truths of prophecy, as well as God's new covenant. Their desire should be to educate the deceived, and to cause them to acknowledge the new covenant. If an army is going forth for any other purpose, it will not prevail. “That which he labored for shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down: according to his substance shall the restitution be, he shall not rejoice therein (Job 20:18).”
“Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress (Obadiah 14).” This portion of the prophetic message suggests that some Islamic leaders will withhold their understanding of the newly revealed truths of prophecy from their Muslim brothers. They will subtly and quietly stand by, supposing, not only to bring affliction upon Christians, but also to cause those whom they hated in times past, to violate God’s laws and be afflicted. God’s word forbids believers to abstain from warning others. If believers deliberately fail to warn others, then they become guilty of the sins of those whom they failed to warn (Ezekiel 3:18-21). “Wherefore commit ye this great evil against your souls, to cut off from you man and woman, child and suckling, out of Judah, to leave none to remain; in that ye provoke me unto wrath with the works of your hands… that ye might cut yourselves off, and that ye might be a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth (Jeremiah 44:7-8)?”
“For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head (Obadiah 15).” Whereas God's people are charged with teaching the world the prophetic message, and warning them against breaking God's laws, and this verse underscores the reason why it is so important to study God's message, and follow his instructions. The prophecy of this verse insinuates that everyone who is aware of the covenant message and its instructions, will be judged accordingly. A new instruction to keep in mind is that when God arises and pours out the affliction, God's people are to remain silent, and they are to do no boasting: be wise, and spend time considering your own mistakes. “Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord God: for the day of the Lord is at hand: for the Lord hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests. And it shall come to pass in the day of the Lord’s sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king’s children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel. In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters’ houses with violence and deceit (Zephaniah 1:7-9).” Collectively, every instruction of the covenant message is a rebuke which is purposed to cause professed believers to have respect for God’s ways, as well as to know that the day of God’s wrath is at hand.
“For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been (Obadiah 16).” In prophecy, the word "drinking" is a parable word which pertains to listening to confusing end time messages, so according to this portion of Obadiah's message, God is testifying that believers who despise the new covenant and defy his instructions, will be mislead by false prophets until they are destroyed together on Judgment Day. “The wicked is reserved to the day of destruction (Job 21:30).” So regardless of the message that believers are promoting, if they are not following God's instructions in accordance with God's word, then they will suffer God's wrath on Judgment Day. “It is abomination to fools to depart from evil (Proverbs 13:19).” “Thus saith the Lord God; I have lifted mine hand, Surely the heathen that are about you, they shall bear their shame (Ezekiel 36:7).”
“But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions (Obadiah 17).” The words "Mount Zion" are parable words, and they represent a spiritual place wherein the thoughts of God’s people are in agreement, and wherein everyone serves the Lord with one consent. “For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain at the height of Israel, saith the Lord God, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings (Ezekiel 20:40).” The words “shall possess” suggest that God will cause his people to inherit other believers that will stand together in agreement with them, and believe as they believe. So, in essence, this verse is confirming that believers who understand the truth of the covenant message will inherit the redeemed. “The Lord hath sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel (Isaiah 9:8).” “In that day, the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God (Isaiah 10:20-21).”
“And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them, and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the Lord hath spoken it (Obadiah 18).” In prophecy, the parable word “fire” refers to burning passions which are flaring up out the mouths of believers. End time "fires" are burning, because God's people have concern for God's word. But Jacob's fires often contain errors, because these believers have misunderstood prophecy. “Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled (Isaiah 50:11).” “The house of Joseph” are words which pertain to believers that went ahead of the Lord, and studied to know the truths of prophecy. Therefore the flame which comes forth from the house of Joseph, is the powerful message which erupts from Joseph's mouth as he goes forth and publishes the truths which will consume the deceived: “He burned against Jacob like a flaming fire (Lamentations 2:3).” The parable word “stubble” pertains to false teachers and persons who are basing all of their end time knowledge and understanding upon mistaken teachings, and upon the deceit of their own hearts. “As the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 5:24).”
“And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and they of the plain the Philistines (Obadiah 19).” This portion of Obadiah’s prophecy is set aside to announce God's predetermined plan to give an inheritance to all believers that put their trust in him. The blessings of these inheritances will come upon believers, if they remain faithful. The first word of inheritance is for "they of the south," and it has to do with priests and prophets which escaped the initial affliction of God’s wrath, but they either ignored, or kept quiet concerning the newly revealed truths of prophecy. These leaders will inherit Esau, or in other words, other believers that despise the covenant message. The second word of inheritance is for "they of the plain." This description has to do with the leaders that heard the covenant message, and laughed and mocked against it, until the day that God rose up and poured out the affliction. They will inherit the Philistines. In prophecy the word “Philistine” pertains to hard hearted, vengeful believers that despise the people of other religions, because Philistines were, and are, deceived by the teachings of men. “I have… delivered thee unto the will of them that hate thee, the daughters of the Philistines (Ezekiel 16:27).” “The Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred (Ezekiel 25:15).”
“And they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria (Obadiah 19).” Whereas the name “Ephraim” applies to believers which have the Holy Spirit, the opposite is true for the name, Samaria. The name “Samaria” pertains to believers that have transgressed, and have lost the Holy Spirit. “What is the transgression of Jacob? Is it not Samaria (Micah 1:5)?” Obadiah's third word of inheritance pertains to Christian priests and prophets which found out about the covenant message after they suffered the affliction of God’s correction. Their word of inheritance is a confirmation that these leaders will inherit their very own congregations. This gives great hope unto these leaders, because not only will their congregations be offended by their affliction, but they will turn against them, and they will hire new priests. “When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian (Hosea 5:13).” The armies of heaven will gather themselves together against the churches that hire false teachers, and thereby the Christian churches will stand corrected. “When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, and the troops of robbers spoileth without (Hosea 7:1).” The challenge for the afflicted priests, as well as all priests, is that, in order to receive their inheritances, they must patiently work at bringing their congregations into a proper understanding of the prophetic message.
“And Benjamin shall possess Gilead (Obadiah 19).” The interpretation of this inheritance is very deep, and it will astonish you. In prophecy, the name "Gilead" pertains to the laws which govern the very foundations of the Christian faith. These laws are highly regarded and established in the hearts and minds of Christian leaders, because they are scripture verses which have been proven to cause believers to inherit the Holy Spirit. “Thus saith the Lord unto the king’s house of Judah; thou art Gilead unto me (Jeremiah 22:6).” But even the foundational laws of Christianity will not always be effective at bringing everlasting life to all people. “Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured (Jeremiah 46:11).” “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people not recovered (Jeremiah 8:22)?” “Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity, and is polluted with blood (Hosea 6:8).” “Hear ye me… all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if you seek him, he will be found of you; but if you forsake him, he will forsake you (2Chronicles 15:2).”
In prophecy, the name “Benjamin” represents believers that boldly and unapologetically stand and promote the liberating truths which were delivered by the great apostle Paul: Paul was of the tribe of Benjamin. These priests are, by God’s design, opposed to forsaking Paul’s gracious laws of liberty, for any reason. But if these leaders are refusing to receive instruction, then they will be cast out of God's presence, and they will loose the Holy Spirit, for God’s word testifies that God will move, and do a new thing, and if they are not willing to see and know that the end time prophecies are being fulfilled, then they are guilty of iniquity, and of forsaking God's law. “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it (Isaiah 43:19)?” “For, behold, I create a new heavens and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17).” When the leaders of Benjamin receive the newly revealed truths of prophecy, and accept the punishment or their err, then they shall inherit and possess the people of Gilead. “Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up (Hosea 6:1).” “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed (Jeremiah 17:14).”
“And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath (Obadiah 20).” The “captivity of the host of the children of Israel” is a name which applies to deceived believers of every nation, whose priests refused to pay attention to the answers and truths which were necessary for their congregation to enter into the gates of the everlasting kingdom, until after the day of God's Wrath. These congregations will inherit the “Canaanites.” This parable name pertains to the unbelievers that dwell in the land, even among God’s people, for God left unbelievers in the land so that he might prove his people (Judges 3:4). Although their changes will not occur until after Judgment Day, the Canaanites are the captivity's promised inheritance. “In that day there shall be no more Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 14:21).” “He that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain (Isaiah 57:13).”
“And the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south (Obadiah 20).” The “captivity of Jerusalem” is a name which pertains to the priests and leaders whose congregations rose against them when they stood up before that day, and confessed the covenant message. The name “Sepharad” is written upon these leaders to confirm that they have already been given a new name. In other words, these leaders are already delivered from their mistakes, and they have gone ahead, and have entered into the gates of the promised land. Although these priests may not see the rejoicing of their congregation until after the day of Salvation, they will inherit their own congregations.
“And saviors shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s (Obadiah 21).” “Saviors” are spirit-led believers that understand the covenant message. This verse is testifying that God will send spirit-filled believers unto people whose initial response was to despise the covenant message. “Saviors” will come and deliver them by bringing them evidences which verify the truths of the covenant message. This is God’s way of refraining the house of Esau from making any more mistakes against him. The word "judging" has to do with sending Esau counsel which will deliver him from the pestilences, as well as form hands of his oppressors. “I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counselors as at the beginning (Isaiah 1:26).” “When the Lord raised them up judges, then the Lord was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies… for it repented the Lord because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them (Judges 2:18).”
“They have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us (Jeremiah 2:27).” “Deliver me… cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me (Psalm 71:2).” “When the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer… who delivered them (Judges 3:9).” “The Lord shall help them, and deliver them from the wicked… because they trust in him (Psalm 37:40).” “It shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God… he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation (Isaiah 25:9).” “Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations (Psalm 82:8).”
