Obadiah 1:17 - Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Bible Study & Commentary

Verse 17

"But in Mount Zion there shall be those that escape, and it shall be holy; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions."

Thompson has a beautiful comment on this, showing that the Book of Revelation develops some of the thought here, as follows:

"According to Obadiah, Mount Zion shall be `holy' (Obadiah 1:1:17) reserved for those who have escaped condemnation in the judgment; the new Jerusalem of Revelation is a morally holy city for those whose names are found in the Book of Life and who are victorious over sin (Revelation 21:7,27). Obadiah's closing words, `The kingdom shall be the Lord's,' are given a higher meaning in the triumphal chorus: `The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ' (Revelation 11:15)."[21]

"The house of Jacob shall possess their possessions ..." The house of Jacob in the technical sense would be the twelve tribes of Israel which were descendant from him', but the meaning here has no connection with the literal fleshly posterity of Jacob. What is meant is "The twelve tribes which are scattered abroad," (James 1:1), the true Israel of God which is the church of Jesus Christ.

"Possess their possessions ..." is a reference to the rich and abundant mercies and blessings lavished upon God's people of the New Covenant. There is no hint whatever in this passage of any return of literal Jews to "their land" in Palestine.

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible

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James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible

James Burton Coffman was a prolific author, preacher, teacher and leader among churches of Christ in the 20th century.He was born May 24, 1905, in Taylor County to pioneer West Texans "so far out in the country it took two days to go to town and back." He became a Christian in 1923. In Texas, Coffman graduated from Abilene High School and enrolled in Abilene Christian College (now University), graduating in 1927 with a B.A. in history and music.After earning his degree, Coffman served as a high school principal for two years in Callahan County, then taught history and English at Abilene High School.In 1930, he was offered a position as associate minister and song leader in Wichita Falls, the beginning of his career as a minister. Then, he married Thelma "Sissy" Bradford in 1931. Coffman preached for congregations in Texas; Oklahoma; Washington, D.C.; and New York City. In his lifetime, Coffman received 3 honorary doctorates.While in Washington, he was offered the opportunity to serve as guest chaplain for the U.S. Armed Forces in Japan and Korea and served 90 days, holding Gospel meetings throughout both countries.Coffman conducted hundreds of gospel meetings throughout the U.S. and, at one count, baptized more than 3,000 souls.Retiring in 1971, he returned to Houston. One of his most notable accomplishments was writing a 37-volume commentary of the entire Bible, verse by verse, which was finished in 1992. This commentary is being sold all over the world. Many people consider the Coffman series to be one of the finest modern, conservative commentary sets written.Coffman's conservative interpretations affirm the inerrancy of the Bible and clearly point readers toward Scripture as the final basis for Christian belief and practice. This series was written with the thorough care of a research scholar, yet it is easy to read. The series includes every book of the Old and New Testaments.After being married to Sissy for 64 years, she passed away. Coffman then married June Bristow Coffman. James Burton Coffman died on Friday, June 30, 2006, at the age of 101.... Show more

One of the leading authorities in the Church of Christ, Dr. Coffman presents a verse by verse look at God's Word.... Show more

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