(15)           He speaks of “the day of the Lord.”  Commonly this is the day of God’s wrath on the earth at the end.  Edom and Judah’s downfall both constitute elements in the pattern of this “great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Joel 2:31).  This phrase signals the climatic establishment of God’s rule in human history, and His judgment upon all enemies who oppose His dominion.  The judgment will fall on individuals and nations alike.  Edom will fall and be dealt with by God.

This judgment against the enemies of Israel indicates deliverance for Israel - His chosen. All previous verses are the lead-up to vs. 15.  The things that happened to Edom and Israel were not isolated incidents, but the hand of God as He prepared these nations and circumstances for a “kingdom that will never be destroyed” (Dan. 2:44).  It is a message of retaliation also.  They will be treated as they treated others.  The same actions will be brought back to Edom that they perpetrated against Israel.

(16)           Reinforces the wrath and judgment to befall Edom.  “Drink” is often used to speak of judgment.  The use of past and future tenses illustrates the things that happened to Israel will yet happen to Edom (at the time of this writing).

(17)           “Mount Zion” denotes the place of God’s rule in Jerusalem.  Because of God’s presence there, it is rendered “holy” and holiness is required of its inhabitants too.  Mount Zion becomes the source of judgment on human sin because it is equated with God’s presence and holiness (Is. 31:9; Joel 3:16; Amos 1:2).  God’s salvation comes from Mount Zion so we see both the grace and judgment aspects of God at work (Ps. 20:2; 53:6).

“Deliverance” is the escape from danger (Gen. 14:13; Jdg. 12:4-5; Ob. 14).  It is often applied to the remnant of Israel.  The preservation of God’s elect who serve Him in holiness is constantly accomplished throughout history.  There will be deliverance for Israel and they will possess their inheritance.  This possessing is usually referred to in relation to their possessing the Promised Land as their inheritance.  The Lord went ahead of them in battle causing their success and possession.  Whenever we are obedient to the Lord, He will go before us even in the presence of our enemies and cause great deliverance so we might possess the inheritance He has set aside for us. Verse 17 has a very military approach to it.  The house of Jacob is to annihilate the house of Edom.

(18)           This verse brings a vivid picture of the destruction coming upon Edom by god’s judgment.  Israel symbolized as fire and Edom as the field of stubble shows the completeness of Edom’s destruction and by whom.   There will be no deliverance for Edom.  The total destruction Edom planned against Israel will happen to them by the Israel of God (no remnant, so survivors).  The use o the house of Jacob and Joseph is an indication that previously the Lord would destroy Edom using other nations; now God’s own people would do it. 

(19-20)People of the Negev (the southern region – Judah) would eventually occupy the territory previously belonging to Edom.  The land occupied by Edom, which Obadiah prophesies would later be inhabited by Judah, was really part of the original land promised to the 12 tribes of Israel.  God is in the restoration business.  If we trn back to God and repent, He will restore what was stolen by the enemy – (Job 42:10,12; Joel 2:25-27).  Obadiah’s prophecy was proclaimed to a downtrodden Israel with heroic faith to “ the poorest people of the land,” during an era of destitution and weakness.

(21)           Mount Zion – the dwelling of the Lord – will produce deliverers and rule over the mountains of Esau.  Zion is exalted over Esau.  The Messiah (the ultimate Deliverer) may be in view here.  “The kingdom will be the Lord’s,” concludes this prophecy and the story of humanity.  See: Rev. 11:15 as this theme is echoed.  The Lord is Israel’s king from the beginning.  He never wanted it any other way and eventually it will be that way again – in the Day of the Lord.  (Ps. 74:12; Jer. 10:10; Ps. 47:2,7).  The Lord will reign again in Mount Zion (Zeph. 3:14-17) and the kingdom will be the Lord’s (1Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 11:15; 12:10; 22:1-5).