Obadiah 1:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

A clear indication of God’s favor is reflected in the statement that "they that are in Nagev," referring to those residing in the southern region (as Nagev translates to south), will inherit "the mountain of Esau," which pertains to Idumea. Because of its southern position, it will be fully possessed by the people from Judah’s southern territories. Meanwhile, "those who are in the breadth of the land," indicating inhabitants of the northern plains in Judea, will inherit territories occupied by foreigners, particularly the Philistines or Palestinians. They will also possess the cities of Ephraim, Samaria, Benjamin, and Gilead—lands that once belonged to the tribes of Israel during the time of Jesus, who succeeded Moses. Given that these areas had previously fallen into desolation before Nebuchadnezzar's arrival, due to the Assyrian invasions led by kings Tulo and Salmanassar, it is declared that these lands will be reinhabited and will no longer remain wastelands, as they were in the past.

The inhabitants of the plains, identified by the locations of Lydda and Emmaus, encompassing Diospolis and Nicopolis, will possess the territories of the Philistines, including the five cities known as Gaza, Ascalon, Azotus, Akkaron, and Gath, along with all that region referred to as Sharon in the Acts of the Apostles. Others interpret that these plains, near Eleutheropolis, will be promised to extend to Rinokorura and to the sea, thus incorporating not only Eleutheropolis from the tribe of Judah but also expanding the northern limits of Judah to Ephraim, where Neapolis stands, and the lands of Samaria, where Sebastia is currently established. The territory of Benjamin, which stretches northward from Jerusalem, will include all of Arabia, previously known as Gilead, but now referred to as Gerasa.

According to the LXX translation, both the city of Ephraim, the fields of Samaria, and Gilead will be occupied by those from the south. Whether this has come to pass, only God knows; it may have seen partial fulfillment over the five centuries leading up to Christ's arrival, but it is undoubtedly being realized daily and is affirmed within the kingdom of the Church. Those in the southern regions, the true followers of Christ, His disciples who dwell in the humble and lowly places, hear His invitation to “Learn of Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29) and will inherit the mountain of Esau as well as the Philistines, representing the Gentiles due to their pretentious teachings and worldly wisdom. There will be teachers who rise from the mountains, and their disciples among the Philistines and outsiders, all guided by the authority of these instructors. They will gain not only the city of Esau and the Gentiles but also the lands of Ephraim and Samaria. Frequently mentioned in the Book of Hosea, Ephraim and Samaria symbolize the heresies that, under the guise of Christianity, fracture the Church, as those within anticipate abundance and claim adherence to the faith.

Furthermore, Benjamin, known as “the son of the right hand” and a symbol of strength where God’s temple resides, will inherit Gilead, which signifies “the transmigration of the testimony,” reflecting physical Israel, as the testimony of the Lord has traveled from him to us. According to the LXX translation, both Benjamin and Gilead will also be occupied by those arising from the south.