Obadiah 1:16
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 1:16 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Obadiah in the Bible holds both a warning and a promise. The prophet Obadiah speaks of the judgment that will come upon the heathen nations who have oppressed God's chosen people, Israel. The imagery of drinking upon God's holy mountain symbolizes the arrogance and pride of the oppressors who have defied the Lord and mistreated His people. The consequent judgment is described as the heathen drinking continually, swallowing down their punishment until they are wiped out and forgotten. This verse serves as a reminder of God's justice and the consequences that await those who go against His will. It also emphasizes the ultimate triumph of His righteousness and the restoration of His people. For those who trust in God and follow His ways, this verse offers hope that injustice and oppression will not prevail in the end.
Theological Overview
This verse from the book of Obadiah speaks of the consequences that will befall the nations that have mistreated God's people. The mention of drinking on God's holy mountain symbolizes indulging in arrogance and sin, resulting in the downfall of those who oppress the righteous. The word 'drink' is used metaphorically to represent the actions and attitudes of the oppressors. The repetitive nature of the phrase "they shall drink, and they shall swallow down" emphasizes the certainty and severity of the judgment that will be handed down to those who harm God's chosen people. The final part of the verse, "and they shall be as though they had not been," suggests complete annihilation and oblivion for those who go against God's will. This verse serves as a reminder of God's justice and ultimate triumph over evil, offering comfort and hope to those who put their trust in Him.
Obadiah 1:16 in other translations
American Standard Version
For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the nations drink continually; yea, they shall drink, and swallow down, and shall be as though they had not been.
World English Bible
For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so will all the nations drink continually. Yes, they will drink, swallow down, and will be as though they had not been.
Douay-Rheims
For as you have drunk upon my holy mountain, so all nations shall drink continually: and they shall drink, and sup up, and they shall be as though they were not.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For as yee haue drunke vpon mine holy Mountaine, so shall all the heathen drinke continually: yea, they shall drinke and swallow vp, and they shalbe as though they had not bene.