en_tn_condensed/oba/01/20.md

# General Information:

In verses 16-21, Yahweh speaks through Obadiah to tell the people of Judah that they will possess the land of Edom.

# The exiles of this army of the people of Israel

THe word "exiles" is a metonym for the descendants of those who had been taken into exile. These words could refer to 1) the descendants of the exiles who were taken to Assyria from the northern kingdom of Israel or 2) the descendants of the people of Judah who lived outside of Jerusalem and were taken into exile in Babylon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonym]])

# The exiles of this army of the people of Israel

Possible meanings are 1) "this army" refers to a real army. Alternate translation: "The descendants of the exiles, who are the army of the people of Israel" or 2) "this army" is a metaphor for a multitude. Alternate translation: "The descendants of the multitude of the people of Israel who were taken into exile" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# as far as Zarephath

Zarephath was a Phoenician city north of Israel on the coast of the Mediterranean between Tyre and Sidon. Alternate translation: "as far north as Zarephath" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

# The exiles of Jerusalem

This group is contrasted with either the descendants of the Israelites from the northern kingdom, or with the descendants of the people of Judah who lived outside of Jerusalem.

# Sepharad

This is the name of a place whose location is unknown. Some experts suggest it refers to the city of Sardis in the region of Lydia. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])