Edom trampled upon God’s holy mountain (Obadiah 1:16). God had chosen that mountain to be his dwelling. Therefore, it was holy (Exodus 15:13, Exodus 15:17; Psalm 74:2; Isaiah 8:18). Those who intruded on Jerusalem transgressed against God himself. They defiled God’s holy city and must face the penalty of God’s offended holiness. Edom would face complete destruction as a result (Ezekiel 35:1–15), but Mount Zion will once again become holy (Obadiah 1:17), for the Lord will take up his residence there (Obadiah 1:21) and restore a purified Israel to the land (Zephaniah 3:8–20) to enjoy the promises made to the patriarchs (Ezekiel 20:39–44; Ezekiel 37:21–28). Then Jerusalem will become the centre of worship for all peoples (Isaiah 2:2–5; Isaiah 66:22–23; Micah 4:1–5; Zechariah 8:3; Zechariah 14:16–21).1
17 But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy, and the house of Jacob shall possess their own possessions.