Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Obadiah 1:16. It’s a pretty powerful and somewhat dramatic statement about the future of the world. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Core Idea: This verse speaks about a time when the world will become filled with people who are completely consumed by sin and darkness, to the point where they’re practically unable to stop drinking – literally! It suggests a complete and irreversible loss of hope and goodness. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain…” : This refers to God’s presence – His holiness, perfection, and divine nature. Think of it like a sacred source of truth and goodness. “Drinking” here is metaphorical; it's not about physical drinking, but about being immersed in God's goodness. “[So] shall all the heathen drink continually…” : “Heathen” means people who aren’t Jewish – those who don't follow the laws and traditions of Judaism. This verse suggests that these people will become a massive, unending stream of consumption. It's not just about occasional drinking; it’s a constant, overwhelming need. “…yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down…” : This is a strong image! "Drink" represents consuming, absorbing, or being overwhelmed by something negative – like sin, evil, or despair. “Swallow down” implies a complete and irreversible absorption of that negativity. It’s as if the world becomes saturated with it. "...and they shall be as though they had not been.” : This is the most unsettling part. It's saying that these people believe they are not truly human, that they are fundamentally empty and devoid of purpose or goodness. They are so consumed by their negativity that they’ve lost any sense of morality, value, or connection to something greater than themselves. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Obadiah 1:16 paints a picture of a world collapsing under the weight of its own darkness. It suggests that humanity will eventually become morally bankrupt and spiritually empty, consumed by negativity and unable to find true meaning or purpose. It’s a warning about the dangers of sin and the importance of remaining faithful to God. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy of the end times, particularly the destruction of Israel. However, it's also seen as a reflection of humanity's struggle with temptation and the potential for spiritual decay. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Provide examples of how this verse might be applied to modern society? Discuss different interpretations of the prophecy?