In verse 1, if “in that day” applies to the nominal Church during the seven phases of its experience, then the phrase would also apply to the Gospel Age. However, in verse 2, the phrase “in that day” refers to the glorification of Israel at the end of the present age when the Kingdom is established in power and glory. The Jewish survivors of the Gog and Magog invasion of the Holy Land will have a wonderful experience.

For “them that are escaped of Israel,” the Revised Standard has “the survivors of Israel [in Jacob’s Trouble].” That the survivors will be very highly honored, and why they will be “beautiful and glorious” and “the fruit” most pleasant, will be shown subsequently.

As we examine the Book of Hebrews, we see more and more that it was addressed primarily to Jewish Christians. In early chapters, almost from the beginning, Paul warned how easy it is to go out of the truth by letting things slip or by forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. Now, near the end of the book, he reverted back to his concern for converted Jews and the problems in maintaining their faith and in resisting sin in others as well as in their own fallen nature. Our three enemies are categorized as the world, the flesh, and the devil.

“We [Jeremiah and Obadiah] have heard a rumour [confidential information] from the LORD.” God originated this information, and He let certain individuals know what He intended to do. Then the trusted individuals, such as Obadiah, transmitted the information to the public. Such confidential information should make us bestir ourselves to righteousness.