Why is Israel separated as Jacob and Joseph in Obadiah?

¹⁸ “Then the house of Jacob will be a fire
And the house of Joseph a flame;
But the house of Esau will be as stubble.
And they will set them on fire and consume them,
So that there will be no survivor of the house of Esau,”
For the LORD has spoken. (Obadiah 18)

There are many cryptic prophesies in Obadiah, and I believe this is one concerning Israel, the church, and the children not born of the promise to Abraham during the end times.

Jacob is Israel’s name before wrestling with God, so he represents Israel.

Joseph here is referencing the eleventh tribe whose forefather was sold into slavery to Egypt. But for us Joseph became the name of the supposed father of Jesus. So “the house of Joseph” is another way of saying “the church”

⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. ⁴⁵ All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. (Acts 10:44-45)

References

Obadiah 18

Romans 9:8

Genesis 32:28

Genesis 30:22-23

Genesis 37:28

Luke 3:23

Ephesians 1:22-23

Acts 10:44-45

Isaiah 63:1-6