Ezekiel 35
Prophecy Against Mount Seir This section contains a prophecy against Mount Seir, which represents the land of Edom. God commands Ezekiel to set his face against Mount Seir and prophesy against it. The prophecy shows that God will judge Edom for its hostility and violence against Israel. The message is that God is just and will punish those who harm His people. This prophecy follows promises of blessing for Israel and focuses on the destruction of their enemies.v. 1: The word of the Lord comes to Ezekiel, instructing him to set his face against Mount Seir and prophesy against it. Mount Seir is the territory of Edom, Israel’s long-standing enemy. God’s message is directed specifically to this region, showing that He sees and remembers the actions of nations against His people (Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it, Ezekiel 35:1-2 a). v. 2: God tells Ezekiel to announce His opposition to Mount Seir. The Lord declares, “Behold, O mount Seir, I am against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate” (Ezekiel 35:3 b). This shows that when God is against a nation, its fate is sealed. God’s hand of judgment will bring total desolation. v. 3: God promises to lay waste the cities of Mount Seir and make the land a ruin. The people of Edom will know that He is the Lord. This judgment is not just for punishment, but also so that all will recognize God’s justice and power (And I will lay thy cities waste, and thou shalt be desolate, and thou shalt know that I am the Lord, Ezekiel 35:4 c). v. 4–5: The reason for this judgment is Edom’s ancient hatred and violence against Israel. Edom took advantage of Israel’s troubles and attacked them when they were vulnerable. God says that because Edom shed the blood of the Israelites, He will punish them accordingly (Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed the blood of the children of Israel by the force of the sword, Ezekiel 35:5 d). – v. 6–9: God declares that bloodshed will pursue Edom. The land will become a perpetual desolation, and its cities will not be rebuilt. This punishment is fitting for the violence Edom committed. God’s judgment will be so complete that the land will remain empty and ruined, even when other devastated nations recover (Ezekiel 35:6-9 e). – – – Judgment on Edom's Arrogance and Hostility: This section continues God’s message against Mount Seir (Edom). It focuses on Edom’s pride and its claim to the land of Israel and Judah. Edom thought they could possess Israel’s lands when God’s people were exiled. But God sees their arrogance and assures them that He will judge them for this. The section emphasizes that God is always present and will not overlook injustice or prideful claims against His people.v. 10–15: Edom claimed the lands of Israel and Judah as their own when Israel was in exile, thinking that God was not watching. But God says He was present and will judge Edom for their arrogance and joy over Israel’s downfall. As Edom rejoiced at Israel’s ruin, so God will make Edom a ruin. The people of Edom and all nations will know that He is the Lord (Ezekiel 35:10-15 f). This passage shows that God does not tolerate arrogance or the exploitation of His people’s suffering. Edom’s destruction is both a warning to those who oppose God’s people and a reassurance to Israel that God is just and watches over His own.v. 10: Edom said, “These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess them,” referring to Israel and Judah. Edom believed they could take over the land while God’s people were suffering. But they forgot that God was there and saw everything. God reminds them that He is always present, even when His people are weak or scattered. He will not ignore Edom’s arrogant plans (Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas the Lord was there,. This verse highlights the danger of pride and the reality of God’s constant presence, even in times of apparent weakness or judgment for His people. v. 11: Because of Edom’s anger, envy, and hatred against Israel, God promises to act. He will punish Edom for its actions and for trying to take what belongs to God’s people. God will show Himself holy by judging Edom, and they will realize that He is the Lord . v. 12: God says that He has heard all the blasphemies Edom spoke against the mountains of Israel. Edom said Israel was destroyed and given to them to devour. But God says He hears every word, and He will hold Edom accountable for their arrogance . v. 13–15: Edom’s boasting and hatred will bring judgment upon themselves. As Edom rejoiced at the downfall of Israel, so God will make Edom a ruin and cause them to suffer shame. The land will become desolate, and all nations will know that God is the Lord. God’s justice ensures that those who take advantage of others’ suffering will themselves face consequences (Ezekiel 35:13-15 g).In summary, God sees and judges pride and injustice. Edom’s attempt to take Israel’s land while God’s people were in distress showed their arrogance. But God is always present and will defend His people, punishing those who oppose and harm them. This is a reminder that God’s eyes are always watching, and He will act against those who exalt themselves against His will and His people.
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