Ezekiel 35 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Ezekiel 35

The book of Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel, who was a priest and a prophet during the Babylonian exile. He was among the Israelites who were taken captive to Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Ezekiel delivers a message from God concerning the fate of Mount Seir, the home of the Edomites, who were long-standing enemies of Israel in this chapter.

The chapter begins with God’s pronouncement of judgment against Mount Seir, a region that had a history of hostility towards the people of Judah. Ezekiel foretells the desolation and destruction that will befall this land, as God’s wrath is poured out on the Edomites for their relentless animosity towards their Israelite brethren. This judgment is in line with the prophecies found in other books, such as Obadiah, which also condemn Edom for its treachery and cruelty towards the people of God. As we delve into this chapter, God manifests His justice and righteousness in His dealings with the nations that have sought to harm His chosen people. The message of Ezekiel 35 serves as a sobering reminder that those who oppose the Lord and His people will not escape His righteous judgment, and that His ultimate purpose is to restore and redeem His people, even in the midst of their trials and tribulations.

Ezekiel 35:1-4

The verses in Ezekiel 35:1-4 speak directly about the nation of Edom. Edom was the land of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, later known as Israel. Esau had a longstanding rivalry with Jacob, and this enmity between their descendants, the Edomites and the Israelites, continued through the centuries. The Edomites were often hostile towards the Israelites and were known for their arrogance and pride. The Lord speaks through Ezekiel in these verses to pronounce judgment against Edom. The pride of Edom had blinded them from seeing their own sins and faults. They thought they were untouchable, dwelling securely in the safety of their mountainous terrain. The Edomites believed that their own strength and wisdom were enough to protect them, forgetting that it was God who had blessed and sustained them in the first place.

The message here is a timeless one. It serves as a warning against pride and arrogance, reminding us that no matter how strong or secure we may feel, it is God who ultimately holds power over all things. Proverbs 16:18 echoes this sentiment, stating that “pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Edom’s downfall came not only because of their sinful actions but also because of their pride in themselves and their belief that they were above reproach.

The judgment against Edom in Ezekiel 35 also reminds us of the consequences of harboring hatred and seeking revenge. The Edomites were not only guilty of their own sins, but they also rejoiced and gloated over the misfortunes of the Israelites. This lack of compassion and empathy led to their own downfall. “It is written in Romans 12:19, ‘Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”” This verse underscores the importance of leaving justice in the hands of the Lord and not seeking vengeance on our own. The message conveyed in Ezekiel 35:1-4 serves as a cautionary tale for all of us. It calls us to examine our own hearts, to guard against pride and arrogance, and to show mercy and compassion towards others, even those who may have wronged us. It reminds us of the ultimate sovereignty of God and the need to trust in His justice and timing.

Ezekiel 35:5-9

The passage in Ezekiel 35:5-9 paints a vivid picture of the judgment pronounced upon the land of Edom. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, the elder twin brother of Jacob. The animosity between the two brothers, which began even before their birth, continued through the generations, resulting in conflict and rivalry between their descendants. The Edomites had a long history of hostility towards the Israelites, and here in Ezekiel, God is delivering a stern rebuke to them through the prophet.

Verse 6 highlights the anger of Edom towards the Israelites. Instead of showing brotherly love and support to the Israelites, the Edomites rejoiced over their downfall. This attitude of malice and gloating over the misfortunes of others goes against the very nature of how God wants His people to treat one another. It serves as a reminder to us that as believers, we should not delight in the suffering of others but should show compassion and support.

The passage continues in verse 7 by expressing that God would make Edom desolate. This prophetic judgment reflects the consequences of the Edomites’ wicked actions. Throughout the Bible, we see that those who oppose God and mistreat His chosen people face severe repercussions. This serves as a warning to all who harbor ill intentions towards God’s people that their actions will not go unpunished.

Furthermore, verse 8 emphasizes that the mountains of Edom would be filled with the slain, indicating the severity of the judgment that would befall them. The imagery of the mountains symbolizes strength and stability, but here it is used to depict destruction and defeat. This serves as a poignant reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s justice, no matter how powerful or secure they may seem.

Finally, in verse 9, God declares that He will make Edom a perpetual desolation. This underscores the finality and permanence of the judgment that God is pronouncing upon them. It serves as a sobering reminder that the consequences of disobedience and sin are long-lasting and enduring. This message reverberates throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of obedience and righteousness in the eyes of God. Ezekiel 35:5-9 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s justice and the consequences of harboring hatred and wickedness in our hearts. The fate of Edom serves as a warning to all who choose to go against God’s will, highlighting the importance of humility, love, and obedience in our relationship with God and others.

Ezekiel 35:10-15

The prophet Ezekiel delivers a message from the Lord concerning the nation of Edom in Ezekiel 35:10-15. Identify the subject: “Let’s”

Rewritten sentence: Let’s delve deeper into the meaning of this passage by breaking it down into significant sections. “‘Because you have said, ‘These two nations and countries will be ours and we will take possession of them,’ even though I, the Lord, was there. The Lord is addressing the prideful and covetous attitude of the Edomites in this verse. Edom, descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob, had a history of rivalry and animosity with the Israelites, descended from Jacob. Here, Edom is being condemned for their desire to take possession of Israel and Judah, despite God’s presence and promises to the Israelites. This verse highlights the theme of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness to His chosen people. It serves as a reminder that no earthly nation can thwart God’s plans or possess that which belongs to God’s people.

1. “Therefore as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I will treat you in accordance with the anger and jealousy you showed in your hatred of them and I will make myself known among them when I judge you. God declares His judgment against Edom for their actions in this section. The Lord will act in accordance with Edom’s anger and jealousy towards the Israelites. This retribution is seen as a manifestation of God’s justice and vindication of His people. The Lord’s promise to make Himself known among the Israelites when He judges Edom signifies that God will demonstrate His power and faithfulness to His people by executing judgment on their enemies. This serves as a strong reminder that God is a just and righteous judge who will avenge His people in His perfect timing.

2. “Then you will know that I, the Lord, have heard all the contemptible things you have said against the mountains of Israel. You said, ‘They have been laid waste and have been given over to us to devour.’” (Ezekiel 35:12)

Here, God acknowledges the malicious words spoken by the Edomites against the land of Israel. The Edomites rejoiced in the devastation of the Israelites and viewed it as an opportunity to plunder the land. However, God, who hears and knows all things, is aware of their contempt and will address it accordingly. This verse emphasizes the significance of our words and actions before God. It serves as a warning against speaking ill of God’s people or rejoicing in their misfortunes, for God is attentive and will hold us accountable for our words and deeds. A powerful message of God’s sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness to His people is seen in reflecting on Ezekiel 35:10-15. The narrative of Edom serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, jealousy, and contempt towards God’s chosen ones. It underscores the importance of honoring God’s plans, trusting in His timing, and avoiding sinful attitudes that seek to harm others. This passage aligns with other biblical teachings that highlight God’s protection over His people (Psalm 121:7-8), the consequences of pride (Proverbs 16:18), and the importance of loving one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:39). God is always watching, and His justice will prevail in due course, ultimately serving as a reminder in Ezekiel 35.

After Ezekiel 35

The Lord’s Judgment Against Mount Seir

The Lord’s word came to me, saying, “Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir and prophesy against it. Say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, Mount Seir, and I will stretch out my hand against you and make you a desolate waste. I will turn your towns into ruins and you will know that I am the Lord.’”

Because you have had an ancient hatred and have delivered the Israelites over to the sword at the time of their calamity, the time their punishment reached its climax, therefore as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I will give you over to bloodshed and it will pursue you. Since you did not hate bloodshed, bloodshed will pursue you.

I will make Mount Seir a desolate waste and cut off from it all who come and go. I will fill your mountains with the slain; those killed by the sword will fall on your hills and in your valleys and in all your ravines. I will make you desolate forever. Your towns will not be inhabited, and you will know that I am the Lord.

(Final paragraph)

The Lord’s judgment against Mount Seir was swift and severe. He made it a desolate waste, cutting off all who came and went. The slain would fill the mountains, hills, and valleys, as the Lord’s wrath was poured out. This was a sobering reminder that the Lord is a just and righteous God, who will not tolerate those who turn against His people. We must heed this warning and ensure that our hearts remain steadfast in the Lord as we move forward, lest we too face His judgment.