Chapter Summary
Core Passages from Ezekiel 35
Ezekiel 35:5Because you cherished perpetual enmity and gave over the people of Israel to the power of the sword at the time of their calamity, at the time of their final punishment,
This verse highlights the 'perpetual enmity' or never-ending hatred Edom had for Israel, showing that God judges the heart's long-term motives.Ezekiel 35:10“Because you said, ‘These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will take possession of them’ - although the Lord was there -
Even when the land looked empty and defeated, God was still there, making Edom's attempt to seize it an insult to God Himself.Ezekiel 35:13You magnified yourselves against me with your mouth, and multiplied your words against me; I heard it.
God explicitly states that He hears the arrogant words people speak against Him and His people, proving nothing is hidden from Him.
Historical & Cultural Context
A Prophecy Against the Mountains of Bitterness
Following the messages of hope for Israel's restoration in previous chapters, the focus shifts to the obstacles surrounding them. Mount Seir represents the nation of Edom, which had a complicated and often violent history with Israel dating back to the brothers Jacob and Esau. While Israel was being punished by Babylon, Edom did not merely watch. Instead, they actively helped the enemy and tried to grab land for themselves.
The Divine Response to Cruel Opportunism
The scene is set as a legal and divine confrontation where God 'sets His face' against the mountain. This is not merely about geography. It is about a people who chose to celebrate the downfall of their neighbors. The desolation promised to Edom is a direct response to the desolation they cheered for in Jerusalem.
The Judgment of Mount Seir
In Ezekiel 35:1-15, the prophet is commanded to speak against the region of Edom. The passage moves from a general declaration of war to specific charges of hatred and greed, ending with a promise of total desolation.
The Declaration of Desolation (Ezekiel 35:1-4)
1 The word of the Lord came to me:
2 “Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir, and prophesy against it,
3 and say to it, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, Mount Seir, and I will stretch out my hand against you, and I will make you a desolation and a waste.
4 I will lay your cities waste, and you shall become a desolation, and you shall know that I am the Lord.
Commentary:
God declares He is against Edom and will turn their land into a waste.
The History of Hatred (Ezekiel 35:5-9)
5 Because you cherished perpetual enmity and gave over the people of Israel to the power of the sword at the time of their calamity, at the time of their final punishment,
6 therefore, as I live, declares the Lord God, I will prepare you for blood, and blood shall pursue you; because you did not hate bloodshed, therefore blood shall pursue you.
7 I will make Mount Seir a waste and a desolation, and I will cut off from it all who come and go.
8 I will fill its mountains with the slain. On your hills and in your valleys and in all your ravines those slain with the sword shall fall.
9 I will make you a perpetual desolation, and your cities shall not be inhabited. Then you will know that I am the Lord.
Commentary:
Edom is judged for their long-standing hatred and for attacking Israel during their crisis.
Greed in the Presence of God (Ezekiel 35:10-13)
10 “Because you said, ‘These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will take possession of them’ - although the Lord was there -
11 therefore, as I live, declares the Lord God, I will deal with you according to the anger and envy that you showed because of your hatred against them. And I will make myself known among them, when I judge you.
12 And you shall know that I am the Lord.
13 You magnified yourselves against me with your mouth, and multiplied your words against me; I heard it.
Commentary:
Edom tried to seize Israel's land, ignoring the fact that God was still present there.
The Final Verdict (Ezekiel 35:14-15)
14 Thus says the Lord God: Because the enemy said of you, ‘Aha!’ and, ‘The ancient heights have become our possession,’
15 As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so I will deal with you; you shall be desolate, Mount Seir, and all Edom, all of it. Then they will know that I am the Lord.
Commentary:
Just as Edom rejoiced over Israel's ruin, they will face their own total desolation.
Spiritual Lessons from the Ruin of Edom
The Poison of Perpetual Enmity
This chapter warns against 'perpetual enmity,' which is a grudge that is nurtured over generations. It shows that God views long-term bitterness as a personal flaw and a sin that leads to destructive behavior and eventual judgment.
God's Unseen Presence
Even when a situation looks like a 'desolation' or a 'waste,' the text reminds us that 'the Lord was there.' This reveals that God does not abandon His people or His promises merely because things look bleak to the human eye.
The Law of Reciprocity
The phrase 'blood shall pursue you' because you 'did not hate bloodshed' illustrates a biblical principle of reaping what you sow. God ensures that the cruelty one inflicts on others eventually returns to the one who started it.
Applying Ezekiel 35 to Our Lives Today
Ezekiel 35:15 warns us against rejoicing over someone else's 'calamity.' Instead of being like the Edomites who sought to profit from Israel's pain, you are called to show compassion or, at the very least, refrain from gloating, knowing that God values how we treat the vulnerable.
According to Ezekiel 35:10, God's presence isn't dependent on how successful or 'whole' your life looks. Even in your moments of greatest loss or 'desolation,' you can take comfort in the fact that God is still present and protective of your future.
Reflecting on Ezekiel 35:5, you can ask God to show you where you are holding onto old grudges or family rivalries. Applying this means choosing to forgive and let go of the 'sword' of bitterness before it leads to actions that invite God's discipline into your own life.
God Judges Cruelty and Protects His Own
Ezekiel 35 delivers a stern message that God is not a silent observer of injustice. He hears the arrogant words spoken against His people and sees the greed that drives people to take advantage of others' misfortunes. The ultimate message is one of divine protection: because God is present with His people, any attack on them is an attack on Him, and He will eventually set all things right.
What This Means for Us Today
We are invited to trade our bitterness for God's peace and our greed for His provision. Ezekiel 35 shows us that holding onto old wounds only leads to our own desolation, while acknowledging God's presence brings security. Let us respond by being people who bring healing to 'calamities' rather than seeking to profit from them.
- Is there a 'perpetual enmity' in your life that you need to hand over to God today?
- How would your actions change if you lived every moment fully aware that 'the Lord is there'?
- Who in your life is going through a 'time of calamity' that you could support instead of ignore?
Further Reading
Immediate Context
Contrasts the bad leaders of Israel with God, the Good Shepherd, who cares for the flock Edom tried to destroy.
The flip side of the prophecy, where God promises to restore the mountains of Israel that Edom tried to claim.
Connections Across Scripture
A short book entirely dedicated to the judgment of Edom for the exact same crimes mentioned in Ezekiel 35.
The origin story of the rivalry between Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom).
A prayer remembering how the Edomites cheered for the destruction of Jerusalem's foundations.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think God personifies 'Mount Seir' instead of merely addressing the people of Edom directly?
- Ezekiel 35:10 says Edom ignored that 'the Lord was there.' In what areas of modern life do people act as if God isn't present?
- How does the concept of 'blood pursuing' someone change your perspective on the importance of seeking peace and avoiding anger?