About Ezekiel

Ezekiel proclaimed God's judgment from Babylon, using dramatic visions and symbolic acts, while promising future restoration.

Author: EzekielWritten: c. 593-571 BCReading time: ~2 minVerses: 15
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Edom(Region)Mount Seir 1(Mountain Range)

King James Version

Ezekiel 35

15 verses with commentary

Prophecy Against Mount Seir

1

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

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The prophetic formula introduces extended prophecy against Edom (Seir), expanding the brief oracle in 25:12-14. Edom's judgment receives special attention due to their treacherous betrayal of brother Judah during Jerusalem's fall. The repetition emphasizes that God doesn't overlook betrayal, especially by those with covenantal or familial obligations.
2

Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it,

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God commands Ezekiel to 'set thy face against mount Seir' and 'prophesy against it'—active prophetic confrontation. Mountains in Scripture represent kingdoms and nations. Setting one's face signifies unwavering focus and determined opposition. This reveals that God's judgment isn't reluctant or uncertain but resolute and purposeful.
3

And say unto it, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I am against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate. most: Heb. desolation and desolation

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The declaration 'I am against thee' appears frequently in judgment oracles. It's the most terrifying statement anyone can hear—to have God as active opponent. 'I will stretch out mine hand against thee' indicates active, not passive, judgment. Complete desolation would result. When God opposes, no defense succeeds.
4

I will lay thy cities waste, and thou shalt be desolate, and thou shalt know that I am the LORD.

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God would 'lay thy cities waste' and 'thou shalt be desolate'—transformation from populated nation to uninhabited ruin. The covenant formula 'thou shalt know that I am the LORD' reveals judgment's revelatory purpose. Even Edom would ultimately acknowledge Yahweh's sovereignty through fulfilled prophecy. Historical events teach theological truths.
5

Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed the blood of the children of Israel by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time that their iniquity had an end: perpetual: or, hatred of old shed: Heb. poured out the children force: Heb. hands

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Edom's sin: 'perpetual hatred' toward Israel, shedding blood 'in the time of their calamity, in the time that their iniquity had an end.' Rather than showing mercy when Judah suffered deserved judgment, Edom exploited vulnerability. Kicking someone when they're down compounds sin. God judges not just actions but also timing and motivation.
6

Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee: sith thou hast not hated blood, even blood shall pursue thee.

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The judgment fits the crime: 'I will prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee: since thou hast not hated blood, blood shall pursue thee.' This lex talionis (law of retaliation) demonstrates proportionate justice. Those who delight in bloodshed will experience bloodshed. God's judgments are always righteous and fitting.
7

Thus will I make mount Seir most desolate, and cut off from it him that passeth out and him that returneth. most: Heb. desolation and desolation

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Mount Seir would become 'most desolate'—superlative destruction. God would 'cut off from it him that passeth out and him that returneth'—no traffic, commerce, or normal life. Total desolation serves as monument to God's judgment. Places of pride become wastelands, teaching that opposing God's purposes leads to futility.
8

And I will fill his mountains with his slain men: in thy hills, and in thy valleys, and in all thy rivers, shall they fall that are slain with the sword.

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Mountains and valleys would be filled with the slain—comprehensive death covering the landscape. This extensive bloodshed reflects the magnitude of Edom's violence toward Judah. Divine justice is proportionate: extensive violence brings extensive judgment. God doesn't overlook or minimize sin but addresses it fully.
9

I will make thee perpetual desolations, and thy cities shall not return : and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

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God would make Edom 'perpetual desolations'—permanent, not temporary, destruction. Their cities would remain uninhabited. The covenant formula 'ye shall know that I am the LORD' reveals that even annihilation serves revelatory purposes. Some judgments are terminal, not corrective, demonstrating both God's patience and His limits.
10

Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas the LORD was there: whereas: or, though the LORD was there

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Edom's additional sin: claiming 'These two nations and these two countries shall be mine' when 'the LORD was there.' They sought to possess Israel and Judah's territory despite God's presence and ownership. Attempting to seize what belongs to God compounds arrogance with blasphemy. Divine ownership trumps human ambitions.
11

Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will even do according to thine anger, and according to thine envy which thou hast used out of thy hatred against them; and I will make myself known among them, when I have judged thee.

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This verse articulates God's righteous judgment against persistent sin and rebellion. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates God's holiness and justice—He cannot overlook sin but must judge it. The passage shows both the necessity of judgment (God's character demands it) and its purpose (to vindicate His holiness, demonstrate sin's seriousness, and turn people from destruction). Understanding divine judgment helps us grasp gospel grace: Christ bore the judgment we deserved, satisfying God's justice while extending mercy to all who trust in Him (Romans 3:25-26). God's judgment isn't arbitrary or cruel but righteous response to covenant violation and moral rebellion.
12

And thou shalt know that I am the LORD, and that I have heard all thy blasphemies which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate , they are given us to consume. to consume: Heb. to devour

View commentary
This verse articulates God's righteous judgment against persistent sin and rebellion. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates God's holiness and justice—He cannot overlook sin but must judge it. The passage shows both the necessity of judgment (God's character demands it) and its purpose (to vindicate His holiness, demonstrate sin's seriousness, and turn people from destruction). Understanding divine judgment helps us grasp gospel grace: Christ bore the judgment we deserved, satisfying God's justice while extending mercy to all who trust in Him (Romans 3:25-26). God's judgment isn't arbitrary or cruel but righteous response to covenant violation and moral rebellion.
13

Thus with your mouth ye have boasted against me, and have multiplied your words against me: I have heard them. boasted: Heb. magnified

View commentary
This verse articulates God's righteous judgment against persistent sin and rebellion. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates God's holiness and justice—He cannot overlook sin but must judge it. The passage shows both the necessity of judgment (God's character demands it) and its purpose (to vindicate His holiness, demonstrate sin's seriousness, and turn people from destruction). Understanding divine judgment helps us grasp gospel grace: Christ bore the judgment we deserved, satisfying God's justice while extending mercy to all who trust in Him (Romans 3:25-26). God's judgment isn't arbitrary or cruel but righteous response to covenant violation and moral rebellion.
14

Thus saith the Lord GOD; When the whole earth rejoiceth, I will make thee desolate.

View commentary
This verse articulates God's righteous judgment against persistent sin and rebellion. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates God's holiness and justice—He cannot overlook sin but must judge it. The passage shows both the necessity of judgment (God's character demands it) and its purpose (to vindicate His holiness, demonstrate sin's seriousness, and turn people from destruction). Understanding divine judgment helps us grasp gospel grace: Christ bore the judgment we deserved, satisfying God's justice while extending mercy to all who trust in Him (Romans 3:25-26). God's judgment isn't arbitrary or cruel but righteous response to covenant violation and moral rebellion.
15

As thou didst rejoice at the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do unto thee: thou shalt be desolate, O mount Seir, and all Idumea, even all of it: and they shall know that I am the LORD.

View commentary
This verse articulates God's righteous judgment against persistent sin and rebellion. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates God's holiness and justice—He cannot overlook sin but must judge it. The passage shows both the necessity of judgment (God's character demands it) and its purpose (to vindicate His holiness, demonstrate sin's seriousness, and turn people from destruction). Understanding divine judgment helps us grasp gospel grace: Christ bore the judgment we deserved, satisfying God's justice while extending mercy to all who trust in Him (Romans 3:25-26). God's judgment isn't arbitrary or cruel but righteous response to covenant violation and moral rebellion.

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