Ezekiel 35

Judgment of Edom

1 # 35:1 Ezekiel 35 constitutes panel G1 in the chiastic structure of the book. It deals with the theme of judgment against Edom for their attacks against Israel and for their rejoicing over the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians. This chapter serves as a contrasting parallel with ch. 21 (panel G), an oracle identifying Babylon as the instrument of Yahweh’s judgment against Israel. Yahweh spoke to me, saying, 2“Son of man, set your face toward Mount Seir # 35:2 That is, the land of Edom. and prophesy against it. 3Tell the people what I, Lord Yahweh, say to them: ‘Behold! I am against you, Mount Seir! I will punish you severely. # 35:3 Or “I will stretch out my hand against you.” 4I will level your cities and make your land an empty desert. There will be no one left in your land. And then you will know that I am Yahweh. 5You have been an enemy of Israel for a very long time. # 35:5 Edom’s (Seir’s) hatred of Israel dates back to Jacob stealing his brother Esau’s birthright. The Edomites were descendants of Esau and viewed the Israelites as illegitimate usurpers who took over the land. The Edomites frequently sought revenge against Israel and hated the Israelites. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Obadiah likewise denounced Edom. Symbolically, Edom represents the old nature of Adam that must be removed, crucified with Christ, before the glories of the new covenant can be manifested. See 1 Cor. 15:44–49; Gal. 2:20. You betrayed the Israelites and gave them over to be slaughtered at the time of their calamity, the crucial moment of their final punishment. 6Therefore, as surely as I live—declares Lord Yahweh—I will let you be murdered. Murder will chase you down. Because you did not despise bloodshed, bloodshed will hunt you down!

7“ ‘I will make Mount Seir a desolate waste, and I will kill anyone who travels through it. 8I will cover its mountains with the corpses of those who die in war. Yes, the bodies of those killed in battle will lie scattered over all your hills, valleys, and ravines. 9Your entire land will lie in ruins; your towns will never be inhabited again. And then you will know that I am Yahweh.

10“ ‘You said: “Let’s take possession of these two countries, Judah and Israel. They are ours for the taking,” even though the land belongs to me, Yahweh. # 35:10 Or “even though Yahweh was there!” 11Therefore, as surely as I live—declares the Lord Yahweh—I will treat you with the same anger and jealousy as you treated them in your hatred. I will show the Israelites who I really am when I punish you severely. 12And you will know that I, Yahweh, have heard all the vile insults that you have uttered against the mountains of Israel, saying, “Look! They have been ruined and left desolate. Let’s wipe them out!” # 35:12 Or “they are given us [as food] to devour.” 13I’ve heard all your boasting, arrogant words. Your many speeches that opposed me relentlessly, I have heard them all. 14Lord Yahweh says: I will destroy you and leave your land empty as everyone applauds your downfall. 15Just as you rejoiced when the heritage of the land of Israel # 35:15 Or “the house of Israel.” had been laid waste, so I will do to you, Mount Seir. You will become an empty desert, along with all the land of Edom. And then the Israelites will know that I am Yahweh.’ ”

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Ezekiel 35: TPT

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