Ezekiel 25:12-13
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The text emphasizes that Edom acted with "revenge upon revenge," highlighting that their actions weren't just a single act of anger, but a deep-seated, relentless vendetta fueled by ancient grievances and a desire for retribution. This points to a pattern of deeply ingrained hostility rather than a response to a specific recent wrong.
“Thus says the Lord GOD: Because Edom acted revengefully against the house of Judah and has grievously offended in taking vengeance on them, therefore thus says the Lord GOD, I will stretch out my hand against Edom and cut off from it man and beast. And I will make it desolate; from Teman even to Dedan they shall fall by the sword.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Ezekiel is delivering judgment against the surrounding nations for their actions during and after Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon. This passage specifically addresses the Edomites, descendants of Esau, for their deep-seated hatred and vengeful actions against Judah, which included aiding the Babylonians and attacking fleeing Jews. God declares that their relentless pursuit of revenge, rooted in ancient sibling rivalry and recent opportunity, has brought His severe judgment upon them.
Have you ever felt a deep, simmering resentment from the past, leading to actions you later regret? Edom's story shows how old wounds can fester.
Edom's hatred of Judah wasn't new; it was a deep-seated, inherited grudge rooted in the rivalry between Jacob and Esau.
When is seeking justice not justice at all? Edom crossed a line, and God made sure to note it.
The prophecy against Edom isn't just about their historical conflict; it's a powerful statement about God's view of vengeance.
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Understand the original words
Adonai Yahweh · Hebrew Noun/Proper Noun
The title for God (Adonai Yahweh) emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, lordship, and authority over all creation and nations.
asham · Hebrew Verb
A state of moral wrong or guilt; in this context, it refers to a heinous transgression that provokes divine retribution, often involving a violation of covenant relationships.
neqamah · Hebrew Noun
Retaliation or punishment inflicted for a perceived wrong; while sometimes permitted in human law, it is reserved for God in the ultimate sense (Deuteronomy 32:35), and sinful vengeance is characterized by malicious intent rather than justice.
shemamah · Hebrew Noun
A state of being laid waste, empty, or ruined; in prophecy, it denotes the catastrophic result of divine judgment upon a nation or city, leaving it uninhabitable.
chereb · Hebrew Noun
A tool of war symbolizing violent death, execution, or divine judgment by the sword.
The deep-seated, generational hatred between Edom and Judah, rooted in ancient family rivalry and further inflamed by David's conquest and Edom's later opportunistic attacks, reaches a brutal peak during Jerusalem's fall, setting the stage for God's judgment.
c. 1000 BC
David Subjugates Edom
King David conquers the Edomites, establishing Israelite dominance over their land. This victory, though significant, sows seeds of resentment for future conflict.
c. 850 BC
Edom Rebels Against Judah
During the reign of King Joram, the Edomites successfully rebel against Judah, regaining their independence. This marks a shift in the power dynamic between the two nations.
734-732 BC
Edom Allies with Assyria Against Judah
During the Syro-Ephraimite war, Edom sides with the Assyrian Empire against Judah. They actively participate in attacks and incursions into Judean territory, driven by long-standing animosity.
588-586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army conquer Jerusalem, destroying the Temple and exiling many Judeans. The Edomites actively participate in the destruction and the pursuit of fleeing Judeans.
Post-586 BC
Edom Occupies Judean Territory
Following Jerusalem's fall, the Edomites seize and occupy parts of southern Judah, including cities like Hebron. This territorial expansion further fuels Judean hatred.
c. 160s BC
Maccabean Wars and Edomite Subjugation
During the Maccabean revolt against Greek rule, the Edomites again act as enemies of the Jews. Eventually, under John Hyrcanus, Edom is conquered and its people are forced to adopt Jewish customs.
This passage directly echoes Ezekiel's message, condemning Edom for its violence and cruelty towards Judah, highlighting their 'brutish' actions during Jerusalem's fall.
Psalm 137:7This psalm cries out for vengeance against the 'children of Edom' for their destructive role on the day Jerusalem fell, vividly illustrating the profound pain and betrayal Judah felt.
Amos 1:11Amos prophesied against Edom for relentlessly pursuing Judah and tearing them apart with violence, underscoring a long history of enmity and vengeful actions.
Numbers 20:18-20This earlier account shows Edom's hostile stance from the very beginning, refusing their kin passage through their land and threatening violence, setting a precedent for their future animosity.
Genesis 27:41This passage reveals the ancient root of Edom's bitterness – Esau's resentment over Jacob's deception to gain the birthright and blessing, a deep-seated grudge that festered through generations.
ellicottEzekiel 25:12: "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;"
(12) Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah. —The reason of Edom’s hostility to Israel is expressly said to be revenge. Descended from the elder son, they had never looked complacently on the spiritual superiority given to the descendants of the younger. They showed their hostility from the first in refusing, with a…
bensonEzekiel 25:12: "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;"
Ezekiel 25:12-14 . Because that Edom, &c. — “The Idumeans, being the posterity of Esau, bore an ancient grudge against the Jews, upon the account of their ancestor’s losing his right of primogeniture, and the subduing of Edom by David afterward, 2 Samuel 8:14 . Upon both of these accounts they took hold of all opportuni…
The text emphasizes that Edom acted with "revenge upon revenge," highlighting that their actions weren't just a single act of anger, but a deep-seated, relentless vendetta fueled by ancient grievances and a desire for retribution. This points to a pattern of deeply ingrained hostility rather than a response to a specific recent wrong.
The prophet Ezekiel is delivering judgment against the surrounding nations for their actions during and after Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon. This passage specifically addresses the Edomites, descendants of Esau, for their deep-seated hatred and vengeful actions against Judah, which included aiding the Babylonians and attacking fleeing Jews. God declares that their relentless pursuit of revenge, rooted in ancient sibling rivalry and recent opportunity, has brought His severe judgment upon them.
The prophet Ezekiel is delivering judgment against the surrounding nations for their actions during and after Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon. This passage specifically addresses the Edomites, descendants of Esau, for their deep-seated hatred and vengeful actions against Judah, which included aiding the Babylonians and attacking fleeing Jews. God declares that their relentless pursuit of revenge, rooted in ancient sibling rivalry and recent opportunity, has brought His severe judgment upon them.
"“Thus says the Lord GOD: Because Edom acted revengefully against the house of Judah and has grievously offended in taking vengeance on them, therefore thus says the Lord GOD, I will stretch out my hand against Edom and cut off from it man…" — The text emphasizes that Edom acted with "revenge upon revenge," highlighting that their actions weren't just a single act of anger, but a deep-seated, relentless vendetta fueled by ancient grievance…
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Last reviewed October 2026
