Ezekiel 35:1
The word of the LORD came to me:
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel 35:1
The word of the LORD came to me:
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The word "Moreover" isn't just a transition; it signals that this prophecy about Edom's judgment directly follows and complements the preceding message about Israel's restoration. This juxtaposition highlights that the fulfillment of God's promises to His people often involves dealing with those who opposed them, ensuring that the restoration isn't merely internal but also involves the reordering of the nations.
Following a prophecy about the restoration of Israel's flock and the promise of a divine shepherd, God's word comes to Ezekiel again, this time focusing on the judgment of Edom. This prophecy explains how Edom, having previously profited from Israel's downfall and harbored a deep hatred, will face destruction, setting the stage for a contrast with Israel's future restoration and prosperity.
The beginning of Ezekiel 35 is simple, yet profound: 'The word of the LORD came to me.' What does it mean when God's message breaks into our lives?
The Word of the LORD
This phrase, "The word of the LORD came to me," is a powerful marker in the Old Testament, signaling a direct divine communication. It's not just a suggestion or an idea; it's God's authoritative voice breaking into the prophet's reality. For Ezekiel, this wasn't a rare occurrence, but the very engine of his prophetic ministry.
A Direct Call
When the "word of the LORD" comes, it demands attention and action. It signifies that God is initiating a dialogue, revealing His will, His judgment, or His promises. It's a call to listen, to understand, and to proclaim what has been heard.
Setting the Stage
In Ezekiel 35, this divine message ushers in a prophecy specifically against Mount Seir, which represents Edom. This signals a shift from the previous prophecies about Israel's restoration to addressing a specific enemy and a significant historical grievance. God's Word often addresses immediate issues while also pointing to larger purposes.
Why was God so intent on bringing judgment against Edom, the descendants of Esau? Their offense wasn't just a single act, but a deep-seated animosity that had festered for generations.
The Root of Retribution
The prophecy against Edom in chapter 35 is rooted in their long-standing, bitter hatred toward Israel. This wasn't a passing disagreement; it was a 'perpetual hatred,' as the text later states.
Profiting from Pain
Edom's animosity intensified during Israel's times of distress, particularly when Jerusalem fell. Instead of showing compassion, they rejoiced over Israel's downfall and even took advantage of the situation, seeking to seize Israel's land. This act of gloating over their relatives' suffering, and attempting to claim what was no longer defended, reveals a profound lack of mercy and a spirit of vengeful cruelty.
The prophecy against Edom in Ezekiel 35 arises directly from their opportunistic and hateful actions during and after the fall of Jerusalem. Their seizure of vacated Judean territory, fueled by a long-standing animosity, positioned them as a direct obstacle to God's promised restoration of Israel.
c. 597 BC
First Deportation of Judah
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports King Jehoiachin and many prominent citizens to Babylon, marking a significant blow to Jerusalem's power and population.
c. 588-586 BC
Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem, culminating in its destruction and a further, more severe deportation of the remaining population to Babylon.
During the Babylonian Exile (c. 586-538 BC)— this verse
Edom Occupies Southern Judah
While Judah is devastated, the Edomites take advantage of the power vacuum, moving into and occupying parts of southern Judah, an act seen as hostile and opportunistic.
During the Babylonian Exile (c. 586-538 BC)
Prophecy Against Edom
Ezekiel receives prophecies specifically denouncing the Edomites for their hatred, rejoicing over Judah's downfall, and their seizure of Israelite territory.
This passage shows the contrasting blessings given to Jacob and Esau, directly setting up the ongoing tension and historical animosity between their descendants (Israel and Edom) that fuels the judgment in Ezekiel 35.
Jeremiah 49:7-12Jeremiah also prophesied against Edom, highlighting their pride and mistreatment of their kin, which echoes the reasons for judgment in Ezekiel 35 and shows a consistent prophetic voice against Edom's actions.
Obadiah 1:1-16This entire book is a prophecy against Edom, detailing their arrogance, their participation in Judah's downfall, and the judgment they will face, strongly paralleling the themes in Ezekiel 35.
Ezekiel 25:12-14This earlier prophecy in Ezekiel also addresses judgment against Edom for their 'perpetual enmity' and vengeance against Judah, setting the stage for the more detailed condemnation in chapter 35.
Luke 10:30-37The parable of the Good Samaritan highlights the bitter hatred and mistreatment of those considered 'enemies' or 'outsiders,' reflecting the deep-seated animosity that characterized the relationship between Israel and Edom.
gillEzekiel 35:1: "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me,.... After the prophecy concerning the shepherds of Israel, and the goats of the flock, and of their oppressions of the sheep and lambs, the weak of the flock; and concerning the Messiah, and the blessings of grace promised the church in the latter day; came another concerning the destruction of her enemies, under the name of Seir or Edom: saying: as follows:
barnesEzekiel 35:1: "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
In Ezekiel 35-36 we see the devastation of Edom, and the restoration of Israel. Edom was included among the nations against which Ezekiel prophesied Ezekiel 25:12-14 . But its fuller doom was reserved for this place, because Edom was one of the surrounding nations that profited at first by Judah's fall, and because it helps by way of contrast to bring out in a marked way the better future designed for Israel. Edom is the God-ha…
The word "Moreover" isn't just a transition; it signals that this prophecy about Edom's judgment directly follows and complements the preceding message about Israel's restoration. This juxtaposition highlights that the fulfillment of God's promises to His people often involves dealing with those who opposed them, ensuring that the restoration isn't merely internal but also involves the reordering of the nations.
Following a prophecy about the restoration of Israel's flock and the promise of a divine shepherd, God's word comes to Ezekiel again, this time focusing on the judgment of Edom. This prophecy explains how Edom, having previously profited from Israel's downfall and harbored a deep hatred, will face destruction, setting the stage for a contrast with Israel's future restoration and prosperity.
Following a prophecy about the restoration of Israel's flock and the promise of a divine shepherd, God's word comes to Ezekiel again, this time focusing on the judgment of Edom. This prophecy explains how Edom, having previously profited from Israel's downfall and harbored a deep hatred, will face destruction, setting the stage for a contrast with Israel's future restoration and prosperity.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Ezekiel 35:1 is available in the Sola app.
A Divine Accounting
God sees this deep-seated malice and the cruel actions that stemmed from it. The prophecy assures that this perpetual hatred will be met with perpetual desolation. God's judgment is not arbitrary; it's a response to persistent sin and a reflection of the very hatred Edom displayed.
For Ezekiel, the land of Canaan wasn't just real estate; it was a sacred space, intimately tied to God's presence and purpose. What happens when enemies covet and desecrate this sacred ground?
Jehovah's Land
In the ancient Near East, the concept of a god being tied to a specific land was common. However, for Israel, Canaan was uniquely Jehovah's land, even before they possessed it. It was the place where God chose to reveal Himself and dwell among His people.
An Outrage to the Divine
When Edom, driven by hatred and greed, set their sights on Israel's land during its desolation, they weren't just invading territory; they were intruding upon Jehovah's possession. This act was seen as an 'outrage on the majesty of Jehovah,' a direct defiance of His claim and authority over the land.
The Land Reflects God's Favor
The fertility and prosperity of the land were often seen as indicators of God's favor. Conversely, its barrenness and desolation, as described in prophetic judgments, reflected His displeasure. Edom's desire to seize this land, especially when it was a picture of God's anger, was a further insult. Their claim, 'The two nations and the two countries shall be mine, and I will possess them, although the LORD was there,' shows a deliberate disregard for God's presence and ownership.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus the Great Issues Edict
Cyrus the Great of Persia allows exiled Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, initiating the return from exile.
"The word of the LORD came to me:" — The word "Moreover" isn't just a transition; it signals that this prophecy about Edom's judgment directly follows and complements the preceding message about Israel's restoration. This juxtaposition…