Ezekiel 35:15
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's really striking here is the echo of Edom's cruel gloating over Israel's ruin being turned back on them: "As you rejoiced... so I will deal with you." This isn't just about punishment; it's about God mirroring their own delight in destruction, showing them the devastating impact of their own malicious joy.
This verse comes at the climax of God's judgment against Edom for their gloating and active participation in Israel's destruction. Ezekiel has just detailed Edom's cruel taunts and desire to seize Israel's land for themselves. Now, God declares that Edom's own land will be made desolate as a direct consequence of their wicked joy over his people's suffering.
Have you ever felt like someone's glee at your misfortune was almost worse than the misfortune itself? Ezekiel shows us that God notices such attitudes.
Ezekiel 35:15 lays out a principle of divine justice that echoes throughout Scripture: God's judgment often mirrors the actions and attitudes of those who face it. Edom rejoiced in Israel's desolation, finding pleasure in their suffering and the emptiness of their inheritance.
The Mirror of Judgment
God declares, "As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so I will deal with you." This isn't a mere tit-for-tat; it's a profound statement about God's justice reflecting the character of the offense. Edom's delight in desolation would be met with their own desolation. Their sin was not just an act of violence, but an attitude of cruel satisfaction.
This principle is often called the law of reciprocity or a form of the Golden Rule in reverse. What you sow, you shall also reap. God’s response is designed not only to punish but to demonstrate the consequences of a heart that delights in the downfall of others.
Why does God reveal Himself through judgment? It's not just about punishment, but about recognition.
The verse concludes with a powerful declaration: "Then they will know that I am the LORD." This isn't about Edom gaining a friendly acquaintance with God; it's about a forced, undeniable recognition of His sovereign power and justice.
Judgment as Revelation
For Edom, their rejoicing in Israel's desolation was a rejection of the God of Israel. They likely saw Israel's downfall as proof of their own gods' superiority or their own strength. God's judgment against Edom serves to shatter this delusion.
Understand the original words
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
In the context of the Old Testament, the land or people chosen by God as His own possession, which He guards and protects.
Ezekiel's prophecy against Mount Seir (Edom) is a direct response to their exultation over Jerusalem's destruction and their participation in the devastation during the Babylonian exile. The prophecy underscores a divine principle of retribution: those who rejoice in the ruin of God's people will themselves face desolation.
c. 845 BC
Edom's Rebellion
Edom revolts from Judah's rule, demonstrating their long-standing hostility and independence from Israelite authority.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Dominance over Edom
Assyrian conquests bring Edom under imperial control, marking a period of foreign rule that would shift over centuries.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, deports a portion of the Jewish population, initiating the Babylonian exile and weakening Judah.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Another wave of deportations, including prominent figures and artisans, further decimates the Jewish population and leadership.
586 BC
This passage directly echoes Ezekiel's sentiment, condemning Edom for rejoicing when Jerusalem fell and its people were taken captive, highlighting the theme of gloating over a neighbor's misfortune.
Isaiah 34:1-17This prophetic oracle describes a similar divine judgment against Edom for its violence and hostility towards Israel, foreshadowing the desolation that Ezekiel is pronouncing.
Lamentations 4:21-22The author of Lamentations expresses a similar anticipation of divine judgment against Edom, prophesying that their turn for punishment and desolation will come because of their actions against Israel.
Ezekiel 25:12-14This earlier oracle from Ezekiel also addresses Edom's hostility towards Judah, pronouncing judgment for their vengeful actions and asserting God's retribution, reinforcing the theme of God's justice for those who harm His people.
clarkeEzekiel 35:15: "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."
So will I do unto thee - Others shall rejoice in thy downfall as thou hast rejoiced at their downfall. This whole chapter strongly inculcates this maxim: Do as thou wouldst be done by; and what thou wouldst not have done to thee, do not to others. And from i…
pooleEzekiel 35:15: "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."
Thou didst rejoice; thou tookest pleasure in the ruin of my people; for this thy sin I will ruin thee, and then do to thee as thou didst, I will retaliate, and rejoice in thy ruin: thou helpedst to make Jerusalem desolate, I will make thee so: thou criedst t…
What's really striking here is the echo of Edom's cruel gloating over Israel's ruin being turned back on them: "As you rejoiced... so I will deal with you." This isn't just about punishment; it's about God mirroring their own delight in destruction, showing them the devastating impact of their own malicious joy.
This verse comes at the climax of God's judgment against Edom for their gloating and active participation in Israel's destruction. Ezekiel has just detailed Edom's cruel taunts and desire to seize Israel's land for themselves. Now, God declares that Edom's own land will be made desolate as a direct consequence of their wicked joy over his people's suffering.
This verse comes at the climax of God's judgment against Edom for their gloating and active participation in Israel's destruction. Ezekiel has just detailed Edom's cruel taunts and desire to seize Israel's land for themselves. Now, God declares that Edom's own land will be made desolate as a direct consequence of their wicked joy over his people's suffering.
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Fall of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, the heart of Israelite worship and national identity, leaving the land desolate.
c. 582 BC
Third Deportation to Babylon
A final, smaller deportation occurs after a rebellion, removing more Jews from their homeland.
Post-Exilic Period
Edomite Settlement in Southern Judah
Following Jerusalem's destruction, Edomites expand northward, settling in and controlling parts of southern Judah, further antagonizing the returning Jewish exiles.
"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." — What's really striking here is the echo of Edom's cruel gloating over Israel's ruin being turned back on them: "As you rejoiced... so I will deal with you." This isn't just about punishment; it's abo…
