Ezekiel 35:11

therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will treat you according to the anger and jealousy you showed in your hatred against them, and I will make Myself known among them when I judge you.

Study Bible

therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD,
This phrase emphasizes the certainty and authority of God's pronouncement. The use of "as surely as I live" is a divine oath, underscoring the seriousness and inevitability of the coming judgment. This is a common expression in prophetic literature, highlighting God's eternal nature and His sovereign power to fulfill His promises. It reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where His declarations are as unchanging as His existence.

I will treat you according to the anger and jealousy you showed in your hatred against them,
This part of the verse addresses the Edomites' hostility towards Israel. Historically, Edom, descended from Esau, harbored longstanding enmity against Israel, descended from Jacob. This animosity is documented in various biblical passages, such as Obadiah and Psalm 137:7. The "anger and jealousy" refer to Edom's malicious actions during Israel's times of distress, particularly during the Babylonian conquest. God's response is a measure-for-measure retribution, a common biblical theme where divine justice mirrors the actions of the offenders.

and I will make Myself known among them when I judge you.
Here, God promises that His judgment on Edom will reveal His power and justice to Israel and the surrounding nations. This revelation serves a dual purpose: it vindicates Israel and demonstrates God's sovereignty and righteousness. The phrase "make Myself known" is significant in biblical theology, often associated with God's self-revelation through acts of salvation or judgment. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as Exodus 7:5, where God's actions in Egypt made His identity known. The judgment on Edom is not only punitive but also revelatory, affirming God's covenantal faithfulness to His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and restoration.

2. Mount Seir
A mountainous region associated with Edom, representing the Edomites, who were descendants of Esau and often hostile to Israel.

3. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and just God of Israel, who declares His intentions and judgments.

4. Edomites
The people of Edom, who harbored perpetual enmity against Israel and rejoiced over their misfortunes.

5. Israelites
God's chosen people, who were often at odds with the Edomites and suffered from their hostility.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God is sovereign and just, and He will address the wrongs committed against His people. Believers can trust in His righteous judgment.

The Consequences of Hatred
The anger and jealousy of the Edomites led to their downfall. Hatred and malice have destructive consequences, both spiritually and relationally.

God's Faithfulness to His People
Despite Israel's struggles, God remains faithful and will vindicate His people. This assurance is a source of hope for believers facing opposition.

The Importance of Repentance
The Edomites' failure to repent led to their judgment. Believers are called to examine their hearts and turn from sin to avoid similar consequences.

God's Revelation Through Judgment
God's judgments serve to reveal His character and power. Believers should seek to understand and know God more deeply through His actions in history.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the historical enmity between Edom and Israel help us understand the context of Ezekiel 35:11?

2. In what ways does God's judgment of Edom demonstrate His justice and sovereignty?

3. How can we apply the lesson of leaving vengeance to God in our personal conflicts, as seen in Romans 12:19?

4. What are some modern-day examples of anger and jealousy leading to destructive outcomes, and how can we guard against these in our lives?

5. How does understanding God's faithfulness to Israel encourage us in our own faith journey, especially when facing adversity?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Obadiah 1
This book also addresses the judgment against Edom for their pride and hostility towards Israel, reinforcing the themes found in Ezekiel 35.

Psalm 137
Reflects the Israelites' lament and remembrance of Edom's actions during Jerusalem's fall, highlighting the historical enmity.

Genesis 27
The origin of the conflict between Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom), providing background to the animosity addressed in Ezekiel 35.

Romans 12:19
Encourages believers to leave vengeance to God, aligning with the theme of divine justice in Ezekiel 35:11.