Ezekiel 35:3

and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Mount Seir. I will stretch out My hand against you and make you a desolate waste.

Study Bible

and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. The prophet Ezekiel is acting as a mouthpiece for God, a common role for prophets in the Old Testament. This underscores the seriousness and certainty of the prophecy. The use of "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) highlights God's sovereignty and covenant relationship with Israel.

Behold, I am against you, O Mount Seir:
Mount Seir is a mountainous region associated with the Edomites, descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. Historically, Edom had a tumultuous relationship with Israel, often characterized by hostility and conflict. God's declaration of being "against" Mount Seir signifies impending judgment due to Edom's actions against Israel. This reflects the broader biblical theme of divine retribution against nations that oppose God's people.

I will stretch out My hand against you:
The imagery of God stretching out His hand is a common biblical metaphor for divine intervention, often in the form of judgment or punishment. This phrase indicates a direct and powerful action from God, reminiscent of His actions against Egypt during the Exodus (Exodus 7:5). It conveys the certainty and severity of the coming judgment.

and make you a desolate waste:
The prophecy of desolation is a common motif in the prophetic literature, symbolizing complete destruction and abandonment. For Edom, this desolation is both a literal and symbolic punishment for their enmity towards Israel. Historically, Edom was eventually conquered and absorbed by other nations, fulfilling this prophecy. The desolation also serves as a warning to other nations about the consequences of opposing God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is the author of the book of Ezekiel and serves as God's mouthpiece in delivering messages of judgment and hope.

2. Mount Seir
A mountainous region associated with the Edomites, descendants of Esau. It symbolizes the nation of Edom, which had a long-standing enmity with Israel.

3. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel to pronounce judgment on Edom for their hostility towards His people.

4. Edomites
The descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, who often opposed Israel. Their animosity towards Israel is a recurring theme in the Old Testament.

5. Judgment
The divine retribution pronounced by God against Mount Seir (Edom) for their actions against Israel.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is sovereign over all nations and peoples. His judgments are just and reflect His holiness and righteousness.

The Consequences of Enmity Against God's People
Hostility towards God's chosen people invites divine judgment. This serves as a warning against harboring animosity and acting unjustly.

The Certainty of God's Promises
God's declarations, whether of judgment or blessing, are certain and will come to pass. Believers can trust in His word.

The Importance of Reconciliation
The longstanding enmity between Edom and Israel highlights the need for reconciliation and peace, which is a central theme in the New Testament.

Reflecting on Our Own Attitudes
This passage encourages self-examination of our attitudes towards others, especially those we may consider adversaries.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the historical enmity between Edom and Israel help us understand the context of God's judgment in Ezekiel 35:3?

2. In what ways does the prophecy against Mount Seir reflect God's justice and sovereignty?

3. How can we apply the lessons from God's judgment on Edom to our own relationships and attitudes towards others?

4. What other biblical examples of divine judgment can we find, and how do they reinforce the message of Ezekiel 35:3?

5. How does the theme of reconciliation in the New Testament provide a contrast to the judgment pronounced in Ezekiel 35:3, and what practical steps can we take to promote peace in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 36
Provides the genealogy of Esau, establishing the origins of the Edomites and their connection to Mount Seir.

Obadiah 1
A prophecy against Edom, highlighting their pride and violence against Israel, which parallels the judgment in Ezekiel 35.

Psalm 137:7
Reflects on Edom's role in the destruction of Jerusalem, calling for divine justice against them.

Isaiah 34
Describes God's judgment against nations, including Edom, emphasizing the theme of divine retribution.