Ezekiel 35:13

You boasted against Me with your mouth and multiplied your words against Me. I heard it Myself!

Study Bible

You boasted against Me with your mouth
This phrase highlights the arrogance and pride of the people addressed in this passage. The Hebrew root for "boasted" is "gādal," which can mean to magnify or make great. In the context of Ezekiel, this boasting is not just mere words but an expression of deep-seated pride and rebellion against God. Historically, this reflects the attitude of nations surrounding Israel who often exalted themselves against the God of Israel, believing their own gods or power to be superior. This serves as a warning against the sin of pride, reminding us that all boasting should be in the Lord alone, as He is the source of all power and authority.

and multiplied your words against Me
The phrase "multiplied your words" suggests a continuous and deliberate action. The Hebrew word "rābāh" means to increase or become many. This indicates that the people were not only speaking against God but doing so repeatedly and with increasing intensity. In a historical context, this can be seen in the persistent opposition and blasphemy of nations like Edom against Israel and, by extension, against God Himself. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of persistent rebellion and the importance of aligning our speech with God's truth.

I heard it Myself
This phrase underscores the omniscience of God. The Hebrew word "shāma" means to hear or listen. It is a powerful reminder that God is not distant or unaware; He is actively listening and aware of all that is said and done. In the scriptural context, this serves as both a comfort and a warning. For the faithful, it is comforting to know that God hears their prayers and cries. For the rebellious, it is a sobering reminder that nothing escapes God's notice, and He will hold all accountable for their words and actions. This calls believers to live with a consciousness of God's presence and to speak words that honor Him.

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, the descendants of Esau. In this chapter, it symbolizes the hostility and enmity of Edom against Israel.

3. Edomites
The descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. Historically, they were often in conflict with the Israelites and are the primary focus of God's judgment in this passage.

4. God
The sovereign Lord who hears and judges the words and actions of nations and individuals.

5. Judgment
The event of divine retribution that God pronounces against Edom for their prideful and hostile words against Him and His people.

Teaching Points

The Power of Words
Our words have significant power and can reflect the condition of our hearts. We must be mindful of how we speak about God and others.

God Hears and Judges
God is attentive to the words we speak. He hears both our praises and our boasts, and He will hold us accountable for them.

Pride Leads to Downfall
The pride of Edom led to their judgment. We must guard against pride and arrogance, especially in how we relate to God and His people.

Interpersonal Relationships
Just as Edom's hostility towards Israel was condemned, we should strive for peace and reconciliation in our relationships, avoiding enmity and strife.

Repentance and Humility
Recognizing our faults and turning away from prideful speech is crucial. Humility before God and others is a key aspect of Christian living.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the historical enmity between Edom and Israel help us understand the context of Ezekiel 35:13?

2. In what ways can we be guilty of "boasting against God" in our own lives today?

3. How does the theme of God's judgment in Ezekiel 35:13 relate to the New Testament teachings on the power of the tongue?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our words align with God's will and reflect humility?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Edom's downfall to our personal and communal relationships within the church?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Psalm 94:4
This verse speaks of the arrogance of the wicked, similar to the boasting of Edom against God.

James 3:5-6
These verses discuss the power of the tongue, which aligns with the theme of boasting and speaking against God.