Divine Judgment on Edom
Ezekiel 35:3-4 states, Behold, I am against you, O Mount Seir, and I will stretch out My hand against you and make you a desolate waste. God declares His opposition to Edom due to their hostility towards Israel, emphasizing His role as a just judge.

Perpetual Hatred and Its Consequences
In Ezekiel 35:5, God condemns Edom for their ancient hostility and for shedding the blood of the Israelites. This highlights the destructive nature of long-held grudges and the inevitable consequences they bring.

God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
Despite Edom's actions, God reaffirms His commitment to His people. Ezekiel 35:10-11 shows that God will act to uphold His name and protect His covenant with Israel, demonstrating His sovereignty and faithfulness.

The Certainty of God's Word
The repeated phrase then you will know that I am the LORD (Ezekiel 35:4, 9, 12, 15) underscores the certainty and authority of God's declarations. His words are not empty threats but assured outcomes.Guard Against Hatred
Reflect on any lingering animosities in your heart. Seek reconciliation and forgiveness, understanding that unchecked hatred can lead to spiritual desolation.

Trust in God's Justice
In times of injustice, remember that God is a righteous judge. Trust in His timing and His ability to right wrongs, rather than taking matters into your own hands.

Acknowledge God's Sovereignty
Recognize God's control over nations and history. In a world of uncertainty, find peace in His unchanging nature and His promises to His people.

Live with Integrity
Let the certainty of God's word inspire you to live a life that honors Him. Align your actions with His teachings, knowing that He sees and knows all.1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The chapter begins with the word of the LORD coming to Ezekiel. The LORD is the speaker of the prophecy, declaring judgment against Mount Seir. In the Hebrew text, the name used is "YHWH," which is often rendered as "LORD" in English translations. The LORD is depicted as the sovereign God who judges nations.

2. Ezekiel
Although not directly named in this chapter, Ezekiel is the prophet through whom the LORD delivers the message. He is the son of Buzi and a priest, called by God to be a prophet to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile.

3. Mount Seir
While not a person, Mount Seir is personified in the prophecy. It represents the Edomites, the descendants of Esau, who are the target of God's judgment. The Edomites are accused of perpetual enmity against the Israelites.

4. The Edomites
The descendants of Esau, brother of Jacob (Israel). They are the inhabitants of Mount Seir and are condemned for their longstanding hostility towards the Israelites. The Edomites are not named individually but are collectively addressed through the prophecy against Mount Seir.

The chapter does not mention any other specific individuals or groups by name. The focus is on the judgment against the Edomites and the reasons for this divine retribution.1. Mount Seir
Mount Seir is the central focus of Ezekiel 35. It is a mountainous region historically associated with the descendants of Esau, also known as the Edomites. The prophecy in this chapter is directed against Mount Seir, symbolizing the judgment against Edom for its perpetual enmity against Israel. The Hebrew root for Seir (שֵׂעִיר) can mean "hairy" or "shaggy," which is fitting for a mountainous and rugged terrain.1. Prophecy Against Mount Seir
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel, instructing him to set his face against Mount Seir and prophesy against it. This is a declaration of judgment against the region, which is associated with Edom. The Hebrew root for "set your face" (שִׂים פָּנֶיךָ, sim panecha) implies a determined and resolute stance.

2. Declaration of Desolation
God declares that He is against Mount Seir and will stretch out His hand against it, making it a desolate waste. The use of "desolate" (שְׁמָמָה, shemamah) emphasizes complete devastation and ruin.

3. Judgment for Perpetual Enmity
The LORD accuses Mount Seir of harboring perpetual enmity and shedding the blood of the Israelites. This enmity is rooted in the historical hostility between Edom and Israel, as Edom descended from Esau, Jacob's brother.

4. Bloodshed and Retribution
Because Mount Seir pursued bloodshed, God promises that blood will pursue them. This is a principle of divine retribution, where the punishment mirrors the crime.

5. Desolation of Cities
The cities of Mount Seir will be laid waste, and the land will become desolate. This serves as a sign of God's judgment and a demonstration of His sovereignty.

6. Recognition of the LORD
The desolation will lead to the recognition that He is the LORD. This acknowledgment of God's authority and power is a recurring theme in Ezekiel.

7. Judgment for Rejoicing Over Israel's Misfortune
Mount Seir is judged for rejoicing over the misfortune of the house of Israel. This schadenfreude, or taking pleasure in another's suffering, is condemned by God.

8. Perpetual Desolation
God declares that Mount Seir will be a perpetual desolation, and its inhabitants will know that He is the LORD. The term "perpetual" (עוֹלָם, olam) indicates an enduring state of ruin.

9. Vindication of God's Name
Through the judgment of Mount Seir, God's name will be vindicated. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's concern for His holy name and reputation among the nations.Obadiah 1:10-14
This passage also addresses Edom's violence against Israel and serves as a parallel to Ezekiel 35, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution for hostility.

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.' This New Testament verse echoes the principle of trusting God's justice.

Matthew 5:44
Jesus teaches, But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, offering a counter to the destructive path of hatred.Pray for a heart free from bitterness and hatred, asking God to help you forgive and love others as He commands.

Seek God's justice in situations of personal or global injustice, trusting in His perfect timing and righteousness.

Ask for a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, that you may find peace and assurance in His promises.

Pray for the strength to live with integrity, aligning your life with the truth of God's word and His will for you.

1. How does Ezekiel 35 reflect on the theme of divine justice and retribution?

2. How does the prophecy against Mount Seir relate to the concept of "you reap what you sow"?

3. Why do you think the Edomites' enmity was referred to as "perpetual hatred"?

4. How does the concept of divine justice presented in this chapter align with other parts of the Bible?

5. How does God's wrath on Edom reflect His protective nature towards His chosen people?

6. In what ways do you see the consequences of enmity manifested in our world today?

7. How might the Edomites' assumption of seizing Israel and Judah's lands reflect a sense of entitlement? Can you see any parallels in today's society?

8. In what ways might we be guilty of rejoicing over the misfortunes of others, even subtly, and what consequences might that have?

9. How does Ezekiel 35 underscore the importance of heeding prophetic warnings?

10. Reflect on a time when you felt God's justice in your own life. What did that experience teach you?

11. How can you apply the lessons from Ezekiel 35 to promote peace and unity in your community?

12. How does this chapter illustrate the danger of harboring and acting on long-standing negative emotions?

13. How does God's promise to hear and see our struggles provide comfort in difficult times?

14. If you were in the position of the Edomites, what would you do differently?

15. How does God's response to the Edomites' actions challenge our understanding of His character?

16. What practical steps can we take to avoid the pitfalls of envy and hatred in our lives?

17. How can we ensure that our words and actions align with God's expectations, as revealed in this chapter?

18. How can the events of Ezekiel 35 guide us in standing up for those who are marginalized or oppressed today?

19. What does this chapter teach us about the relationship between actions and consequences, particularly in a spiritual context?

20. How can we lean on the lessons from Ezekiel 35 to seek and administer justice in our daily lives?