Ezekiel 35
BSB1 Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir and prophesy against it, 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. 4 I will turn your cities into ruins, and you will become a desolation. Then you will know that I am the LORD. 5 Because you harbored an ancient hatred and delivered the Israelites over to the sword in the time of their disaster at the final stage of their punishment, 6 therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will give you over to bloodshed and it will pursue you. Since you did not hate bloodshed, it will pursue you. 7 I will make Mount Seir a desolate waste and will cut off from it those who come and go. 8 I will fill its mountains with the slain; those killed by the sword will fall on your hills, in your valleys, and in all your ravines. 9 I will make you a perpetual desolation, and your cities will not be inhabited. Then you will know that I am the LORD. 10 Because you have said, ‘These two nations and countries will be ours, and we will possess them,’ even though the LORD was there, 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. 12 Then you will know that I, the LORD, have heard every contemptuous word you uttered against the mountains of Israel when you said, ‘They are desolate; they are given to us to devour!’ 13 You boasted against Me with your mouth and multiplied your words against Me. I heard it Myself! 14 This is what the Lord GOD says: While the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate. 15 As you rejoiced when the inheritance of the house of Israel became desolate, so will I do to you. You will become a desolation, O Mount Seir, and so will all of Edom. Then they will know that I am the LORD.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 35
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Ezekiel 35
- Themes from Ezekiel 35
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Ezekiel 35
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a prophecy against Mount Seir, which represents the nation of Edom. God speaks through Ezekiel, saying that He will make Mount Seir a desolation and a waste because of the hatred and violence that Edom has shown towards Israel. The Edomites have taken advantage of Israel's weakness and have sought to possess their land. As a result, God will bring destruction upon Edom, and they will be cut off forever. The chapter concludes with a statement of God's sovereignty and His determination to judge the nations for their sins. Key verses include Ezekiel 35:5, which states that Edom's perpetual hatred towards Israel has led to their condemnation, and Ezekiel 35:11, which declares that God will judge Edom according to their deeds.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of a larger section in the book of Ezekiel that deals with God's judgment on the nations surrounding Israel. The prophecy against Edom is one of several oracles that Ezekiel delivers against the nations, including Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt. The chapter is also closely tied to the historical context of the Babylonian exile, during which time the Edomites had taken advantage of Israel's weakness and had sought to possess their land. The larger biblical narrative of God's redemption of His people is also relevant, as seen in the book of Genesis and the Psalms.
Heart Application
The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of obeying God's commands and living a life of love and compassion towards others. As Christians, we are called to reflect the character of God, who is a just and righteous judge, and to seek to bring redemption and hope to a broken world. We must also recognize the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about God's judgment on the nation of Edom for their sin and hostility towards Israel. God is a just and righteous judge who will not tolerate sin and injustice. The chapter emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and living a life of love and compassion towards others. As seen in Ezekiel 35:5, God's judgment on Edom is a result of their perpetual hatred towards Israel.
Voices from the Church
“The judgment of God is a terrible thing, and it is a solemn warning to all who would seek to oppose Him or to harm His people.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The prophecy against Edom serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His determination to bring justice to the nations, which is ultimately fulfilled through the person and work of Jesus Christ.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Prophecy (Ezekiel 35:1-4) — The chapter begins with a prophecy against Mount Seir, which represents the nation of Edom. God speaks through Ezekiel, saying that He will make Mount Seir a desolation and a waste because of the hatred and violence that Edom has shown towards Israel.
- The Reasons for God's Judgment (Ezekiel 35:5-9) — The Edomites have taken advantage of Israel's weakness and have sought to possess their land. As a result, God will bring destruction upon Edom, and they will be cut off forever.
- The Consequences of God's Judgment (Ezekiel 35:10-12) — The consequences of God's judgment on Edom will be severe, with the nation being made a desolation and a waste. The Edomites will be cut off forever, and their land will be possessed by others.
- The Theme of Redemption (Ezekiel 35:13-15) — Despite the emphasis on judgment, the chapter also hints at the theme of redemption. God's ultimate goal is to bring redemption to His people Israel, and the judgment on Edom serves as a reminder of His power and authority to do so.
- Conclusion (Ezekiel 35:15) — The chapter concludes with a statement of God's sovereignty and His determination to judge the nations for their sins. The Edomites' hatred and violence towards Israel have led to their condemnation, and God will ultimately bring redemption to His people.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, as He declares His intention to judge Edom for their sins and to bring them to account for their actions.
- The Consequences of Sin
- The chapter highlights the consequences of sin and the importance of obeying God's commands. The Edomites' hatred and violence towards Israel have led to their condemnation and destruction.
- The Theme of Redemption
- Despite the emphasis on judgment, the chapter also hints at the theme of redemption. God's ultimate goal is to bring redemption to His people Israel, and the judgment on Edom serves as a reminder of His power and authority to do so.
- The Importance of Forgiveness
- The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate expression of God's love and redemption.
Lessons from Ezekiel 35
- The Importance of Obeying God's Commands — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and living a life of love and compassion towards others. As Christians, we are called to reflect the character of God, who is a just and righteous judge.
- The Consequences of Sin — The chapter highlights the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ.
- The Theme of Redemption — Despite the emphasis on judgment, the chapter also hints at the theme of redemption. God's ultimate goal is to bring redemption to His people Israel, and the judgment on Edom serves as a reminder of His power and authority to do so.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, as He declares His intention to judge Edom for their sins and to bring them to account for their actions.
- The Importance of Forgiveness — The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate expression of God's love and redemption.
Themes from Ezekiel 35
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, as He declares His intention to judge Edom for their sins and to bring them to account for their actions.
- The Consequences of Sin — The chapter highlights the consequences of sin and the importance of obeying God's commands. The Edomites' hatred and violence towards Israel have led to their condemnation and destruction.
- The Theme of Redemption — Despite the emphasis on judgment, the chapter also hints at the theme of redemption. God's ultimate goal is to bring redemption to His people Israel, and the judgment on Edom serves as a reminder of His power and authority to do so.
- The Importance of Forgiveness — The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate expression of God's love and redemption.
- The Power of God's Judgment — The chapter emphasizes the power of God's judgment, as He declares His intention to make Mount Seir a desolation and a waste because of the hatred and violence that Edom has shown towards Israel.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the main theme of this chapter, and how does it relate to the larger biblical narrative?
- How does the prophecy against Edom serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and power?
- What are the consequences of sin, and how does the chapter emphasize the importance of obeying God's commands?
- How does the chapter hint at the theme of redemption, and what does this say about God's ultimate goal for His people?
- What is the significance of Ezekiel 35:11, and how does it relate to the gospel message?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Prophecy (Ezekiel 35:1-4)
| Ezekiel 35:1 | The chapter begins with a prophecy against Mount Seir, which represents the nation of Edom. God speaks through Ezekiel, saying that He will make Mount Seir a desolation and a waste because of the hatred and violence that Edom has shown towards Israel. |
| Ezekiel 35:2 | The Edomites have taken advantage of Israel's weakness and have sought to possess their land. As a result, God will bring destruction upon Edom, and they will be cut off forever. |
2. The Reasons for God's Judgment (Ezekiel 35:5-9)
| Ezekiel 35:5 | The Edomites have taken advantage of Israel's weakness and have sought to possess their land. As a result, God will bring destruction upon Edom, and they will be cut off forever. |
| Ezekiel 35:6 | The Edomites' hatred and violence towards Israel have led to their condemnation and destruction. |
3. The Consequences of God's Judgment (Ezekiel 35:10-12)
| Ezekiel 35:10 | The consequences of God's judgment on Edom will be severe, with the nation being made a desolation and a waste. The Edomites will be cut off forever, and their land will be possessed by others. |
| Ezekiel 35:11 | I will treat you as you have treated others, and your dealings will return upon your own head, declares the Lord God. |
4. The Theme of Redemption (Ezekiel 35:13-15)
| Ezekiel 35:13 | Despite the emphasis on judgment, the chapter also hints at the theme of redemption. God's ultimate goal is to bring redemption to His people Israel, and the judgment on Edom serves as a reminder of His power and authority to do so. |
| Ezekiel 35:15 | The chapter concludes with a statement of God's sovereignty and His determination to judge the nations for their sins. The Edomites' hatred and violence towards Israel have led to their condemnation, and God will ultimately bring redemption to His people. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Ezekiel 35?
The main theme of Ezekiel 35 is God's judgment on the nation of Edom for their sin and hostility towards Israel, as seen in Ezekiel 35:5.
How does the prophecy against Edom serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and power?
The prophecy against Edom serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and power, as He declares His intention to judge Edom for their sins and to bring them to account for their actions, as seen in Ezekiel 35:11.
What are the consequences of sin, and how does the chapter emphasize the importance of obeying God's commands?
The consequences of sin are severe, with the nation being made a desolation and a waste. The Edomites will be cut off forever, and their land will be possessed by others, as seen in Ezekiel 35:10-12.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 35:5 → Obadiah 1:10 | The prophecy against Edom in Ezekiel 35 is similar to the prophecy in Obadiah 1:10, which also speaks of God's judgment on Edom for their sin and hostility towards Israel. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 35:11 → Psalm 2:7-8 | The concept of God's judgment and sovereignty in Ezekiel 35:11 is similar to the theme of God's sovereignty and power in Psalm 2:7-8. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 35:13 → Isaiah 34:5 | The prophecy against Edom in Ezekiel 35 is similar to the prophecy in Isaiah 34:5, which also speaks of God's judgment on Edom for their sin and hostility towards Israel. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 35:15 → Joel 3:19 | The theme of God's judgment and redemption in Ezekiel 35:15 is similar to the theme of God's judgment and redemption in Joel 3:19. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 35:1 → Genesis 36:8 | The nation of Edom is first mentioned in Genesis 36:8, which speaks of Esau and his descendants, who became the Edomites. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 35:5 → Deuteronomy 23:7 | The Edomites' hatred and violence towards Israel are condemned in Deuteronomy 23:7, which speaks of the importance of loving and respecting one's neighbors. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 35:11 → Romans 2:6 | The concept of God's judgment and sovereignty in Ezekiel 35:11 is similar to the theme of God's judgment and sovereignty in Romans 2:6. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 35:13 → Revelation 20:12-15 | The theme of God's judgment and redemption in Ezekiel 35:13 is similar to the theme of God's judgment and redemption in Revelation 20:12-15. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 35:15 → Matthew 25:31-46 | The theme of God's judgment and sovereignty in Ezekiel 35:15 is similar to the theme of God's judgment and sovereignty in Matthew 25:31-46. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 35:1 → John 1:1 | The concept of God's sovereignty and power in Ezekiel 35:1 is similar to the theme of God's sovereignty and power in John 1:1. |
Sermons on Ezekiel 35
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Blood on the Moon by David Davis | This sermon delves into the spiritual battle in the Middle East, contrasting the shedding of blood in the region with the sacrificial blood of Jesus. It emphasizes the need for a f |
|
I Myself Will Be the Shepherd of My Sheep by Richard E. Bieber | Richard E. Bieber preaches on the importance of embodying the mind of Christ and serving as under-shepherds of the Lord Jesus. Through Ezekiel, it is revealed that the Lord Himself |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 35
In this chapter, we see the prophecy of God's judgment on the nation of Edom, who have been guilty of great sin and hostility towards Israel. The Edomites have taken advantage of Israel's weakness and have sought to possess their land, and as a result, God will bring destruction upon them. The chapter emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and living a life of love and compassion towards others, and it serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and power. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The judgments of God are sometimes slow, but they are always sure.' The chapter concludes with a statement of God's sovereignty and His determination to judge the nations for their sins, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereignty
One of the most striking aspects of this chapter is the emphasis on God's sovereignty and power. He is the one who declares the judgment on Edom and who will ultimately bring it to pass.
The Consequences of Sin
The chapter highlights the consequences of sin and the importance of obeying God's commands. The Edomites' hatred and violence towards Israel have led to their condemnation and destruction.
The Theme of Redemption
Despite the emphasis on judgment, the chapter also hints at the theme of redemption. God's ultimate goal is to bring redemption to His people Israel, and the judgment on Edom serves as a reminder of His power and authority to do so.