Tyndale Open Study NotesEzekiel 35

This message of judgment is directed to Edom, Israel’s neighbor to the southeast. It is also called Mount Seir, the main mountain region of Edom.

Edom stands as a symbol of all Israel’s enemies. For example, Edom rejoiced when Israel fell (Ezekiel 36:2; see also 25:12–14).

When Babylon destroyed Judah, Edom may have thought it had a chance to grow stronger. However, the Lord said that its success would not last long.

The ancient hatred of Edom for Israel began with their ancestors, Esau and Jacob (see Genesis 25:19–34; 27:1–46; Numbers 20:14–21; 24:18; 2 Samuel 8:13–14; 1 Kings 11:14). Because of this hatred, the Edomites took advantage of Babylon’s destruction of Jerusalem. They attacked the Israelites when they were weak and helpless. They tried to destroy the descendants of Jacob and take the lands of Israel and Judah.

The Edomites enjoyed killing the Israelites. But the violence they brought on others would return to them. Their own people would die by the sword. God would punish their lasting hatred. Their land would become empty and ruined forever.

This prophecy came true in the 400s BC. During that time, a group of Arab tribes forced the Edomites out of their land.

The Edomites wrongly thought that God's judgment on his people and his leaving the temple meant his covenant with Israel had ended. The Edomites boasted and elevated themselves above both Israel and the Lord.

The God of Israel would not allow such boasting, for he is the ruler of all. His choice of Israel and his gift of the land to them would not be taken back.