Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryEzekiel 35

Prophecy Against Mount Seir This section contains a prophecy against Mount Seir, which represents the land of Edom. God commands Ezekiel to set his face against Mount Seir and prophesy against it. The prophecy shows that God will judge Edom for its hostility and violence against Israel. The message is that God is just and will punish those who harm His people. This prophecy follows promises of blessing for Israel and focuses on the destruction of their enemies.v. 1: The word of the Lord

v. 2: God tells Ezekiel to announce His opposition to Mount Seir. The Lord

v. 3: God promises to lay waste the cities of Mount Seir and make the land a ruin. The people of Edom will know that He is the Lord

v. 4–5: The reason for this judgment is Edom’s ancient hatred and violence against Israel. Edom took advantage of Israel’s troubles and attacked them when they were vulnerable. God says that because Edom shed the blood of the Israelites, He will punish them accordingly (Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed the blood of the children of Israel by the force of the sword, Ezekiel 35:5 ).

v. 6–9: God declares that bloodshed will pursue Edom. The land will become a perpetual desolation, and its cities will not be rebuilt. This punishment is fitting for the violence Edom committed. God’s judgment will be so complete that the land will remain empty and ruined, even when other devastated nations recover (Ezekiel 35:6-9 ).

Judgment on Edom's Arrogance and Hostility: This section continues God’s message against Mount Seir (Edom). It focuses on Edom’s pride and its claim to the land of Israel and Judah. Edom thought they could possess Israel’s lands when God’s people were exiled. But God sees their arrogance and assures them that He will judge them for this. The section emphasizes that God is always present and will not overlook injustice or prideful claims against His people.v. 10–15: Edom claimed the lands of Israel and Judah as their own when Israel was in exile, thinking that God was not watching. But God says He was present and will judge Edom for their arrogance and joy over Israel’s downfall. As Edom rejoiced at Israel’s ruin, so God will make Edom a ruin. The people of Edom and all nations will know that He is the Lord

v. 11: Because of Edom’s anger, envy, and hatred against Israel, God promises to act. He will punish Edom for its actions and for trying to take what belongs to God’s people. God will show Himself holy by judging Edom, and they will realize that He is the Lord

v. 12: God says that He has heard all the blasphemies Edom spoke against the mountains of Israel. Edom said Israel was destroyed and given to them to devour. But God says He hears every word, and He will hold Edom accountable for their arrogance .

v. 13–15: Edom’s boasting and hatred will bring judgment upon themselves. As Edom rejoiced at the downfall of Israel, so God will make Edom a ruin and cause them to suffer shame. The land will become desolate, and all nations will know that God is the Lord