Compare Ezekiel 35:1 with other instances of God's judgment in the Old Testament.

◄ Compare Ezekiel 35:1 with OT judgments. ►

The Launch Point—Ezekiel 35:1

“Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying,”

A new oracle begins with the same unmistakable formula heard again and again whenever God announces judgment.

Where We Have Heard This Voice Before

• Genesis 6:13 – “Then God said to Noah, ‘The end of all flesh has come before Me…I will destroy them with the earth.’ ”

• Genesis 18:20-21; 19:13 – Sodom and Gomorrah: “We are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people is great.”

• Exodus 12:12 – Egypt’s firstborn: “I will pass through the land of Egypt…and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt.”

• Numbers 16:20-21, 32 – Korah’s rebellion swallowed by the earth.

• Deuteronomy 28:15, 45-46 – Covenant curses foretold for Israel’s disobedience.

• Joshua 6:17-21 – Jericho devoted to destruction.

• 1 Samuel 15:2-3 – Amalek judged for earlier hostility.

• 2 Kings 17:13-18 – Northern Kingdom exiled for persistent sin.

• Isaiah 13:1-6 – Babylon marked for the “day of the LORD.”

• Jeremiah 25:15-17 – The nations made to drink the cup of God’s wrath.

Shared Patterns Across the Judgments

• Divine Initiative

– “The word of the LORD came…” or “Then God said…” appears first in every scene.

• Identified Offender

– Mount Seir (Edom) in Ezekiel 35; humanity at large, a city, a nation, or even rebellious Israelites elsewhere.

• Stated Cause

– Violence (Genesis 6:13), sexual immorality and injustice (Genesis 19:13), oppression (Exodus 12:12), prideful hostility toward Israel (Ezekiel 35:5).

• Pronounced Sentence

– Flood, fire, plague, exile, desolation—always certain and comprehensive.

• Revealed Purpose

– “So that you may know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 35:12); echoed in Exodus 7:5; Numbers 16:28-30; Isaiah 45:3.

Distinctives of the Mount Seir Oracle

• Targeted at Edom for “perpetual enmity” toward Israel (Ezekiel 35:5).

• Emphasizes land-desolation: “I will make you a desolation and a waste” (v. 4).

• Links Edom’s fall to Israel’s future restoration (35:15), showing God’s covenant faithfulness.

Key Take-Aways

• God’s judgments are not random; they are rooted in His unchanging holiness and covenant promises.

• The recurring pattern—from Genesis to Ezekiel—underscores His consistent character: patient, yet sure to act against sin.

• Each verdict carries a revelatory goal: that all creation would recognize the LORD’s sovereignty.