How does Ezekiel 35:11 demonstrate God's response to Edom's actions against Israel? Setting the Scene • Edom—descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:1)—nurtured an “ancient hostility” toward Israel (Ezekiel 35:5). • When Judah was at her weakest, Edom helped the invaders, hoping to seize the land (Obadiah 10–14; Psalm 137:7). • Ezekiel 35 confronts that betrayal. Verse 11 is the Lord’s climactic verdict. Text Under Focus Ezekiel 35:11: “therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will deal with you according to the anger and jealousy you showed in your hatred of them. And I will make Myself known among them when I judge you.” God’s Response Highlighted in v. 11 • Divine Oath: – “As surely as I live” signals the unbreakable certainty of the sentence (cf. Hebrews 6:13). • Measure-for-Measure Justice: – “I will deal with you according to the anger and jealousy you showed.” – Edom’s own attitude becomes the yardstick of judgment (Galatians 6:7; Matthew 7:2). – What they sowed in rage, they reap from the Lord. • Exposure of Hidden Motives: – The Lord does not only punish deeds; He addresses the “anger and jealousy” behind them (1 Samuel 16:7). – God’s justice reaches into the heart level where sin began (James 4:1–2). • Vindication of Israel: – “I will make Myself known among them when I judge you.” – Judgment on Edom doubles as reassurance to Israel that their covenant God still fights for them (Exodus 14:13–18; Zechariah 2:8). – The discipline becomes a revelation of God’s faithfulness. Supporting Passages • Genesis 12:3—those who curse Abraham’s offspring are themselves cursed. • Deuteronomy 32:35—“Vengeance is Mine.” • Obadiah 15—“As you have done, it will be done to you.” • Romans 12:19—believers relinquish personal revenge because God will repay. Take-Home Truths • God’s justice is perfectly proportional; no injustice slips through. • Hostility toward God’s people ultimately invites God’s intervention. • The Lord uses judgment not merely to punish but to reveal His character and uphold His covenant promises. • Believers can rest in God’s righteous oversight, trusting Him to right wrongs in His time and way. |
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