How does Ezekiel 35:15 demonstrate God's justice towards Edom's actions against Israel? Setting the Scene • Ezekiel 35 addresses Mount Seir—Edom’s mountainous stronghold—after Israel has suffered exile and devastation. • Verse 15 is God’s closing verdict: “For as you rejoiced when the inheritance of the house of Israel became desolate, so I will deal with you; you will become desolate, O Mount Seir, and all Edom. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” (Ezekiel 35:15) Edom’s Sin Exposed • Family betrayal: Edom descended from Esau, Jacob’s twin (Genesis 25:23–26). They should have been brothers, yet they turned into enemies. • Violence and gloating: Obadiah 1:10 says, “Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame.” • Opportunistic cruelty: When Babylon sacked Jerusalem, Edom cheered (Psalm 137:7). • Refusal to aid: Numbers 20:14–21 records how Edom barred Israel’s passage through their land. Divine Justice Declared • Perfect equity: “As you rejoiced … so I will deal with you.” God mirrors Edom’s attitude back on them. • Proportional judgment: Their joy over Israel’s desolation becomes the measure of their own desolation (Obadiah 1:15). • Public vindication: “Then they will know that I am the LORD” points to God’s reputation being upheld through righteous judgment. Measure-for-Measure Retribution • Principle traced through Scripture: – Genesis 12:3: “I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you.” – Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19: God reserves vengeance for Himself. – Proverbs 24:17-18 warns against gloating over another’s fall. • God’s response to Edom exactly matches their offense—demonstrating that His justice is neither arbitrary nor excessive. Biblical Patterns of Vindication • Israel’s covenant status requires God to act when they are wronged (Zechariah 2:8). • Throughout history, nations that harmed Israel eventually faced divine discipline (e.g., Egypt in Exodus 7–12; Babylon in Isaiah 47). • Ezekiel 35:15 fits this wider pattern, reinforcing the reliability of God’s promises and warnings. Lessons for Believers Today • God notices both violence and heart-level attitudes; secret gloating is as serious to Him as overt hostility. • Vengeance belongs to the Lord—our role is to trust His timing and justice. • God’s covenant faithfulness assures us He will ultimately set every wrong right, just as He did with Edom. |
    |