What is the meaning of Ezekiel 35:14? This is what the Lord GOD says – God Himself is speaking; His authority is final and unquestionable. – Similar introductory formula appears in Ezekiel 6:3 and 36:13, underlining that the prophet is not offering personal opinion but conveying the very words of the Sovereign LORD (cf. Isaiah 1:2; Jeremiah 1:4–5). – We hear the voice that also spoke creation into existence (Genesis 1:3) and thundered at Sinai (Exodus 20:1). Because these are His words, they are certain and unchanging (Numbers 23:19; Matthew 24:35). While the whole earth rejoices – The text points to a future moment of global celebration—likely when God vindicates His people and establishes His righteous rule (Isaiah 35:1–2; Psalm 96:11–13). – Edom, the nation addressed in Ezekiel 35, had exulted over Judah’s calamity (Ezekiel 35:12; Obadiah 12). God now reverses the scene: the world will rejoice in His justice, but Edom will not share in it. – This echoes Proverbs 24:17, which warns against gloating at another’s downfall, and James 4:6, where God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. – The line anticipates a coming age when creation itself joins the chorus of joy (Romans 8:21; Revelation 19:1). I will make you desolate – Desolation is total ruin—cities laid waste, land uninhabitable (Ezekiel 35:3–4, 9). – God personally carries out the judgment (“I will”), underscoring that human power cannot thwart His decree (Psalm 2:4–5; Isaiah 46:10). – Edom’s perpetual hostility toward Israel reaps a perpetual judgment (Malachi 1:3–4). – The Lord’s justice is measured: where Edom once boasted, silence and barrenness will replace celebration (Isaiah 34:9–10; Jeremiah 49:17–18). – The warning stands for every nation and individual who mocks God’s people or exults in unrighteousness (Galatians 6:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:6). summary Ezekiel 35:14 is God’s solemn announcement to Edom: “Because you rejoiced at My people’s suffering, a day is coming when the whole earth will celebrate My salvation—yet you will stand empty and ruined.” The verse highlights God’s absolute authority, condemns arrogant gloating, and promises certain judgment on unrepentant pride. In His justice, the LORD will cause the faithful to rejoice while making the unfaithful desolate, proving that His word is both righteous and unfailing. |
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