What is the meaning of Ezekiel 35:15?

As you rejoiced when the inheritance of the house of Israel became desolate

- The Lord rebukes Edom (descendants of Esau) for celebrating Israel’s calamity (Psalm 137:7; Obadiah 12–13).

- Their gloating shows deep-seated hatred that began with the rivalry of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25:23; Numbers 20:14-21).

- God takes personal offense when anyone delights in His people’s suffering (Proverbs 17:5; Zechariah 2:8).

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so will I do to you

- Divine justice mirrors the sin: what Edom did emotionally, God will do experientially (Galatians 6:7; Matthew 7:2).

- The judgment is certain and measured by the same standard Edom used (Obadiah 15; Deuteronomy 32:35).

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You will become a desolation, O Mount Seir

- Mount Seir, Edom’s stronghold, would face the same devastation it applauded in Israel (Malachi 1:3-4; Isaiah 34:5-15).

- History confirms the prophecy: Edom faded from prominence, and Seir became barren ruins, underscoring God’s literal fulfillment.

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and so will all of Edom

- Judgment is national, not limited to a city. Every stronghold, tribe, and village shares the fate (Jeremiah 49:17-18).

- God’s impartiality ensures no sinner escapes merely by association or geography (Romans 2:6-11).

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Then they will know that I am the LORD

- The ultimate goal is revelation of God’s sovereignty (Ezekiel 25:14; 36:23).

- Israel—and the watching nations—recognize that the covenant God both defends and disciplines His people (Deuteronomy 4:34-35; Psalm 46:10).

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summary

Edom’s joy over Israel’s ruin provoked God to give Edom the very desolation it celebrated. By overturning Edom’s pride and laying waste to Mount Seir, the Lord demonstrated His just character and unwavering commitment to His covenant people. The prophecy warns every generation that gloating over another’s downfall invites the same measure of judgment, and that through such acts of justice, all will acknowledge the Lord’s supreme authority.