What is the meaning of Ezekiel 35:5? Because you harbored an ancient hatred - God is addressing Mount Seir, the land of Edom (v. 2). The “ancient hatred” points back to the hostility that began with Esau’s grudge against Jacob (Genesis 27:41) and continued through the generations (Numbers 20:14-21; Obadiah 10-11). - This animosity was not a fleeting emotion but a settled, covenant-breaking attitude that stood in direct opposition to God’s promise to bless Israel (Genesis 12:3). - By calling the hatred “ancient,” the Lord highlights its deliberate, ongoing nature—Edom chose to keep nourishing it rather than repent (Malachi 1:2-4). - Cross reference: Psalm 137:7, “Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem, when they said, ‘Lay it bare, lay it bare to its foundations!’”. and delivered the Israelites over to the sword - Edom actively participated in Israel’s downfall instead of offering aid. Obadiah 11-14 details how Edom stood aloof, gloated, looted, and even captured fugitives for the enemy. - This turned Edom from passive neighbor to willing accomplice of violence. Proverbs 17:5 warns, “He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished”. - By “delivered,” the text shows Edom’s responsibility; they were not mere bystanders but deliberate facilitators of Israel’s suffering. - Cross reference: Lamentations 4:21-22 contrasts Edom’s rejoicing with God’s assurance that their own judgment would follow. in the time of their disaster - God had permitted Babylon to discipline Judah (Jeremiah 25:9); Edom exploited that divine chastening for personal vengeance. - Zechariah 1:15 says, “I was only a little angry, but they added to the calamity”, capturing the way surrounding nations intensified Israel’s distress beyond God’s intended measure. - The phrase underscores Edom’s lack of compassion—kicking a brother nation when it was already down, violating the moral expectation of helping the afflicted (Proverbs 24:17-18). at the final stage of their punishment - Israel’s “punishment” (exile) was nearing its ordained completion (Jeremiah 29:10; Isaiah 40:2). Edom’s aggression came just as God’s discipline was about to lift, showing utter disregard for His redemptive timetable. - By interfering at that critical moment, Edom aligned itself against God’s restorative plan, guaranteeing severe retribution (Ezekiel 35:6-9). - Cross reference: Ezekiel 21:25-27 reveals that God alone decides when judgment ends; any nation presuming to extend or intensify it is arrogating divine authority. summary Ezekiel 35:5 condemns Edom for a persistent, deep-seated hatred that erupted in active violence against Israel precisely when Israel was most vulnerable and when God’s discipline was nearly complete. The verse highlights God’s justice: He remembers centuries-old grievances, holds nations responsible for aiding oppression, and protects His redemptive purposes for His people. Edom’s ancient grudge, their hand in Israel’s bloodshed, their exploitation of calamity, and their intrusion into God’s timetable collectively explain why judgment on Mount Seir is certain and severe. |
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