Why would a just God, as portrayed in Ezekiel 35, enact collective punishment on entire generations of Edom?

Historical Background

Edom was a kingdom descended from Esau (cf. Genesis 36), the twin brother of Jacob. These two nations, Israel (descended from Jacob) and Edom (descended from Esau), carried on a turbulent relationship throughout much of biblical history. Archaeological surveys in southern Jordan have revealed Iron Age fortifications and settlements tied to the Edomites, indicating an established societal structure with considerable regional influence. This evidence aligns with the biblical narrative that Edom existed as a historical nation (see also Obadiah and 2 Kings 8:20–22), repeatedly in conflict with Israel.

Context of Ezekiel 35

Ezekiel 35 focuses on divine judgment pronounced upon Mount Seir (another term for Edom’s region). The chapter highlights Edom’s ongoing hostility and violence toward Israel, including taunts and opportunistic aggression during Israel’s hardships:

• Ezekiel 35:5: “Because you harbored an ancient hostility and delivered the Israelites over to the sword in the time of their disaster…”.

• Ezekiel 35:10: “‘Because you have said, “These two nations and countries will be ours, and we will possess them,” even though the LORD was there…’”

This passage reflects the broader biblical theme of Edom’s persistent enmity: not merely a single incident but a generational pattern of animosity and violence (e.g., Amos 1:11, Obadiah 1:10–14).

God’s Justice and Collective Punishment

1. Corporate Responsibility in the Ancient Near East

The concept of collective or corporate responsibility was embedded in the cultural and legal contexts of the Old Testament era. While individuals were judged according to their own deeds (cf. Ezekiel 18:20), nations were also treated as corporate entities responsible for longstanding patterns of sin. Edom’s repeated aggression over multiple generations is what triggered this judgment.

2. Perpetuation of Injustice

Ezekiel 35 points out Edom’s active, continuous hostility. The generation receiving judgment had upheld and perpetuated the same violence and hatred as their predecessors. In effect, each generation inherited not only the territory but also the entrenched posture of enmity. In that context, Edom’s stance was not an isolated offense but a continual, collective alignment against God.

3. God’s Timing and Patience

The Bible consistently references God’s patience before enacting judgment (cf. Exodus 34:6, 2 Peter 3:9). In Edom’s case, warnings were issued through various prophets (e.g., Jeremiah 49, Obadiah 1). By the time Ezekiel was on the scene, Edom had already ignored or defied repeated divine admonitions. This protracted history culminating in Ezekiel 35 underscores that divine judgment came only after Edom’s persistent aggression.

Consistency with the Scriptures

1. Scriptural Unity on Judgment

Other biblical prophets confirm the judgment upon Edom for its enduring hostility. Obadiah 1:10 declares, “Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be cut off forever.” This language mirrors Ezekiel 35’s emphasis on Edom’s “ancient hostility” (Ezekiel 35:5) and violent acts.

2. Manuscript Evidence

The Dead Sea Scrolls include portions of the prophetic books, providing external confirmation of the reliability of Old Testament texts. Such manuscript discoveries demonstrate that the original warnings against Edom recorded in Ezekiel remain consistent with the textual tradition we have today.

3. Archaeological Corroboration

Excavations at sites traditionally identified as Edomite territory (e.g., Bozrah, Sela/Petra) reveal cultural layers and destruction phases that coincide with biblical chronology. While not every detail can be pinpointed with absolute precision, these archaeological findings support that Edom’s downfall occurred in line with the biblical record of God’s judgment.

Reconciling with God’s Character

1. Holiness and Righteousness

God’s judgments flow from divine holiness and absolute righteousness. Scripture emphasizes that God does not punish arbitrarily (cf. Psalm 145:17). Edom’s defeat was a response to sustained aggression—an outflow of societal sins that spanned generations.

2. Justice and Mercy

Although Ezekiel 35 records a condemnation, it does not negate God’s merciful character. Repeated prophetic warnings throughout Scripture demonstrate that mercy was offered before severe judgment was imposed. When a nation, such as Edom, consistently rejects these opportunities and persists in violence, the eventual destruction reflects God’s justice.

3. Accountability for Future Generations

The passage indicates that succeeding generations of Edom chose to walk in the same path of hostility. Punishment upon a people group arises when each generation commends and continues the transgressions of its predecessors (cf. Jeremiah 7:26). Thus, the indicted generation is not innocent bystanders; they actively feed the cycle of sin.

Lessons and Application

1. Seriousness of Continuous Sin

The Edomites provide a somber example of how collective injustice accumulates over time, eventually reaching a tipping point. Ezekiel 35 reveals the gravity of consistent antagonism toward God’s purposes and His covenant people.

2. God’s Universal Sovereignty

These judgments demonstrate a God who governs all nations, not just Israel. Archaeological and historical evidence of Edom’s existence and subsequent demise, consistent with Scripture, reinforces the historicity and universality of divine sovereignty.

3. Hope in Judgment

While Ezekiel 35 speaks primarily of doom upon Edom, the biblical narrative as a whole points to God’s ultimate plan of redemption. The fact that God sits in judgment also means He upholds a moral order in creation. This consistent moral order is the basis on which believers affirm that evil and hostility do not go unaddressed.

Conclusion

Ezekiel 35’s condemnation of Edom reflects a divine response to a long-held pattern of hostility, violence, and pride. Generational punishment arises not from blind or indiscriminate wrath, but from the collective perseverance of sin. The Edomite case underscores the scriptural principle that God’s holiness and justice cannot coexist indefinitely with entrenched rebellion.

Archaeological data supporting Edom’s real historical presence, as well as manuscript evidence confirming the consistency of Ezekiel’s text, bolster the authority and reliability of Scripture. Edom’s repeated resistance revealed no interest in changing course, leading to the fulfillment of God’s warnings through His prophets. Ultimately, the corporate nature of Edom’s judgment demonstrates how a righteous God deals with sustained injustice while remaining faithful to His character and the integrity of His word.