Ezekiel 35:14
This is what the Lord GOD says: While the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate.
This is what the Lord GOD says:

Ezekiel delivers the judgment under the authority of the sovereign covenant God. Mount Seir and Edom had treated Judah’s calamity with contempt and had desired to possess Israel’s land, but the Lord had witnessed their hostility and pride.

Ezk 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel…
Ezk 34:10 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am against…
Amo 1:3 For three transgressions of Damascus, even four,…

While the whole earth rejoices,

God’s restoration of His people would bring blessing and gladness beyond Judah, while Edom would stand under judgment. Edom had rejoiced over Jerusalem’s fall and exploited Israel’s distress, as Obadiah records. The nation that celebrated God’s people’s ruin would not share in the joy of God’s coming restoration.

Psa 97:1 The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;…
Psa 96:11-13 Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;…
Isa 49:13 Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth;…

I will make you desolate.

Edom’s cities, strength, and land would be brought to ruin by the Lord’s hand. The judgment fulfilled God’s repeated warnings through Isaiah, Jeremiah, Obadiah, and Ezekiel. Edom’s fate testifies that God opposes those who exalt themselves against Him and hate the people through whom He advances His purposes.

Ezk 25:13 and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword…
Isa 34:9-10 Edom’s streams will be turned to tar, and her soil to sulfur…
Mal 1:3-4 but Esau I have hated, and I have made his…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks with authority and power.

2. Edom
A nation descended from Esau, often at enmity with Israel, representing hostility towards God's people.

3. The Whole Earth
Symbolizes the nations and peoples who are not aligned with God's covenant, often rejoicing in worldly success.

4. Desolation
A state of emptiness and ruin, often used in prophetic literature to describe divine judgment.

5. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, tasked with delivering messages of judgment and hope to Israel and the surrounding nations.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is just and sovereign, executing judgment on nations that oppose His people. This reminds us of His ultimate authority over all creation.

The Consequences of Hostility
Hostility towards God's people leads to desolation. We are called to align ourselves with God's purposes and His people.

Rejoicing in the Right Things
While the world may rejoice in temporary successes, true joy is found in aligning with God's eternal purposes.

The Certainty of God's Promises
God's declarations, whether of judgment or blessing, are certain. We can trust in His word and live accordingly.

Hope Amidst Judgment
Even in messages of judgment, there is hope for those who turn to God. We are encouraged to seek His mercy and grace.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in judgment affect your view of current world events?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our rejoicing aligns with God's purposes rather than worldly success?

3. How can the history of Edom's hostility towards Israel serve as a warning for our own relationships and attitudes?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to align your life with God's promises and avoid spiritual desolation?

5. How can the themes of judgment and hope in Ezekiel 35:14 encourage you in your personal walk with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 34
This chapter also speaks of judgment against Edom, highlighting the theme of divine retribution against those who oppose God's people.

Obadiah 1
The entire book focuses on the judgment of Edom, emphasizing the consequences of pride and hostility towards Israel.

Psalm 137
Reflects the animosity between Edom and Israel, where Edom is remembered for its role in Jerusalem's downfall.

Revelation 18
Describes the fall of Babylon, drawing parallels to the desolation of nations that oppose God's will.
Features to be Found in PenaltyW. Clarkson Ezekiel 35:1-9, 14, 15
Special Punishment of Special SinJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 35:1-15
The Lord's Identification of Himself with IsraelJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 35:11-15
People
Ezekiel, Israelites, Seir
Places
Edom, Jerusalem, Mount Seir
Topics
Desolate, Desolation, Glad, Rejoices, Rejoiceth, Rejoicing, Says, Thus, Waste
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 35:13

     6163   faults
     8710   atheism

Library
The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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