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35:1–15 This appendix to the oracles against the nations revisits the judgment of Edom (25:12–14). The style and rhetoric are familiar, borrowing themes and images from Ezekiel’s earlier oracles. |
35:2 set your face against That is, “turn your attention toward.” See note on 20:46.
the mountain of Seir Refers to the region south of the Dead Sea; used as a synonym for Edom (see Gen 32:3).
Seir ISBE
35:3 the Lord Yahweh: Look! I am against you A common introduction to Yahweh’s pronouncements against those under judgment. It is used in oracles against the nations as well as against Israel (see Ezek 13:8; 21:3; 26:3; 28:22; 29:3, 29:10).
I will stretch out my hand against you Compare 25:14. A typical image of divine judgment. Yahweh’s hand symbolized His power to act.
a desolation and a wasteland The Hebrew uses two related words, giving the pronouncement a poetic assonance: shemamah umeshammah. Compare 29:9; 33:28–29.
35:5 an ancient hostility Edom was regularly in conflict with Judah and Israel during the time of the monarchy.
Their hostility is explained through the sibling rivalry between Jacob and Esau that began even before their birth (see Gen 25:22–23). The rivalry continued throughout their lives (see Gen 27:41–45; 32:4–22; 33:1–16). Jacob is the forebear of the Israelites, as Esau is of the Edomites. Due to their close geographic proximity, Edom
is regularly included in prophetic indictments of Israel’s neighbors (see Amos 1:11–12; Jer 49:7–22; Isa 34:5–10; Joel 3:19; Obad 1–21).
Edom ZEB D—G
Edom CBC
at the time of their disaster See Ezek 25:12. Edom may have been allied with Babylon against Judah. At the very least, they gloated over Jerusalem’s destruction, just as Ammon (25:3) and Tyre (26:3) did. See Psa 137:7.
35:10 the two lands, they will be mine Edom is condemned for coveting the territory of Israel and Judah after their downfall. Edom had no right to the land, which still belonged to Yahweh even though He had displaced His people.
Edom aspired to expand into areas formerly controlled by Judah. Archaeological evidence from the end of the Judaean monarchy supports the accusation of Edom’s gradual encroachment into Judah’s territory south of Jerusalem. A Judaean letter from the southern outpost of Arad reflects concern over Edomite expansion. An inscription found in southern Judah also suggests an Edomite presence, since the text invokes a blessing from Edom’s national deity, Qaus.
Arad 24 HCIET
Qôs DDD
Ezekiel 35:10–12 NICOT Eze 25–48
Yahweh was there Edom assumed that Yahweh had abandoned Judah, since the land lay in ruins and most of the people had been deported. The emphatic assertion that Yahweh was there reveals He had not abandoned the land or given it to any other nation.
35:12 the mountains of Israel The reference to the mountains of Israel may provide a clue about the placement of this oracle here instead of with the earlier oracle against Edom in Ezek 25:12–14. The next oracle in ch. 36 addresses the mountains of Israel and focuses on restoration and salvation. The people of Edom wanted to take possession of what they saw as abandoned land. Yahweh condemns their claim and affirms that Israel has not been abandoned.
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About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
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