Ezekiel 35:12 meaning
Throughout history, the Edomites exhibited a long—standing animosity towards Israel, often celebrating their suffering and disaster. This verse highlights the extent of Edom's blasphemy against the mountains of Israel, where they gleefully proclaimed that these lands had become desolate. The context reveals that such contempt did not go unnoticed by God; rather, it provoked divine retribution. The Edomites sought to claim Israel's land as their own in its time of weakness, thinking that their moment of triumph had arrived.
In the larger narrative of Ezekiel, God's reaction to Edom's derision serves as a stark reminder of His fidelity towards His people. The judgment foretold against Edom emphasizes that those who revel in the downfall of God's chosen will themselves face desolation. As stated, “you shall know that I am the Lord,” indicating that through their judgment, even the arrogant enemies of Israel will recognize Yahweh's sovereignty and power.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Genesis 18:19-22 meaning. God tells Abraham about the report of the great sin in Sodom and Gomorrah and that they plan on visiting the cities to see if it is true.
- Genesis 17:6-8 meaning. God promises that many nations and kings will come from Abraham’s descendants. God’s covenant is never-ending, and He promises to give the land of Canaan as a perpetual possession to Abraham’s descendants. God also indicates that His covenant extends to Abraham’s descendants after him. This would include the benefit of the rewards already granted as well as the conditional promise to bless them when they live faithfully.
- Habakkuk 2:12-14 meaning. The LORD denounces those who commit crimes to build extravagant cities and towns. Their buildings will serve no purpose because they will be destroyed by fire.