This verse reminds us that God sees every act of arrogance, and His perfect justice will prevail.
In “Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘As all the earth rejoices, I will make you a desolation.’” (v.14) the prophet Ezekiel delivers a harsh pronouncement from the Lord against Mount Seir (the region of Edom). Edom, located southeast of the Dead Sea, was known for its rugged terrain and strategic mountain strongholds. Throughout its history, Edom had persistent hostility against the people of Israel, reflecting a deep-seated feud tracing back to Jacob and Esau’s rivalry (Genesis 25-27). Ezekiel, who prophesied between approximately 593 and 571 BC, brings this word at a time when God’s people were suffering defeat, yet Edom seemed to revel in their downfall. The Lord’s declaration to make Edom a desolation stands in stark contrast to any presumed joy Edom might have over Israel’s calamity, emphasizing that no one can ultimately exult in another people’s ruin without facing God’s judgment.
This verse underscores the Lord’s sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. When He says “As all the earth rejoices, I will make you a desolation” (v.14), He reveals that Edom’s false security and complacent attitude toward Israel’s suffering are unacceptable. Other parts of Scripture warn about such prideful gloating over others’ hardships (Obadiah 1:12). In the broader biblical context, believers today are also cautioned to remain humble and avoid exalting themselves at the expense of others—Jesus Himself taught the importance of loving one’s neighbor and overcoming evil with good (Luke 6:31). The promise of judgment on Edom points to God’s commitment to justice and His desire that no one glories in another’s misfortune.
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Ezekiel 35:14 meaning
In “Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘As all the earth rejoices, I will make you a desolation.’” (v.14) the prophet Ezekiel delivers a harsh pronouncement from the Lord against Mount Seir (the region of Edom). Edom, located southeast of the Dead Sea, was known for its rugged terrain and strategic mountain strongholds. Throughout its history, Edom had persistent hostility against the people of Israel, reflecting a deep-seated feud tracing back to Jacob and Esau’s rivalry (Genesis 25-27). Ezekiel, who prophesied between approximately 593 and 571 BC, brings this word at a time when God’s people were suffering defeat, yet Edom seemed to revel in their downfall. The Lord’s declaration to make Edom a desolation stands in stark contrast to any presumed joy Edom might have over Israel’s calamity, emphasizing that no one can ultimately exult in another people’s ruin without facing God’s judgment.
This verse underscores the Lord’s sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. When He says “As all the earth rejoices, I will make you a desolation” (v.14), He reveals that Edom’s false security and complacent attitude toward Israel’s suffering are unacceptable. Other parts of Scripture warn about such prideful gloating over others’ hardships (Obadiah 1:12). In the broader biblical context, believers today are also cautioned to remain humble and avoid exalting themselves at the expense of others—Jesus Himself taught the importance of loving one’s neighbor and overcoming evil with good (Luke 6:31). The promise of judgment on Edom points to God’s commitment to justice and His desire that no one glories in another’s misfortune.