God holds nations and individuals accountable for how they treat one another.
“As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel because it was desolate.” (v.15) This verse addresses the nation of Edom (descendants of Esau, who lived around 2000 BC), pointing to the attitude of glee they demonstrated toward the misfortunes of God’s people. The phrase emphasizes how Edom took pleasure in Israel’s hardship, a stark contrast to the compassion they might have shown toward their kindred nation. Historically, Edom occupied the mountainous region south of the Dead Sea, a land also referred to as Mount Seir (Genesis 36). In the sixth century BC, when Ezekiel spoke these words, Israel’s exile and the devastation of Jerusalem were events that Edom apparently viewed with triumph rather than sorrow.
The consequence of this attitude, the verse implies, is a similar fate of desolation coming upon Edom. By paralleling Edom’s rejoicing over Israel’s downfall with the judgment that would befall Edom itself, the LORD reveals the principle that pride and cruelty toward others do not go unnoticed. Edom’s actions foreshadow how God holds nations accountable for their treatment of His chosen people. Such warnings resonate with the broader biblical theme that God’s justice is impartial (Obadiah 1:12-15).
Furthermore, this verse anticipates a greater message of restoration and ultimate justice. While Edom’s downfall highlights God’s protective hand over His people in the Old Testament, it also points forward to the hope of deliverance found in Jesus, who extended compassion and salvation to all nations (Luke 2:29-32). Through Christ’s example, believers are reminded to refrain from taking pleasure in others’ miseries, but rather to respond with mercy and humility.
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Ezekiel 35:15 meaning
“As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel because it was desolate.” (v.15) This verse addresses the nation of Edom (descendants of Esau, who lived around 2000 BC), pointing to the attitude of glee they demonstrated toward the misfortunes of God’s people. The phrase emphasizes how Edom took pleasure in Israel’s hardship, a stark contrast to the compassion they might have shown toward their kindred nation. Historically, Edom occupied the mountainous region south of the Dead Sea, a land also referred to as Mount Seir (Genesis 36). In the sixth century BC, when Ezekiel spoke these words, Israel’s exile and the devastation of Jerusalem were events that Edom apparently viewed with triumph rather than sorrow.
The consequence of this attitude, the verse implies, is a similar fate of desolation coming upon Edom. By paralleling Edom’s rejoicing over Israel’s downfall with the judgment that would befall Edom itself, the LORD reveals the principle that pride and cruelty toward others do not go unnoticed. Edom’s actions foreshadow how God holds nations accountable for their treatment of His chosen people. Such warnings resonate with the broader biblical theme that God’s justice is impartial (Obadiah 1:12-15).
Furthermore, this verse anticipates a greater message of restoration and ultimate justice. While Edom’s downfall highlights God’s protective hand over His people in the Old Testament, it also points forward to the hope of deliverance found in Jesus, who extended compassion and salvation to all nations (Luke 2:29-32). Through Christ’s example, believers are reminded to refrain from taking pleasure in others’ miseries, but rather to respond with mercy and humility.