Moreover, the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir, and prophesy against it and say to it, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am against you, Mount Seir, and I will stretch out My hand against you and make you a desolation and a waste.’ (vv.1-3)
Today’s reading begins with a prophecy against the nation of Edom. Mt. Seir, mentioned in our text, was their stronghold and is located just a few miles north east of Elat. The enmity between Edom and Israel extended all the way back to Jacob and Esau. When the Edomites looted Jerusalem after the Babylonian conquest (Obad. 1:11–14), in which they angered the Lord and incurred His judgment.
In Ezekiel’s day the Edomites rejoiced in the calamities of both Israel and Judah, and intended to capitalize on their enemy’s defeat and seize the Israelite’s land for themselves (vv.10-13). These plans showed disrespect for God, because He had given the land to Jacob as an inheritance. Therefore, the prophecy against Edom here is not only warranted, but an appropriate introduction to God’s promise in chapter 36, to restore Israel to her land, and that one day they would return from exile—homes would be built, crops would be grown, the people would live in peace again (Ezek 36:8–12).
This showed God’s people that no discipline lasts forever (36:15). God’s justice aims not to take vengeance on sinners, but to restore them to fellowship with Him. The same is true today for us: God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness and thus, learn from it.
The Truth: “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” (Hebrews 12:11)
Today’s reading begins with a prophecy against the nation of Edom. Mt. Seir, mentioned in our text, was their stronghold and is located just a few miles north east of Elat. The enmity between Edom and Israel extended all the way back to Jacob and Esau. When the Edomites looted Jerusalem after the Babylonian conquest (Obad. 1:11–14), in which they angered the Lord and incurred His judgment.
In Ezekiel’s day the Edomites rejoiced in the calamities of both Israel and Judah, and intended to capitalize on their enemy’s defeat and seize the Israelite’s land for themselves (vv.10-13). These plans showed disrespect for God, because He had given the land to Jacob as an inheritance. Therefore, the prophecy against Edom here is not only warranted, but an appropriate introduction to God’s promise in chapter 36, to restore Israel to her land, and that one day they would return from exile—homes would be built, crops would be grown, the people would live in peace again (Ezek 36:8–12).
This showed God’s people that no discipline lasts forever (36:15). God’s justice aims not to take vengeance on sinners, but to restore them to fellowship with Him. The same is true today for us: God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness and thus, learn from it.
The Truth: “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” (Hebrews 12:11)
