Book of Ezekiel: Chapter 35
Being boastful and gloating over your enemy’s failures can be a sure way to fall from God’s graces. It may be easy to fall into the trap of, essentially, being a sore winner. In the case of the nation of Edom, they fell into that trap and thus felt the wrath of the Lord.
In chapter 35 of Ezekiel, we hear a second prophesy against the nation of Edom. The first prophesy occurred in chapter 25. In this prophesy, God condemns the people of Edom. In particular, He condemns them for taking advantage of the nations of Israel and Judah.
After God had punished those two nations, Edom decided to place even more punishment upon the Israelites. They caused a bloodbath when the Israelites were already helpless. This prideful attack has caused God to decide to place judgment upon the nation of Edom.
If we look at this through the lens of our current society, we can take away a small lesson. That lesson is one of empathy. When someone, especially an enemy or someone you are competing with, is hurting, it can be easy to take advantage of the situation. But remember that God has punished those who were boastful in this way. Instead be empathetic to those that are hurting.
Key Verse:
“Therefore, as surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I will pay back your angry deeds with my own. I will punish you for all your acts of anger, envy, and hatred. And I will make myself known to Israel by what I do to you.” ~ Ezekiel 35:11 NLT
Questions to ponder:
- How does this prophecy differ from the other prophecies about Edom (see Ezekiel 25)?
- How can you be more empathetic to those around you that are hurting?
