Ezekiel 35:1-36:15
Dear RTB’ers,
Prophecies against Edom and in favor of Israel (both Judah and the Northern Kingdom)… Here is the Lord’s judgment in a single sentence (the Lord God speaking): Surely I have spoken in My hot jealousy against the rest of the nations and against all Edom, who gave My land to themselves as a possession with wholehearted joy and utter contempt, that they might make its pasturelands a prey. (v. 36:5) As the Northern Kingdom was being wiped out by the Assyrians and Judah by the Babylonians, the Edomites (and other hostile neighbors) were happy to move themselves onto this deserted land. However, the Lord God refers to this land as “My land”, what we refer to as the Promised Land, and He wants it back!
I like the Lord’s use of “because of…, therefore…”, justifying His punishment against Edom: because you did not hate bloodshed, therefore blood shall pursue you. … As you rejoiced over…Israel, because it was desolate, so I will deal with you; you shall be desolate, Mount Seir, and all Edom, all of it. (v. 35:6b,15) Bloodshed, blood. Desolation, desolate. Nice pairings.
There’s a lesson for us in today’s readings – do not rejoice when your “enemy” fails (whoever or whatever your “enemy” is); rather, pray for him/her/its repentance and renewal. It’s a good lesson for me when I consider Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the challenges and difficulties that Russia and her armies are facing.
Blessings.
See also: August 12 (2023) / Ezekiel 34-37 (again).