Ezekiel 35:7

“Thus will I make mount Seir most desolate, and cut off from it him that passeth out and him that returneth.”

Historical Context: Ezekiel was a prophet who lived during the Babylonian exile of the Israelites. This prophecy was directed towards the nation of Edom, located southeast of Israel, and specifically, Mount Seir, which was an important region within Edom.

• Symbolic Meaning:

The verse speaks of God’s judgment and desolation upon Mount Seir. In biblical symbolism, mountains often represent kingdoms or positions of authority. Mount Seir, in this case, symbolizes the nation of Edom and its rulers.

God’s Judgment: Throughout the book of Ezekiel, God pronounced judgment on various nations, including Edom. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob’s twin brother. They had a history of hostility towards Israel, and God held them accountable for their actions. The desolation mentioned in the verse signifies the severe consequences of their wickedness and rebellion against God.

Divine Intervention: The phrase “Thus will I make” emphasizes that it is God who will bring about the desolation of Mount Seir. It shows His sovereignty and power over nations and individuals. The judgment described is not a result of chance or human actions but rather a deliberate act of God.

Total Devastation: The phrase “most desolate” indicates that the judgment would be thorough and complete. God would bring ruin and destruction upon Mount Seir, leaving it barren and uninhabited. This signifies the severity of God’s judgment and serves as a warning to other nations who would oppose God’s people.

Extent of Punishment: The phrase “cut off from it him that passeth out and him that returneth” implies that none would be spared from God’s judgment. The punishment would affect both those who were leaving Mount Seir and those returning to it. This indicates that God’s judgment would be all-encompassing, leaving no escape for the people of Edom.

• Application: While this prophecy was specifically directed towards Edom, there are lessons that can be drawn from it. It serves as a reminder of God’s justice and His willingness to judge those who oppose Him. It also demonstrates the importance of aligning our actions and attitudes with God’s will, as rebellion and wickedness will eventually be brought to account.

Overall, Ezekiel 35:7 conveys a message of divine judgment upon Edom, emphasizing God’s authority and the severity of His punishment. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of opposing God and the importance of living in accordance with His will.