Ezekiel 35: Wickedness Does Not Pay

Ezekiel 35 contains God's word of judgment against Mount Seir (Edom) for their contemptuous treatment of Israel in its hour of need.

When the Babylonians came attacking, the Edomites took advantage of the situation to pile on and avenge some of their old grudges against Judah.  The specific charges that Ezekiel lays at the feet of Mount Seir include:

• They cherished an ancient enmity and gave the people of Israel over to the sword (vs. 5).

• They coveted their neighbors' land for their own (vs. 10).

• They spoke abusively of Israel (vs. 12).

• They magnified themselves against God and multiplied their words against Him (vs. 13).

• They rejoiced over the desolations of Israel (vs. 15).

Because of these transgressions, the Edomites will reap what they sow.

• Because they gave Israel over to the power of the sword, they will be prepared for blood themselves (vs. 6).

• Because they did not hate bloodshed, bloodshed will pursue them (vs. 6).

• Because of their coveting of the Israelites' land, God will deal with them "according to the anger and envy" that they showed (vs. 11).

Basically, what Edom has done to Israel will likewise be done to them.  "As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so I will deal with you; you shall be desolate, Mount Seir, and all Edom, all of it. Then they shall know that I am the Lord" (vs. 15).  It's too bad that Edom didn't recognize that their acts of wickedness would not pay!