Ezekiel 35: Group Study Handout

Overview

Yahweh commands Ezekiel to prophesy against Mount Seir (vv. 1-2). He declares that He is against it and will make it desolate and astonishing (vv. 3-5). This judgment is due to Edom's perpetual hostility and betrayal of Israel during its troubles (v. 5). Yahweh promises retributive justice, stating that blood will pursue Edom for their violence (vv. 6-7). The destruction will lead to many dead across the mountains and valleys (vv. 8-10). Yahweh accuses Edom of claiming Israel's land for themselves, and He will act against their hatred (vv. 11-13). Edom has insulted Yahweh and rejoiced over Israel's misfortunes (vv. 12-13). Finally, Yahweh assures that while the earth rejoices, Edom will be made desolate, knowing He is Yahweh (vv. 14-15).

Key verse

“As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel because it was desolate, so will I do to you. You will be desolate, Mount Seir, and all Edom, even all of it. Then they will know that I am Yahweh.’”

Ezekiel 35:15 (WEB)

Outline

1. Ezekiel 35:1–2 God's Command to Prophesy
2. Ezekiel 35:3–5 Judgment Against Edom
3. Ezekiel 35:6–7 Retributive Justice Declared
4. Ezekiel 35:8–10 Desolation of Edom
5. Ezekiel 35:11–13 Edom's Insults and Judgment
6. Ezekiel 35:14–15 Final Assurance of Desolation

Discussion questions

1. In v2, what does God tell Ezekiel to set his face against?
2. What phrase in v5 describes Edom's attitude toward Israel during their calamity?
3. In v10, what does Edom mean by saying, 'These two nations and these two countries will be mine'?
4. In v12, how does God respond to Edom's insults against the mountains of Israel?
5. When have you experienced hostility from others, as described in v5?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ezekiel 35: Obadiah 1, Ezekiel 25, Ezekiel 36.

Before next time: read Ezekiel 36.