EZEKIEL: CHAPTER 35

Chapter 35 is a strong message from God delivered through Ezekiel against Mount Seir, which represents the nation of Edom. God announces severe judgement upon Edom for their long-standing hatred of Israel. Edom had shown joy when Israel suffered and had even tried to take Israel's land for themselves during Israel's difficult times. God declares that because of their constant animosity, violence, and disrespectful words, He will make Edom utterly desolate and uninhabited. This destruction will serve as a powerful demonstration of God's justice and sovereignty, showing Edom and all nations that He is the true Lord who hears and acts.

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Translated KJV Bible Verses with Context and Explanation

35:1KJV Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

B:E Project The word of the LORD came to me again, saying,

Context: This opens a new oracle placed within the hope-and-restoration section (chapters 33-39), though its content is a judgement speech against Edom — deliberately positioned right before chapter 36's blessing on Israel's land as a contrast.

Meaning: This formula verse simply announces a fresh message, but its placement matters: judgement on Israel's enemy is presented right alongside promised restoration for Israel, showing the two as two sides of the same act of justice.

Lesson: I hold both promises at once — comfort for those who've been wronged and accountability for those who did the wronging. Don't expect me to ignore one while delivering the other.

See Also: Ezekiel 25:12-14 - an earlier, related oracle against Edom; Obadiah 1:1-4, an entire short book devoted to Edom's judgement.

35:2KJV Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it,

B:E Project Human being, turn and face Mount Seir, and prophesy against it.

Context: Mount Seir is the mountainous homeland of Edom, descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother — long-standing rivals and, at times, outright enemies of Israel.

Meaning: 'Set thy face against' is a formal gesture of confrontation used throughout Ezekiel — a physical, deliberate turning towards the target of judgement, underlining that this isn't vague disapproval but a direct, pointed message.

Lesson: I'm not vague or evasive when something needs confronting — I face it directly. If you need to address wrongdoing in your own life, don't dance around it either; name it plainly.

See Also: Ezekiel 6:2 - the same 'set thy face' formula against Israel's mountains; Genesis 36:8, Esau's descendants settling Mount Seir.

35:3KJV And say unto it, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I am against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate.

B:E Project Tell it: this is what the Lord GOD says — Mount Seir, I am against you. I will reach out my hand against you and make you utterly desolate.

Context: The formal declaration of judgement against Edom begins here, using the same 'I am against you' formula used elsewhere in Ezekiel.

Meaning: 'I am against thee' is about as direct and severe as biblical language gets — it names God as actively opposed, not just disapproving from a distance. The judgement that follows is framed as deliberate, purposeful consequence, not random misfortune.

Lesson: Opposing others out of hatred and cruelty has real consequences — I don't let that go unanswered forever, however long it seems to go unpunished. Choose to be someone I'm for, not someone I have to stand against.

See Also: Ezekiel 13:8 - the same 'I am against you' formula used against false prophets; Nahum 2:13, similar judgement formula against Nineveh.

35:4KJV I will lay thy cities waste, and thou shalt be desolate, and thou shalt know that I am the LORD.

B:E Project I will lay your cities in ruins, and you will be desolate — and you will know that I am the LORD.

Context: Continuing the sentence against Edom, with the recurring phrase 'thou shalt know that I am the LORD', used throughout Ezekiel as the ultimate purpose behind every judgement or blessing.

Meaning: This recognition formula appears dozens of times across Ezekiel; it frames every event, good or bad, as ultimately meant to make God's reality unmistakably clear to those who experience it.

Lesson: Sometimes consequences exist to wake people up to the truth of a situation, not just to punish. If hard consequences have come your way, ask honestly what truth they might be trying to show you.

See Also: Ezekiel 6:7,13 - the same recognition formula repeated throughout the book; Exodus 7:5, the plagues meant so Egypt 'shall know that I am the LORD.'

35:5KJV Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed the blood of the children of Israel by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time that their iniquity had an end:

B:E Project Because you have held onto endless hatred, and you shed the blood of the Israelites by the sword at the time of their disaster — at the very time their punishment was reaching its end.

Context: This names Edom's specific crime: exploiting and attacking Israel violently at the exact moment Israel was already suffering the disaster of Jerusalem's fall.

Meaning: The timing matters enormously — Edom didn't just have old grudges, they acted on them precisely when Israel was most vulnerable. It's an indictment of opportunistic cruelty: taking advantage of someone else's worst moment.

Lesson: I take special notice of cruelty timed to someone else's lowest point — that's when real character shows, for better or worse. Be the person who helps someone up when they're down, not the one who uses their fall against them.

See Also: Obadiah 1:10-14 - a fuller account of Edom's betrayal during Jerusalem's fall; Proverbs 24:17, 'Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth.'

35:6KJV Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee: sith thou hast not hated blood, even blood shall pursue thee.

B:E Project So, as surely as I live, says the Lord GOD, I will hand you over to bloodshed, and bloodshed will chase you down — since you loved bloodshed, bloodshed will pursue you.

Context: God announces a fitting judgement: since Edom loved violence and shed blood freely, violence will now come back on them in kind.

Meaning: This is the ancient principle of poetic justice — the punishment matches the crime exactly. It's a pointed statement that what you send out into the world has a way of returning to you.

Lesson: What you consistently feed — hatred, violence, cruelty — tends to come back around into your own life, one way or another. I'd rather you feed something else instead: kindness has its own way of returning too.

See Also: Galatians 6:7 - 'whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap'; Matthew 26:52, 'they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.'

35:7KJV Thus will I make mount Seir most desolate, and cut off from it him that passeth out and him that returneth.

B:E Project This is how I will make Mount Seir utterly desolate — I will cut off from it anyone travelling out and anyone travelling back in.

Context: Continuing the judgement, describing total desolation so complete that ordinary travel and movement through the region simply stops.

Meaning: 'Him that passeth out and him that returneth' is an idiom for everyday coming-and-going, ordinary life continuing. Its complete cessation pictures total emptiness — not a temporary setback but the end of normal life there.

Lesson: Sustained hostility and violence, left unchecked, tends to hollow out a place or a life entirely — nothing normal is left standing. I'd rather redirect you before things reach that point.

See Also: Zechariah 7:14 - a land made desolate 'that no man passed through nor returned'; Ezekiel 25:13, related judgement making Edom desolate from Teman to Dedan.

35:8KJV And I will fill his mountains with his slain men: in thy hills, and in thy valleys, and in all thy rivers, shall they fall that are slain with the sword.

B:E Project I will fill your mountains with your own slain — they will fall by the sword in your hills, your valleys and all your riverbeds.

Context: A stark, graphic image of the violence Edom inflicted returning upon its own land and people, consistent with the 'blood for blood' principle stated in verse 6.

Meaning: This is deliberately visceral — the same landscape Edom used as a base for violence becomes the scene of its own downfall. Ezekiel doesn't shy from vivid, uncomfortable imagery when the point is the seriousness of consequence.

Lesson: I don't sanitise the reality of consequence to make it easier to hear — some things genuinely are as serious as they sound. Take that seriousness as an invitation to change course now, while you still can.

See Also: Isaiah 34:5-7 - a strikingly similar graphic judgement oracle against Edom; Revelation 19:17-18, similarly graphic judgement imagery.

35:9KJV I will make thee perpetual desolations, and thy cities shall not return: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

B:E Project I will make you permanently desolate, and your cities will never be rebuilt — and you will know that I am the LORD.

Context: The judgement is declared final and lasting, contrasting sharply with the restoration promised to Israel's cities in the following chapter.

Meaning: The word 'perpetual' stands out because it contrasts with Israel's promised restoration next door in chapter 36 — outcomes follow directly from each nation's actual conduct, not random chance.

Lesson: Outcomes aren't arbitrary — how you treat others in their weakest moments genuinely shapes what comes back to you. It's never too late to change how you're treating people, so a different outcome becomes possible.

See Also: Malachi 1:3-4 - Edom rebuilding but God tearing it down again, called 'the border of wickedness'; Ezekiel 36:33-36, the contrasting rebuilding promised to Israel.

35:10KJV Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas the LORD was there:

B:E Project Because you said, 'These two nations and these two lands will be mine — we will take possession of them,' even though the LORD was there —

Context: Edom's specific plan is named: to seize both Israel and Judah's land while it lay empty after the exile, ignoring that this was still God's territory and people.

Meaning: 'Whereas the LORD was there' is the crux of the offence — Edom treated the land as up for grabs the moment it looked abandoned, without regard for the fact that it still belonged to someone.

Lesson: Just because something looks empty, undefended or unclaimed doesn't mean it's actually yours to take. I'm often present in situations in ways that aren't obvious at first glance — act as if that's true, because it usually is.

See Also: Ezekiel 36:5 - the same accusation restated, Edom taking God's land 'with despiteful minds'; Joel 3:2-3, nations judged for dividing up God's land and people.

35:11KJV Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will even do according to thine anger, and according to thine envy which thou hast used out of thy hatred against them; and I will make myself known among them, when I have judged thee.

B:E Project So, as surely as I live, says the Lord GOD, I will treat you exactly the way your anger and envy treated them, out of your hatred against them — and I will make myself known among them when I have judged you.

Context: The punishment is explicitly matched to Edom's own emotional motives — anger, envy, hatred — showing the judgement fits precisely what drove the original offence.

Meaning: This makes clear that the internal motive, not just the external act, is what's being judged. It also links Israel's future knowledge of God directly to Edom's judgement, showing these events are connected.

Lesson: What's underneath your actions — envy, resentment, hatred — matters as much to me as the actions themselves. Deal honestly with what's actually driving you, not just with how it looks from the outside.

See Also: James 3:14-16 - envy and strife producing 'confusion and every evil work'; Galatians 5:19-21, envy and hatred listed among the works that damage relationships.

35:12KJV And thou shalt know that I am the LORD, and that I have heard all thy blasphemies which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they are given us to consume.

B:E Project You will know that I am the LORD, and that I have heard every insult you spoke against the mountains of Israel, saying, 'They are desolate, they've been handed to us to devour.'

Context: God quotes Edom's actual gloating words back to them — the exact taunt that provoked this judgement, treating Israel's ruined land as easy pickings.

Meaning: Being told plainly 'I have heard' is significant — words said in private gloating, assumed to go unnoticed, are shown to have been heard all along.

Lesson: What you say about someone else's pain when you think no one's listening still matters to me. Speak about people's hardships the way you'd want to be heard speaking about your own.

See Also: Matthew 12:36 - 'every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof'; Psalm 137:7, remembering Edom's cry of 'rase it, rase it' at Jerusalem's fall.

35:13KJV Thus with your mouth ye have boasted against me, and have multiplied your words against me: I have heard them.

B:E Project You have boasted against me with your own mouth, piling up words against me — and I have heard every one of them.

Context: God makes explicit that Edom's contempt for Israel was, ultimately, contempt directed at God himself, since Israel was his people and land.

Meaning: This reframes the whole offence: mocking Israel wasn't just an act between two nations, it was effectively an act of arrogance against God, who considered himself bound up with Israel's fate.

Lesson: How you treat people I love is, to me, how you're treating me. I take unkindness towards the vulnerable personally, because I've made their cause my own.

See Also: Matthew 25:40,45 - 'inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these... ye have done it unto me'; Acts 9:4, Saul persecuting Christians is persecuting Jesus himself.

35:14KJV Thus saith the Lord GOD; When the whole earth rejoiceth, I will make thee desolate.

B:E Project This is what the Lord GOD says: while the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate.

Context: A pointed contrast: at the very time restoration and rejoicing spread elsewhere (echoing chapter 36's promises for Israel), Edom's fate runs the opposite direction.

Meaning: This verse deliberately sets up a contrast in timing — joy everywhere else, desolation specifically for Edom — reinforcing that consequences are tied to conduct, not random chance.

Lesson: The same moment can be joy for one person and reckoning for another, depending on what each has sown. I'd rather you be found among those rejoicing than those left out of it.

See Also: Isaiah 65:13-14 - a similar contrast between God's servants rejoicing and others left in shame; Revelation 18:20, heaven rejoicing over judgement on cruelty.

35:15KJV As thou didst rejoice at the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do unto thee: thou shalt be desolate, O mount Seir, and all Idumea, even all of it: and they shall know that I am the LORD.

B:E Project Just as you rejoiced over Israel's land being made desolate, so I will do to you: you will be desolate, Mount Seir — all of Edom, every part of it — and they will know that I am the LORD.

Context: The chapter's closing verse restates the whole judgement one final time — Edom's gloating over Israel's ruin becomes the exact template for its own coming ruin, closing the oracle before chapter 36 turns to Israel's restoration.

Meaning: This final verse ties the chapter together with the 'as you did, so it will be done to you' principle stated plainly one last time. Positioned right before Israel's restoration, it functions as a hinge: judgement completed, hope about to unfold.

Lesson: How you respond to someone else's downfall — with cruelty or with compassion — has a way of shaping your own story too. Choose compassion; it's the only response to someone else's hard time that never comes back to bite you.

See Also: Ezekiel 36:1-11 - the immediate contrast, Israel's mountains blessed right after Edom's are cursed; Obadiah 1:15, 'as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee.'

Devotionals relating to the Chapter

The Serpent's Whisper in Your Heart

We often read the ancient prophecies of judgement and nod our heads, comfortably distant from the severity of their warnings. "That was for Edom," we think, "a people long gone, a hatred long past." But what if Ezekiel 35, with its blistering condemnation of Mount Seir, isn't just a historical footnote but a mirror held directly to your heart, to my heart, today? The prophet unveils a horrifying truth: God sees more than our actions; He sees the quiet, insidious we sometimes feel when others fall, the malice we harbour, and the bitterness that curdles in our souls. Edom’s sin wasn't just external aggression; it was a deep, internal satisfaction in Israel's suffering, a perpetual hatred (v. 5) that infected their very being. God declares, "Because you cherished perpetual enmity and gave over the people of Israel to the power of the sword at the time of their calamity, at the time of their final punishment" (Ezekiel 35:5). Edom didn't just stand by; they gloated. They saw the desolation of God's people as an opportunity, an inheritance to seize. They didn't just dislike Israel; they found perverse delight in their downfall. And that, dear friend, is a chilling indictment for us all, because this particular brand of malice is far more common, and far more subtle, than we care to admit. Here's the painful truth: our fallen hearts are factories of self-. We believe the lie that our internal world is our own private kingdom, invisible to God, exempt from His scrutiny. We convince ourselves that our hidden judgements, our unspoken resentments, our subtle satisfactions in someone else's pain are harmless. But God sees. He sees the competitive spirit that smiles outwardly but inwardly celebrates a colleague’s professional setback. He sees the tribal loyalty that condemns an opposing group, finding perverse satisfaction in their struggles. He hears the serpent’s whisper in our hearts, telling us our anger is justified, our schadenfreude deserved. Consider where this insidious heart-condition surfaces in your daily life:

You scroll through social media, a competitor's public failure pops up, and you feel a flicker of vindication, perhaps even a quiet "they deserved it."
You hear about a neighbour's struggles – financial, relational, health – and instead of empathy, you feel a distant, subtle relief that it’s not your problem, or perhaps even a self-righteous judgement.
Your political or social "enemies" face public humiliation, and you find yourself celebrating, rather than seeking understanding or praying for their repentance and restoration.
You cling to a long-standing grudge within your family or community, replaying past hurts, convinced that your anger is righteous and their suffering would be just.

But thanks be to God, Ezekiel 35 doesn't end with us trapped in this spiritual swamp of malice. It points us directly to the One who perfectly resisted every temptation to gloat, to judge, to seize. Jesus , the Son of God, didn't delight in our suffering; He bore it. He didn't seek to exploit our weakness; He entered into it. He didn't cling to perpetual hatred; He offered perpetual . His life was a perfect demonstration of empathy, compassion, and . And on the cross, He conquered the very sin that fuels our schadenfreude, our resentment, our competitive spirit, and our desire for vengeance. Through His finished work, Jesus offers you a new heart – a heart not quick to judge, not eager to gloat, not consumed by hatred, but a heart capable of genuine love, radical empathy, and humble compassion. The is at work in you, dismantling those factories of self-, silencing the serpent's whisper, and empowering you to mourn with those who mourn, and to rejoice with those who rejoice. This isn't just a moral command; it's a divine transformation, purchased by , received by , and lived out one Spirit-empowered act of compassion at a time. Let the truth of Ezekiel 35 drive you to , where malice dies and reigns.

Reflection Questions

Where do you notice the "serpent's whisper" in your own heart – that subtle satisfaction or judgement when someone else, especially a competitor or someone you disagree with, experiences difficulty?
Are there any "perpetual hatreds" you've been clinging to in your relationships or towards certain groups? What steps can you take to begin dismantling those grudges?
Ezekiel 35 reminds us God sees our intentions and internal desires. How does this truth challenge your perspective on your private thoughts and online interactions?
How can you actively cultivate empathy and compassion this week, especially towards someone whose struggles you might typically overlook or judge?

Applying the Chapter to Your Life

Brothers and sisters, when we turn to Ezekiel Chapter 35, we might initially see a stern declaration of God’s judgement against Mount Seir, the land of Edom. It's a sobering reminder of God's justice. But as practical Christians, we don't just observe judgement; we extract eternal principles. This chapter, in detailing what God condemns, profoundly reveals what it means to "Act Godly" – it's the stark opposite of Edom's behaviour.

God's indictment against Edom highlights specific sins: their perpetual enmity against Israel, their rejoicing over Israel's distress, their covetousness to seize what wasn't theirs, and their arrogant boasting against God's plan and His people. For us, these condemnations become powerful calls to embrace forgiveness, empathy, contentment, and humble submission to God.

Here are 4 practical ways a modern Christian can "Act Godly" today, rooted in the challenging truths of Ezekiel 35:

1. Let Go of Grudges and Pursue Reconciliation

The Edomite Sin: "You had a perpetual enmity" (v. 5). This describes a deep-seated, ongoing hostility, a refusal to forgive, and a perpetuation of conflict.
The Godly Call: To actively release bitterness, forgive from the heart, and, where safe and appropriate, pursue peace.

How to Act Godly Today:
Think about that person or group you've held a grievance against for too long – a family member, a former friend, a colleague, or even a rival organisation. Instead of nurturing that "perpetual enmity" by rehashing their wrongs or speaking ill of them, choose to release the bitterness to God. This isn't about excusing their behaviour or forgetting, but about freeing yourself from the spiritual chains of unforgiveness. If it’s safe and constructive, take a humble step: not to accuse, but to express your desire for peace, understanding, or simply to let them know you’ve released the hurt and are praying for their well-being. Stop fuelling the cycle of resentment, either internally or through gossip.

2. Mourn with Those Who Mourn, Especially Your "Rivals"

The Edomite Sin: "You rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel because it was desolate" (v. 15). This is schadenfreude – taking pleasure in the misfortune, suffering, or failures of others, particularly those you perceive as competitors or adversaries.
The Godly Call: To cultivate genuine empathy, compassion, and a heart that sorrows with those who sorrow, even when they are not your closest allies.

How to Act Godly Today:
When you hear news of a competitor struggling, a person you've had conflict with facing a setback, or someone whose opinions you strongly disagree with experiencing personal hardship (a job loss, illness, or family difficulty), resist the immediate human urge to feel a flicker of satisfaction or indifference. Instead, actively choose empathy. If appropriate, reach out with a genuine message of condolence or support. Even if you can't offer practical help, pray for them sincerely. Refrain from gossiping about their misfortune or subtly highlighting their failures to others. Your compassion for their pain should transcend any past animosity or rivalry.

3. Combat Covetousness and Celebrate Others' Blessings

The Edomite Sin: "You said, 'The two nations and the two countries will be mine, and we will possess them'" (v. 10). This speaks of a greedy desire to seize what rightfully belongs to others, driven by dissatisfaction with one's own lot.
The Godly Call: To practise contentment with what God has provided, respect others' possessions and successes, and celebrate their blessings rather than desiring them for yourself.

How to Act Godly Today:
When a colleague gets a promotion you wanted, a friend buys the house you’ve dreamed of, or another church member receives a blessing you’ve been praying for, examine your heart. Do you feel a pang of envy, a sense of injustice, or a subtle desire for their success to diminish so you can shine? Actively combat that covetousness. Instead of secretly wanting what they have or undermining their achievement, genuinely celebrate with them. Offer sincere congratulations and share in their joy. Focus on being grateful for God’s provision in your life and trust His perfect timing and plan for you. Be content with your lot and seek to be a generous steward of what God has already entrusted to you.

4. Speak Humbly and Trust God's Sovereign Plan

The Edomite Sin: "You have spoken against Me with your mouth and have multiplied your words against Me; I have heard them" (v. 13). This points to arrogance, presumption, and a challenging of God’s authority and wisdom, especially concerning His people and His plans.
The Godly Call: To speak humbly about our own plans, acknowledge God's ultimate control, and trust His sovereignty even when we don't understand His ways.

How to Act Godly Today:
When you discuss your future plans, career goals, or family aspirations, avoid speaking with an air of absolute certainty about your accomplishments or what you will make happen. Instead, adopt a posture of humble submission. Incorporate phrases like, "If the Lord wills," "God willing," or "By God's grace." More profoundly, when faced with disappointments, setbacks, or challenges that disrupt your carefully laid plans, resist the urge to question God's goodness or wisdom ("Why would God let this happen to me?"). Instead of grumbling or complaining against His providential hand, declare your trust in His sovereignty. Acknowledge that His ways are higher than yours, and His love is unfailing. Seek to learn from the situation, trusting that He is working all things together for your good, even when it’s painful or confusing.

Ezekiel 35 reminds us that God sees our hearts, our attitudes, and our reactions to others. Living a godly life isn't just about what we do, but about who we are and how we respond to the world around us. Let us, then, choose to walk in forgiveness, empathy, contentment, and humble trust, reflecting the character of our just and merciful God.

Relevance of the Chapter in the Modern World

Timeless Lessons for Modern Life

Beware of Schadenfreude: Ezekiel 35 condemns Edom for rejoicing over Israel's desolation and misfortune. This teaches us the spiritual danger of finding satisfaction or pleasure in the struggles or failures of others, whether in personal relationships, career competition, or even online interactions.
The Peril of Perpetual Hatred: The chapter highlights Edom's "perpetual hatred" towards Israel. This serves as a strong warning against allowing long-standing grudges, resentment, or animosity to fester, as they inevitably lead to destructive outcomes for all involved.
Respecting Boundaries and Belongings: Edom sought to seize Israel's land, treating it as their own. This reminds us of the importance of respecting others' space, possessions, cultural identity, and what rightfully belongs to them, rather than coveting or attempting to appropriate it.
God Sees Our Intentions: God's judgement on Edom was not just for their actions, but for their malicious heart and intentions. This emphasises that our inner motivations, desires, and silent thoughts are known to God and hold significant weight, guiding us towards purity of heart.
The Echoes of Our Actions: The chapter declares Edom will become a desolation because of their cruel actions. This illustrates the lasting and often severe consequences that stem from choices rooted in malice, indifference, or a lack of compassion.
Against Exploiting Vulnerability: Edom targeted Israel during a time of weakness and suffering. We are called to stand with those who are vulnerable or in distress, rather than taking advantage of their difficult circumstances for personal gain or satisfaction.
Humility Over Arrogance: Edom's presumption in claiming God's people's land and their open defiance of God's plan led to their downfall. This cautions against spiritual and personal arrogance, reminding us that humility is essential in our dealings with others and in acknowledging God's sovereignty.
The Call to Empathy and Compassion: By condemning Edom's lack of empathy and their malicious joy, the chapter implicitly calls us to the opposite: to cultivate deep compassion for those who are suffering. It encourages us to respond with kindness and support when others face hardship.
Rejecting Vengeful Cycles: The "perpetual hatred" described suggests a long history of animosity and potentially retaliatory actions. This urges us to break cycles of vengeance and conflict, seeking pathways of reconciliation and peace rather than perpetuating harm.
God's Sovereignty in Justice: God declares His judgement against Edom, affirming His ultimate justice. This offers comfort that even when earthly injustices seem unaddressed, there is a higher justice, and it compels us to advocate for fairness and righteousness in our world.

Real-World Scenarios & Applications

The Digital Gaze of Malice

The Scenario

On social media, you witness someone publicly criticising, mocking, or even celebrating the professional or personal failures of a competitor, a public figure, or a group they disagree with.

The Lesson

Ezekiel 35 condemns Mount Seir for gloating over the desolation of Israel. This ancient warning speaks directly to the heart behind such online behaviours. It reminds us that our intentions and the spirit with which we engage, even behind a screen, are seen and matter to God. Instead of contributing to cycles of online toxicity and division, the chapter challenges us to cultivate empathy and humility, choosing to build up rather than tear down.

Welcoming the Stranger

The Scenario

Your community is experiencing an influx of migrants or refugees, and while some are welcoming, others express significant resentment, fear, or a sense of being encroached upon, leading to calls for stricter borders or even hostility.

The Lesson

While Ezekiel 35 denounces Edom’s malicious desire to seize Israel’s land and their contempt for a vulnerable people, the spirit of Christ consistently calls us to radical welcome. Jesus taught us to love our neighbour and extend hospitality to the stranger. This chapter, by illustrating the severe consequences of rejecting and exploiting those in need, reminds us of our divine calling to respect the inherent dignity of all people, offering compassion and refuge rather than fear, exclusion, or appropriation.

Beyond Cycles of Conflict

The Scenario

Nations, political factions, or even extended families are locked in enduring conflicts, fuelled by long-standing grudges, historical grievances, and a persistent desire for dominance, leading to ongoing violence or emotional strife.

The Lesson

Ezekiel 35 vividly depicts the desolation that results from "perpetual hatred" and a relentless desire to seize what belongs to others. While Edom’s aggression brought judgement, the teachings of Jesus, a profound pacifist, call us away from such destructive cycles. He encourages us to seek reconciliation, love our enemies, and actively pursue peace, guiding us to dismantle the roots of hatred and violence rather than perpetuating war or conflict, both globally and in our personal spheres.

Navigating Personal Setbacks and Health Challenges

The Scenario

An individual is struggling with a chronic health problem, financial crisis, or a significant career setback, and they experience not only the direct hardship but also a subtle lack of genuine support from some around them, sometimes even a sense of distant judgement or relief from those who might view them competitively.

The Lesson

Ezekiel 35 warns against those who "rejoice over the inheritance of the house of Israel because it was desolate" (v. 15). This ancient condemnation of finding satisfaction in another's suffering deeply challenges us today. It calls us to respond with profound compassion and practical support to those facing health crises or life's trials. Our faith encourages us to be sources of encouragement and upliftment, remembering that true strength lies in empathy and shared humanity, not in allowing indifference or a competitive spirit to flourish when someone is vulnerable.

Associated Worship Songs for the Chapter

Worship is a wonderful way to draw closer to God and open our hearts to God. Music has a unique ability to touch us deeply and help us connect with the meaning of God’s Word in a personal way. The songs chosen for each chapter are there to help you reflect on what you have read and experience its message not only in your mind, but also in your heart.

1.
The Lion and The Lamb by Leeland & Bethel Music
Link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Lion+and+The+Lamb+Leeland+Bethel+Music+Worship
Description: This powerful anthem declares God's sovereignty and His dual nature as both a gentle Lamb and a mighty Lion who fights for His people. Ezekiel 35 vividly portrays God as the roaring Lion, bringing judgement upon Mount Seir (Edom) for their ancient hostility and gloating over Israel's distress, thereby actively defending His chosen nation and asserting His divine authority over all who oppose His purposes.
2.
Raise A Hallelujah by Jonathan David Helser & Melissa Helser (Bethel Music)
Link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Raise+A+Hallelujah+Jonathan+David+Helser+Melissa+Helser+Bethel+Music+Worship
Description: The core message of this song is worship and defiant praise in the face of adversity and enemies. Ezekiel 35 describes God's direct intervention to judge Edom, who continually sought to exploit Israel's weakness; God's action is a profound vindication and a divine "hallelujah" declared over those who sought to harm His people, demonstrating His unyielding commitment to their protection.
3.
Defender by Francesca Battistelli
Link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Defender+Francesca+Battistelli+Worship
Description: This song celebrates God's unwavering presence and His role as a divine protector who fights our battles. In Ezekiel 35, God explicitly acts as Israel's defender, promising to make Mount Seir a desolation because of their perpetual hatred and desire to seize Israel's land. This chapter is a clear declaration of God's active defence of His covenant people against their enemies.

Guiding Prayers for each Verse in the Chapter

Take a moment with each verse and let it speak to your heart. These prayers are simply gentle starting points to help guide your own prayer. Feel free to draw from them, adapt them, or make them your own as you bring your thoughts, feelings, and heart before God.

Verse 1

Father, I praise Your holy name, for You are the living God who speaks, who initiates communication with Your beloved children. I confess that sometimes I am distracted by the noise of the world, failing to quiet my spirit and truly listen for Your divine whispers. I earnestly ask You, Lord, to grant me an open heart and discerning ears, so that I may clearly hear Your guidance in my daily life, especially when faced with important decisions or moments of confusion. I yield my will to Your revealed truth, trusting that Your word is light to my path. Amen.

Verse 2

Gracious God, I adore You as the God of perfect justice, who calls Your servants to confront injustice and prophesy truth, even when it demands courage. I repent for the times I have turned a blind eye to wrongs, or when fear has prevented me from speaking truth to power in my own sphere of influence. I humbly ask for Your divine courage, Lord, to stand for what is right, and for discernment to know when and how to engage, avoiding the temptation to participate in online toxicity and instead cultivating compassion. I yield myself as an instrument of Your righteousness, trusting in Your larger plan for ultimate justice. Amen.

Verse 3

Oh, Sovereign Lord, I recognise Your absolute power and righteous judgement, knowing that Your hand stretches out to bring about justice and balance in all things. I confess the moments when I have harboured deep-seated resentment or wished ill upon others, failing to trust in Your ultimate authority over every life and situation, as Edom harboured malice. Please, dear Lord, help me to release the bitterness and envy that sometimes consume me, especially when I feel overlooked or wronged, so I do not allow internal animosity to lead to spiritual desolation. I yield my desire for personal vindication, knowing that Your justice is perfect and all-encompassing. Amen.

Verse 4

Glorious God, You are the Alpha and Omega, the one who brings all things to their rightful end, revealing Your sovereignty in every circumstance, whether in prosperity or desolation. I repent for chasing fleeting successes or material gains, and for considering cutting ethical corners, which often leave me feeling empty, rather than seeking Your eternal presence and wisdom (Lesson 5, Covetousness). I ask that You help me to recognise Your hand in both life's abundance and its difficulties, to learn from every experience, and to always seek Your face above all else, finding my true contentment and purpose in You. I yield my life to Your Lordship, desiring to walk in Your ways. Amen.

Verse 5

Almighty God, I praise You, for You see the hidden corners of our hearts and know the deep-seated resentments that can linger, much like Edom's ancient hostility. I confess the ways I have harboured grudges or allowed old hurts to fester within me, even wishing ill upon others in their difficult times, or finding satisfaction in their misfortune instead of offering support in times of crisis. Forgive me for lacking compassion when others face deep personal loss or profound struggles. Please cleanse my heart of all animosity. Grant me a spirit of forgiveness and empathy, especially when others are vulnerable or suffering, enabling me to offer genuine support rather than judgement. I yield my heart to Your transforming power, asking You to cultivate compassion and release me from the chains of bitterness. Amen.

Verse 6

Righteous Judge, I worship You, the living God whose word is absolute, revealing that what we sow, we shall ultimately reap, and that malice consumes the one who harbours it. I confess the times I have harboured anger or even delighted in the public failures of others, perhaps participating in online bullying or 'cancel culture,' failing to hate the 'bloodshed' of harsh words or destructive actions towards another. Lord, help me to cultivate a spirit of non-violence in thought, word, and deed, both in my personal interactions and in my digital engagements. Guide me to be a force for upliftment and constructive engagement, choosing kindness over cruelty. I commit to living a life that reflects Your peace, trusting that You will bring justice in Your perfect timing. Amen.

Verse 7

Holy God, I honour Your absolute decrees, which demonstrate Your ultimate authority over all creation and all pathways of life, bringing about what You declare. I repent for seeking my own path without consulting You, or for trying to bypass consequences through manipulation or deceit, believing I can avoid the desolation that comes from such choices. I ask that You guide my steps, Lord, on paths of righteousness, and help me to accept the natural consequences of my choices, trusting that even through desolation, Your hand can bring forth new beginnings. I yield my navigation to Your divine wisdom, knowing that You open and close doors for my ultimate good. Amen.

Verse 8

Almighty God, I stand in awe of Your undeniable power and Your reach that extends to every corner of existence, even into the deepest ravines. I repent for the times I have underestimated the gravity of my actions or words, forgetting that they can have far-reaching and devastating repercussions, leading to spiritual 'slain' and desolation (Lesson 4, Consequences of Cruelty). Instill in me a deep reverence for life and a keen awareness of the impact of my choices, helping me to choose paths that lead to flourishing rather than destruction for myself and for others. May my life be dedicated to building up, not tearing down, honouring Your sacred creation. Amen.

Verse 9

Eternal God, I praise Your steadfastness, for Your decrees stand forever, and Your ultimate purpose is to reveal Your true nature as Lord over all time and space. I repent for my impatience, my desire for immediate results, and for not always trusting in Your long-term plans or Your ultimate revelation of truth, often seeking fulfilment in temporary structures that ultimately lead to emptiness. Grant me endurance to walk in faith, even when outcomes are not immediately clear, knowing that in the end, all will acknowledge You as Lord. Help me to find true fulfilment not in material possessions but in Your eternal presence. I commit my life and my future into Your eternal hands, confident that Your will shall be done. Amen.

Verse 10

Omniscient Lord, I worship You, for You are present in every circumstance, seeing the hidden motives and desires of our hearts, even when we forget Your constant presence (Lesson 3, Divine Awareness). I confess my covetousness, my grasping nature, and my desire to claim what is not mine or to accumulate wealth and status at the expense of others, much like Edom desired Israel's land, forgetting that You are the ultimate owner and provider (Modern Insight: Pursuit of Material Gain). Please purify my heart from greed and envy. Help me to be content with what You provide, to honour others' well-being, and to remember that Your presence is far more valuable than any possession. I surrender my desires for acquisition, trusting in Your generous provision and Your righteous allocation. Amen.

Verse 11

Just and Holy God, I revere You, for Your judgements are true and righteous, always aligned with Your protective care for Your people when they are targeted by hatred and malice (Lesson 1, The Peril of Resentment). I confess the moments when my own anger or jealousy has led me to act or speak out of hatred, particularly when seeing others prosper or when I feel slighted, much like the weight of resentment consuming me. Deliver me from the consuming power of anger and jealousy. Guide me to seek Your face when I feel these emotions, transforming them into a desire for Your justice and a spirit of grace. Help me trust that You see and act, especially when I feel overlooked. I yield my emotions to Your control, asking You to use my life to make Your love and justice known to others. Amen.

Verse 12

Attentive God, I give You praise, for You hear every word, even the contemptuous ones, and You are deeply aware of our struggles and the injustices we face (Lesson 3, Divine Awareness; Lesson 6, Power of Our Words). I confess the times I have spoken ill of others, gossiped, or participated in online negativity, using harsh and dehumanising language, much like Edom's malicious speech (Modern Insight: Navigating Online Toxicity). I repent for my contemptuous words that tear down rather than build up. Please purify my lips and my heart. Help me to choose words that are kind, compassionate, and life-giving, always remembering the immense power of my speech. May I be a source of encouragement, particularly to those who are suffering or vulnerable. I surrender my tongue and my digital interactions to Your guidance, praying that my words may always reflect Your love. Amen.

Verse 13

Sovereign Lord, I glorify You, for Your presence encompasses all, and You hear even the most hidden and prideful boasts against Your authority, allowing nothing to escape Your notice. I confess the times I have unknowingly or knowingly boasted in my own strength, multiplied my contempt for what is sacred, or challenged Your will with my words and attitudes. Humble my heart, Lord, and fill me with a profound reverence for Your name. Help me to speak and act with humility, always acknowledging Your greatness and Your ultimate control, rather than allowing my words to become instruments of pride. I yield my pride to Your purifying fire, asking that my every utterance may bring glory to You. Amen.

Verse 14

Merciful and Just God, I declare Your greatness, for You are the Sovereign Lord whose plans encompass the whole earth, and Your judgement brings balance and order. I confess my selfishness, for sometimes finding joy in my own blessings while others suffer, or for not extending compassion to those in crisis when I should offer support. Forgive me for any indifference or lack of empathy when I see distress, and for any moments when I've distanced myself from those in their deepest vulnerability. Open my eyes and heart to the pain of the world, Lord. Help me to feel genuine compassion, to stand in solidarity with the vulnerable, and to be a source of Your comfort and support. May my joy be found in Your justice and in contributing to the well-being of all, as Your servant. Amen.

Verse 15

Steadfast God, I praise Your unwavering justice, for You condemn the spirit that rejoices in another's downfall, always bringing about vindication for the vulnerable (Lesson 7, Hope for the Vulnerable). I confess any joy I have felt, even secretly, when others have experienced setbacks or losses, particularly those I felt deserved it. Forgive me for failing to extend true empathy and compassion during their moments of desolation (Lesson 2, Compassion Over Contempt). Please cultivate in me a heart that mourns with those who mourn and rejoices with those who rejoice. Help me to always choose compassion over contempt, to support those in crisis, and to maintain integrity even when others act maliciously or when circumstances are difficult (Lesson 8, Integrity in Adversity). I surrender my heart to Your transforming love, trusting that You are the ultimate vindicator and that Your justice will ultimately prevail, revealing Your merciful Lordship to all. Amen.

Continue Your Journey

My greatest hope is that this website acts as a stepping stone, not a final destination. I have no desire to trap you in an echo chamber—my mission is simply to prompt and encourage your own root-to-fruit journey with God. Below are some trusted external voices to help you dig deeper into this specific topic.

If you found this helpful, please remember this space. I would love for you to return and visit whenever you need an honest companion on the road.

The BibleProject: Overview of EzekielA brilliant, highly visual, and accessible animated video explaining the structure and core message of this book.

Enduring Word Commentary: Ezekiel 35A free, deeply pastoral, and highly trusted chapter-by-chapter commentary that explains the text warmly and clearly.

Read Ezekiel 35 in Multiple TranslationsCompare how different translators (NIV, ESV, NLT, and The Message) render this exact chapter to get a fuller picture of its meaning.