Ezekiel 35:7 - Thus will I make Mount Seir an astonishment and a desolation. I will cut off from it him who passes through and him who returns.
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What does "Ezekiel 35:7" mean?
Ezekiel 35:7, "Thus will I make Mount Seir an astonishment and a desolation. I will cut off from it him who passes through and him who returns," is a prophecy of God's judgment against Mount Seir, which represents the land and people of Edom. Let's break down the meaning:
"Thus will I make Mount Seir an astonishment and a desolation": This speaks to the severity of the destruction. God is declaring that he will bring such ruin upon Mount Seir that it will be a source of utter shock and horror (astonishment). It will be left empty and uninhabited (desolation). The phrase "astonishment and a desolation" is a common expression in the Old Testament describing a state of utter ruin and devastation that inspires fear and awe.
"I will cut off from it him who passes through and him who returns": This means that travel to and from Mount Seir will become impossible. No one will be able to safely traverse the land. "Him who passes through" refers to travelers or merchants who would normally use Edom as a trade route. "Him who returns" refers to those who were native to Edom and might have sought to return after a period of absence. Both groups would be eliminated or prevented from using the land.
In essence, the verse prophesies the complete annihilation of life and activity in Mount Seir. God will make it a wasteland where no one can live or even pass through.
Why this judgment?
The context of Ezekiel 35 provides the reason for this harsh judgment. The Edomites, who inhabited Mount Seir, harbored deep-seated hatred and resentment towards the Israelites. They rejoiced in the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians (Ezekiel 35:5) and sought to seize Israelite territory for themselves (Ezekiel 35:10). God, therefore, pronounces judgment upon Edom for their wickedness, their hostility towards his chosen people, and their opportunistic land-grabbing.
Symbolic Interpretation:
While the prophecy has a literal fulfillment in the historical decline and eventual disappearance of the Edomite nation, some interpret it symbolically. Edom represents those who are opposed to God's people, those who rejoice in their suffering, and those who seek to exploit their misfortunes. In this interpretation, the prophecy serves as a warning that God will ultimately judge all those who persecute his followers.
In summary:
Ezekiel 35:7 is a strong declaration of God's judgment on Mount Seir (Edom) for their hostility towards Israel. It foretells a complete and utter desolation, where no one can live or travel safely. It stands as a reminder that God takes the mistreatment of his people seriously and will hold their oppressors accountable.
Ezekiel 35:7 - Thus will I make Mount Seir an astonishment and a desolation. I will cut off from it him who passes through and him who returns.
What does "Ezekiel 35:7" mean?
Ezekiel 35:7, "Thus will I make Mount Seir an astonishment and a desolation. I will cut off from it him who passes through and him who returns," is a prophecy of God's judgment against Mount Seir, which represents the land and people of Edom. Let's break down the meaning:
"Thus will I make Mount Seir an astonishment and a desolation": This speaks to the severity of the destruction. God is declaring that he will bring such ruin upon Mount Seir that it will be a source of utter shock and horror (astonishment). It will be left empty and uninhabited (desolation). The phrase "astonishment and a desolation" is a common expression in the Old Testament describing a state of utter ruin and devastation that inspires fear and awe.
"I will cut off from it him who passes through and him who returns": This means that travel to and from Mount Seir will become impossible. No one will be able to safely traverse the land. "Him who passes through" refers to travelers or merchants who would normally use Edom as a trade route. "Him who returns" refers to those who were native to Edom and might have sought to return after a period of absence. Both groups would be eliminated or prevented from using the land.
In essence, the verse prophesies the complete annihilation of life and activity in Mount Seir. God will make it a wasteland where no one can live or even pass through.
Why this judgment?
The context of Ezekiel 35 provides the reason for this harsh judgment. The Edomites, who inhabited Mount Seir, harbored deep-seated hatred and resentment towards the Israelites. They rejoiced in the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians (Ezekiel 35:5) and sought to seize Israelite territory for themselves (Ezekiel 35:10). God, therefore, pronounces judgment upon Edom for their wickedness, their hostility towards his chosen people, and their opportunistic land-grabbing.
Symbolic Interpretation:
While the prophecy has a literal fulfillment in the historical decline and eventual disappearance of the Edomite nation, some interpret it symbolically. Edom represents those who are opposed to God's people, those who rejoice in their suffering, and those who seek to exploit their misfortunes. In this interpretation, the prophecy serves as a warning that God will ultimately judge all those who persecute his followers.
In summary:
Ezekiel 35:7 is a strong declaration of God's judgment on Mount Seir (Edom) for their hostility towards Israel. It foretells a complete and utter desolation, where no one can live or travel safely. It stands as a reminder that God takes the mistreatment of his people seriously and will hold their oppressors accountable.