Ezekiel 35:1-15

content/bible_journal/ezekiel_35:1-15.md

@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
++++
+title = "Ezekiel 35:1–15"
+date = "2023-06-11"
++++
+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ezekiel35.1-15)
+
+Mount Seir was in the most prominent mountain range of the country of Edom, and
+used as a synonym for the whole nation. It was situated southeast of the Dead
+Sea and contained generally poorer land than the areas the Caananites and then
+the Israelites occupied. History between Edom and Israel had generally not been
+pleasant, going all the way back to their founding fathers, Esau and Jacob.
+
+This prophecy comes against Edom because of the enmity they maintained against
+Israel. The Lord mentions the time of Israel's calamity and final punishment,
+and I can't tell if that's relative to Ezekiel's time period or to the end of
+days like the last chapter, referring to the Tribulation or Daniel's Seventieth
+Week. In either case, Israel is made desolate, and Edom rejoiced over this,
+therefore the Lord will bring a sword against Edom and make it desolate in
+return.
+
+Beyond just gloating over Israel's downfall, Edom desired to take possession of
+the land that was not promised to them. The Lord's promises remained in effect
+even while He was chastising His people for the sins they had been committing.
+As we have seen, He always planned to restore the righteous remnant to the
+land He gave their fathers after purifying them through the trials they faced.
+In contrast to Edom's envy, the Lord protected Edom from Israel when they
+marched to conquer Canaan. The most direct route was through Edom's territory,
+and Israel asked Edom to be granted safe passage through, purchasing food and
+provisions along the way instead of just raiding for them. Edom refused, so the
+Lord led Israel the long way around instead of sending retribution against Edom.
+
+* * *
+
+You are patient, but Your mercy is not extended forever. Just because things
+have gone on for a long time doesn't mean they last forever.