Ezekiel: For His Gloryഉദാഹരണം

In today’s passage, an oracle against a mountain in Edom is followed by a message of the restoration of the mountains of Israel. 

Mt Seir is representative of Edom, just as Mt Zion is of Israel (cf. Deut. 2:1–4). Edom was an arch-enemy of Israel throughout its history. There had been constant hostility between the Edomites (Esau’s descendants) and Israel (35:5; cf. Num. 20:14–21). In more recent history the Edomites are accused on three counts of:   

1. Hostility (35:5; cf. Obad. 8–14).   
2. Expansion into Israel (35:10). Edom has no right to possess the land; it belongs to God (Lev. 25:23).   
3. Boasting and gloating over the destruction of Jerusalem (35:12–15). 

Thus Edom has to be dealt with before Israel can enjoy long-lasting peace. Because of their crimes, God will judge Edom, with the punishment fitting the crime (35:14–15). 

Previously the mountains of Israel were judged (6:2); now they will be restored. The land had become the object of people's malicious talk and slander because it did not provide security and prosperity for its inhabitants (36:3, 6). Instead, it was known as a devourer of its people (36:13–15). God reiterates His response to the crimes of Edom and the nations – they will bear their own scorn (36:7). Yet Israel and their land’s humiliation will be reversed (36:8–12). Israel will return to populate the land, with the abundance of life reminiscent of the blessing at creation (Gen. 1:22, 28). Indeed, God will bless them even more than before (36:11). 

Reflection

Part of the trauma for the exiles would have been that they thought God had abandoned His covenant promises to them, including the promise of land (e.g. Gen. 12:7; 15:7). So this prophecy would have been a great comfort for them. God kept His promise: some did return to the land in the post-exilic period. But the complete fulfillment of the grand blessings promised in this passage awaits Jesus’ return. As Christians, we look forward to our heavenly inheritance (see 1 Pet. 1:3–5; cf. Eph. 1:11–14).