XXXV. This and the following chapter are closely connected: in fact, Ezekiel 35:1 to Ezekiel 36:15 form one continuous prophecy, while Ezekiel 36:16 is another and distinct one, and the division of the Chapter s should have been made between them. The prophecy contains a denunciation of Mount Seir a... [ Continue Reading ]
MOUNT SEIR. — This poetical designation of the Edomites from the land which they inhabited is common in Scripture (Genesis 36:8; Deuteronomy 2:1; Deuteronomy 2:5; 1 Chronicles 4:42, &c.). The land included the whole mountainous region between the Dead Sea and the Elanitic Gulf, or eastern branch of... [ Continue Reading ]
PERPETUAL HATRED. — Enmity towards Israel is also imputed to the Ammonites, Moabites, and Philistines in Ezekiel 25; but that of Edom was deeper and coeval with its first ancestor (see Genesis 25:22, &c., Genesis 27:41); its peculiar malignity is noticed by Amos 1:11. (Comp. also Obadiah 1:10.) SHED... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL PREPARE THEE UNTO BLOOD. — Rather, _I will make thee blood._ There is here a play upon the name of Edom in the original: I will make thee _dom_ (_=_blood); Edom itself means _red._ The latter part of the verse brings out, as frequently, the congruity of the punishment: violence shall come upo... [ Continue Reading ]
HIM THAT PASSETH OUT. — The cutting off of the traveller is a striking feature in the doom of Edom, for her nomadic tribes had been the great carriers between India and the East and Egypt, and she had grown rich by this commerce. The fierceness of the few tribes now wandering over the land make even... [ Continue Reading ]
RIVERS. — As elsewhere = river-courses, in which water was found only at times.... [ Continue Reading ]
THESE TWO COUNTRIES SHALL BE MINE. — In Ezekiel 35:3 the sin charged upon Edom is its hatred of Israel; in Ezekiel 35:10, its desire to possess itself of Israel’s inheritance. The _two_ nations and countries are, of course, the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah. WHEREAS THE LORD WAS THERE. — This fa... [ Continue Reading ]
BLASPHEMIES. — Rather, _reproaches._ These indeed became, under the circumstances, constructively blasphemies against God; but it is better not to push the meaning further than was intended.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WHOLE EARTH. — This is taken by some writers — as, indeed, Hebrew usage very well allows — of the whole land, viz., of Israel. It seems better, however, to keep the sense of our version, for the thought is not confined to Edom. When all the earth shall rejoice in the salvation of God, and “the e... [ Continue Reading ]
BECAUSE IT WAS DESOLATE. — This is spoken of Israel; yet Israel was to preserve a remnant who should return to their land, and ultimately become the centre of the new covenant. So the desolation of Edom, though ultimately perpetual as far as its nationality is concerned, is not inconsistent with the... [ Continue Reading ]