A PROPHECY AGAINST THE MOUNT OF SEIR In the course of the prophecies against the foreign nation who rejoiced for the calamity of Israel (Chapters 25 33), the prophet Ezekiel prophesied against Seir, together with Moab (Ez 25:8). He also prophesied against Edom - that included the Mount of Seir within its territory (Ez 25:12). So now, why did he come back to prophesy more freely against Seir, in the course of his talk about the internal reform? 1- We cannot isolate the external work from the internal one. Indeed, God intended to prepare the way for the return of His people and for the internal reform on the level of both the people and the rulers, by destroying the external evil powers. Yet actually and practically, the two aspects of reform, go hand in hand. There is no possibility of destruction of the powers of external evil, without setting forth the repentance within. And there is no possibility of internal reform without the destruction of the external evil. Every internal reform, would provoke and agitate the external enemy (Satan). That is why Nehemiah was building the walls of Jerusalem with one hand, while holding the sword with the other hand. So also, when man works spiritually, he should be alert for every war that may come against him to destroy him. 2- He might have spoken against the Mount of Seir in particular, because of the news that came to the people in captivity that the Edomites have gradually infiltrated into Judah after the capture of Jerusalem, and occupied it. So the prophet intended to confirm to them that God will save the land from those aggressors; especially that the dispute on the land between Israel and Edom has been an old issue (Gen 27:40). By that he opened up another cause for reform; as God is going to intercede to reform, because of the false claims of the people of Seir; something that will be obvious in the following chapter. The main points on which this prophecy were based are: 1- The hatred: The hatred of Seir to the people of Israel had taken roots in their souls since the old days; He says: “Because you have had an ancient hatred, and have shed the blood of the children of Israel by the power of the sword at the time of their calamity, when their iniquity came to an end” (Ez 35:5). Their hatred did not stop at rejoicing for their calamity, but extended to blood shedding and oppression; It provoked them to the sword. “Since you have not hated blood, therefore blood shall pursue you” (Ez 35:6).With the same measure man uses, it will be measured back to him; likewise in the same pit he digs for his brother, he will fall. On the same cross that Haman prepared for Mordecai, he was crucified (Esther 7:10). 2- Planning against others: “Because you have said, ‘These two nations, and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess them,’ although the Lord was there” (Ez 35:10). Thus, when man intends to possess a land that does not belong to him, he does not realize that God, the unseen, sees and notices his oppression. Seir intended to possess what is not hers; so she loses what is hers; “Her cities will be laid waste and will become desolate” (Ez 35:4). 3- Their blasphemous arrogance: “Thus with your mouth you have boasted against Me and multiplied your words against Me; I have heard them”(Ez 35:13). When it intended to possess what is not its right to have, the Lord was there to see and watch their evil; and as it got arrogant in its heart, and uttered with its lips against God, He was hearing. He was very long-suffering. But now He punishes it for its blasphemy. 5 4- They rejoiced for what befell Judah the day of its chastisement: When Judah fell to chastisement, Seir did not learn the lesson, but because it rejoiced; it was worthy of God’s wrath: “As you rejoiced because the inheritance of the house of Israel was desolate, so I will do to you; You shall be desolate, O Mount Seir, as well as all of Edom - all of it! Then they shall know that I am the Lord” (Ez 35:15). What befell the Mount of Seir was the fruit of its inner iniquity; and also for the sake of the edification of the people of God for the former has become usurpers of their rights thus God defends His children for the sake of His holy name; “Then they shall know that I am the Lord” (Ez 35:15). 6 AN INSPIRATION FROM THE BOOK OF E ZEKIEL 4 LET ALL YOUR ADVERSARIES BE SCATTERED! Who is this (Edom) who rejoices for the calamity of Your Church; But the violent and bloodthirsty devil? Here is my adversary hating me! His hatred is very ancient. It is hatred against You, O the Lover of my soul! He hates me fiercely, because he hates You! He sets the cross for You; to get, himself, crucified by it! My adversary wishes to confiscate my heart. It is not his, or even mine; but it is completely Yours! He wishes to possess what does not belong to him; To confiscate Your kingdom in me! Arise O Lord; And let Your adversaries be scattered; And let all who hate Your name flee before Your face! My adversary is arrogant; But his end will be in the abyss! As for me; You will carry me with Your Holy Spirit to the bosom of Your Father!
Welcome