Read Ezekiel 35.
They were national brothers in their origin. One descended from Esau and
the other from Jacob. But the Edomites hated Israel. When they saw
the collapse of Israel and Judah, Edom announced that this was their
opportunity. Instead, the LORD delivered a strong word of judgment upon
them. He would wipe them out and make their land desolate.
There were three stated reasons for God's punishment against Edom.
1. "Because you cherished perpetual enmity." (v.5)
These people loved being an enemy to the Jews. From generation to
generation, they behaved that way toward Israel. They treated Moses as an
enemy during the Exodus. And now, a thousand years later, they continued
their national sin. So, God put a stop to it by becoming their enemy.
2. "Because you did not hate bloodshed." (v.6)
They loved playing the role of the enemy and they loved killing people.
God hates violence (Genesis 6:13). So, God intervened by promising
their blood would be shed.
3. "Because you said, 'These two nations and two countries shall be
mine.'" (v.10)
In their arrogance, Edom thought God was through with Israel and Judah,
therefore, they could assume ownership of the land. The LORD punished the
Jews for their sin but that in no way altered His eternal covenant with Abraham
and his descendants. Edom's words were not only an offense against the
plans of God, but it was against Him personally. "And you have
magnified yourselves against me with your mouth and multiplied your words
against me; I heard it." (v.13)
One of the basic elements of what we know of God's nature is that He does not
change. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and
forever." (Hebrews 13:8) Behaving as an enemy instead of seeking
peace will cause God to take a punitive response. Acting violently merely
for the love of bloodshed will result in God's judgment to put an end to it.
Seizing property that belongs to another, especially when they are in a
weakened position, will bring God's wrath and great loss. God hears such
boasting.
The Lord said concerning the treat of Abraham's descendants, "I will bless
those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the
families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:3)
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