Ezekiel 25:12

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Because that Edom {H123} hath dealt {H6213} against the house {H1004} of Judah {H3063} by taking {H5358} vengeance {H5359}, and hath greatly {H816} offended {H816}, and revenged {H5358} himself upon them;

"Adonai ELOHIM says: 'Because Edom has taken severe vengeance against the house of Y'hudah, incurring much guilt by its acts of vengeance against them,

This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah, and in so doing incurred grievous guilt,

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;

Commentary

In Ezekiel 25:12, the Lord God pronounces judgment against Edom, a neighboring nation to Judah. This verse highlights Edom's specific transgression: their malicious and vengeful actions against the "house of Judah."

Historical and Cultural Context

Edom, descended from Esau (Jacob's brother), shared a complex and often hostile relationship with Israel and Judah. Despite their familial ties, animosity frequently characterized their interactions. This verse particularly addresses Edom's conduct during Judah's time of extreme vulnerability, specifically the period of the Babylonian invasion and the destruction of Jerusalem. Instead of offering aid or showing compassion, Edom seized the opportunity to act with malice, possibly even participating in the plunder or rejoicing over Judah's downfall. This behavior is also condemned in other prophetic books, such as Obadiah 1:11-14 and Psalm 137:7, underscoring the severity of their betrayal and opportunism.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice for Vengeance: The primary message is that God holds nations accountable for their actions, especially when they act with malice and vengeance against His people. Edom's sin was not merely hostility but a deliberate act of seeking revenge.
  • God's Solidarity with Judah: Even in Judah's weakness and exile, God identifies with their suffering and takes their enemies' actions personally. Harm done to His people is seen as harm done to Him.
  • Consequences of Malice: This verse serves as a powerful reminder that malicious acts and a spirit of vengeance bring divine retribution. The Lord declares that vengeance belongs to Him, and those who usurp this right will face judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "vengeance" or "revenged himself" is naqam (נָקָם), which is repeated in this verse, emphasizing the deliberate, active, and deeply rooted desire for retribution on Edom's part. It wasn't a passive observation of Judah's demise, but an active participation driven by a vengeful spirit. The phrase "greatly offended" (from the Hebrew he'evil) implies that Edom acted foolishly and wickedly, highlighting the moral depravity of their actions.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 25:12 offers timeless lessons. It reminds us that God is a God of justice who sees and responds to all acts of malice, especially against the vulnerable. For believers today, it reinforces the principle that personal vengeance is not ours to take; instead, we are called to overcome evil with good and trust in God's ultimate justice. It also encourages empathy and support for those who are suffering, rather than exploiting their distress for personal gain or satisfaction.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 49:7 (5 votes)

    ¶ Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts; [Is] wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?

  • Jeremiah 49:22 (5 votes)

    Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

  • Ezekiel 25:8 (4 votes)

    ¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Moab and Seir do say, Behold, the house of Judah [is] like unto all the heathen;

  • Psalms 137:7 (4 votes)

    ¶ Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase [it], rase [it, even] to the foundation thereof.

  • Obadiah 1:10 (3 votes)

    ¶ For [thy] violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.

  • Obadiah 1:16 (3 votes)

    For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, [so] shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.

  • Amos 1:11 (3 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever: