Ezekiel 25:13

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword.

Therefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; I will also stretch out {H5186} mine hand {H3027} upon Edom {H123}, and will cut off {H3772} man {H120} and beast {H929} from it; and I will make {H5414} it desolate {H2723} from Teman {H8487}; and they of Dedan {H1719} shall fall {H5307} by the sword {H2719}.

therefore,' Adonai ELOHIM says, 'I will stretch my hand out over Edom and eliminate both its humans and its animals. I will make it a ruin; from Teman to D'dan they will die by the sword.

therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off from it both man and beast. I will make it a wasteland, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword.

therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, I will stretch out my hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; even unto Dedan shall they fall by the sword.

Ezekiel 25:13 delivers a solemn prophecy from the Lord GOD, declaring a severe judgment against Edom. This verse foretells a comprehensive desolation, where both people and livestock will be eradicated, and key regions like Teman and Dedan will experience the devastating impact of the sword.

Context

Ezekiel chapter 25 marks a significant shift in the book of Ezekiel. Following prophecies against Israel and Judah, God now turns His attention to the surrounding nations. This chapter specifically details God's judgment against four nations: Ammon (vv. 1-7), Moab (vv. 8-11), Edom (vv. 12-14), and Philistia (vv. 15-17). Edom, descendants of Esau and thus a brother nation to Israel, had a long history of animosity towards the Israelites. Their particular offense, which provoked this divine wrath, was their malicious rejoicing and vengeful actions when Judah fell to Babylon. This gloating and taking advantage of Israel's distress is condemned as seen in Ezekiel 25:6.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The verse powerfully illustrates God's commitment to justice, ensuring that nations are held accountable for their actions, particularly their treatment of His people.
  • Consequences of Malice: Edom's judgment serves as a stark warning against gloating over the misfortunes of others or taking vengeful actions. God sees and responds to such malice.
  • Total Desolation: The phrase "cut off man and beast" emphasizes the completeness of the destruction. The mention of "Teman" and "Dedan" highlights the geographical extent of this desolation across Edomite territory.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This pronouncement underscores the certainty of God's word. What He declares will come to pass, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and history.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "stretch out mine hand" is a common biblical idiom signifying divine intervention or action, often in judgment or punishment. It conveys God's direct, powerful, and unhindered execution of His will. Teman was a prominent city in Edom, known for its wisdom, while Dedan was a significant trading city often associated with Edom and Arabia. Their inclusion underscores that the judgment would be comprehensive, affecting both the heartland and the economic arteries of Edom.

Related Scriptures

Edom's animosity and subsequent judgment are recurring themes in prophetic literature. Their specific role in rejoicing over Judah's downfall is elaborated upon in the book of Obadiah, which is entirely dedicated to a prophecy against Edom. The historical fulfillment of this prophecy is also noted in later biblical texts, such as Malachi 1:3, which speaks of Esau's (Edom's ancestor) heritage being laid waste.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 25:13 reminds us that God is not indifferent to human actions, especially those involving cruelty, malice, or taking advantage of the vulnerable. It teaches us the importance of empathy and compassion, rather than rejoicing in the suffering of others. For believers, this verse reinforces the truth that God is sovereign and just, and His word will always be fulfilled. It encourages us to align our attitudes with His, seeking justice and mercy, and understanding that all nations are ultimately accountable to Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 29:8

    ¶ Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring a sword upon thee, and cut off man and beast out of thee.

  • Jeremiah 25:23

    Dedan, and Tema, and Buz, and all [that are] in the utmost corners,

  • Malachi 1:3

    And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.

  • Malachi 1:4

    Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.

  • Jeremiah 49:7

    ¶ 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 49:8

    Flee ye, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time [that] I will visit him.

  • Isaiah 63:1

    ¶ Who [is] this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

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