Ezekiel 25:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 25:13 pronounces a severe and comprehensive judgment from the Lord GOD against Edom, a nation with a long-standing antagonistic relationship with Israel. This divine declaration foretells a complete desolation of their land, extending from the prominent city of Teman to the trading hub of Dedan, where both human inhabitants and livestock will be utterly cut off, falling by the sword as a direct consequence of God's outstretched hand of judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 25 marks a pivotal shift in the book of Ezekiel. Following extensive prophecies detailing the judgment and impending destruction of Judah and Jerusalem (chapters 1-24), God's prophetic focus now turns to the surrounding nations. This chapter initiates a series of oracles against foreign powers (chapters 25-32), demonstrating God's universal sovereignty and His righteous indignation against those who opposed His people or rejoiced in their downfall. Specifically, Ezekiel 25 addresses Ammon (vv. 1-7), Moab (vv. 8-11), Edom (vv. 12-14), and Philistia (vv. 15-17), each receiving a tailored judgment for their specific transgressions against Israel and, by extension, against God Himself. The prophecy against Edom in verses 12-14 is particularly severe, highlighting their deep-seated malice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, located in the mountainous region of Seir south of the Dead Sea, was a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's elder brother, making them a "brother nation" to Israel. Despite this kinship, their history was marked by persistent animosity and conflict, often acting as an oppressive force against Israel. Their most egregious offense, which precipitated this specific judgment in Ezekiel, was their malicious rejoicing and active participation in the downfall of Judah at the hands of the Babylonians. Instead of showing compassion to their distressed kin, Edom gloated, plundered, and even blocked escape routes for fleeing Judahites, as vividly described in [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob"). The mention of Teman, a renowned center of Edomite wisdom (cf. [Jeremiah 49:7](/jeremiah/49-7 "Jeremiah 49:7 - Wisdom of Teman")), and Dedan, a significant trading city, underscores the comprehensive nature of the impending desolation, affecting both their intellectual and economic strongholds.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating that God is not passive towards the actions of nations, especially their treatment of His covenant people. Edom's judgment is a direct consequence of their "vengeance" and "malice" (as seen in [Ezekiel 25:12](/ezekiel/25-12 "Ezekiel 25:12 - Edom's Vengeance")). Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Malice and Presumption**, serving as a stark warning against gloating over the misfortunes of others or taking advantage of their vulnerability. God sees and responds to such heart attitudes. Thirdly, the declaration of "cutting off man and beast" and making the land "desolate" emphasizes the theme of **Total Desolation**, signifying a complete and irreversible destruction that leaves no remnant. Finally, the certainty of this pronouncement reinforces the **Sovereignty of God over All Nations**, demonstrating that His word is immutable and His will extends beyond Israel to encompass all of human history and destiny.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This word, often translated as "hand," carries a wide semantic range, frequently signifying power, means, direction, or agency. In the context of "stretch out mine hand," it is a powerful idiom for divine intervention, often indicating the direct, unhindered, and forceful execution of God's will, particularly in judgment or punishment. It conveys God's active engagement and irresistible might.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to cut (off, down or asunder)," this verb implies destruction, consumption, or severance. While it can also refer to making a covenant (by cutting flesh), here it denotes absolute eradication. The phrase "cut off man and beast" emphasizes the totality and severity of the judgment, indicating that no living thing, human or animal, will be spared from the impending destruction.
* **Desolate (Hebrew, _chorbâh'_):** This feminine noun, stemming from a root meaning "drought," primarily signifies a state of dryness or ruin. By implication, it refers to a "desolation," a "decayed place," or a "waste (place)." When God declares He will "make it desolate," it paints a picture of a land rendered uninhabitable, barren, and utterly ruined, a stark contrast to its former prosperity and significance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This authoritative opening phrase, a common prophetic formula, establishes the divine origin and absolute certainty of the pronouncement. It underscores that the following words are not human conjecture but the direct, infallible word of the sovereign God, Yahweh.
* **"I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom,":** This clause declares God's direct and active intervention against Edom. The "stretching out of the hand" signifies a powerful, decisive, and inescapable act of judgment, emphasizing God's personal involvement in their undoing.
* **"and will cut off man and beast from it;":** This specifies the comprehensive nature of the judgment. It indicates a total eradication of life, encompassing both human inhabitants and their essential livestock, leaving no living thing behind. This highlights the severity and completeness of the impending desolation.
* **"and I will make it desolate from Teman;":** This further details the extent of the desolation, emphasizing its geographical scope. Teman, a prominent city in Edom, represents the heartland and perhaps the intellectual or strategic center of the nation, signifying that the judgment will permeate the entire territory.
* **"and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword.":** This final clause reiterates the means and further extent of the judgment. Dedan, a significant trading city often associated with Edom, indicates that even the economic arteries and outlying regions will not escape the devastation, which will be executed through violent means, specifically "the sword."

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 25:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity of God's judgment. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "stretch out mine hand," attributing a human action (stretching out a hand) to God to vividly portray His direct and forceful intervention. This makes the divine action relatable and emphasizes God's active role in history. **Hyperbole** or **Merism** is present in "cut off man and beast," which, while potentially literal in its severity, also serves as a comprehensive expression for total annihilation, signifying that nothing will remain. The mention of specific geographical locations like **Teman** and **Dedan** serves as a form of **Synecdoche** or **Geographical Specificity**, where these parts represent the whole of Edomite territory, underscoring the widespread and inescapable nature of the judgment across the entire nation, from its core to its periphery. The repeated emphasis on "desolate" and "fall by the sword" creates a powerful sense of **Foreshadowing** and **Imminence**, painting a grim picture of the certain doom awaiting Edom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 25:13 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His absolute sovereignty over all nations. It reveals that the Lord GOD holds every people accountable for their actions, particularly their treatment of His chosen people. Edom's judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to their deep-seated malice, gloating, and vengeful actions during Judah's time of distress. This passage underscores a crucial theological principle: God is not indifferent to human cruelty or geopolitical machinations. He sees, He remembers, and He acts to uphold His moral order, ensuring that those who inflict harm or rejoice in the suffering of others will face divine retribution. The complete desolation foretold serves as a stark reminder that opposition to God's purposes, especially through the mistreatment of His people, ultimately leads to ruin.

* [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord is Near")
* [Psalm 137:7](/psalm/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Remember Edom, O Lord")
* [Malachi 1:3-4](/malachi/1-3 "Malachi 1:3-4 - Edom's Desolation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 25:13, while a prophecy of ancient judgment, carries profound contemporary relevance for our attitudes and actions. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of justice who holds all individuals and nations accountable, not only for their overt deeds but also for the underlying malice and schadenfreude that can reside in the human heart. We are called to cultivate empathy and compassion, especially towards those who are suffering or vulnerable, rather than indulging in gloating or taking advantage of another's misfortune. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we secretly rejoice when adversaries stumble? Do we exploit the weaknesses of others for our gain? For believers, this text reinforces the truth of God's sovereignty and the certainty of His word. It encourages us to align our hearts with His, pursuing righteousness, justice, and mercy in all our interactions, trusting that His ultimate plan for justice and redemption will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be tempted to rejoice in the misfortunes of others, even subtly?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against Edom encourage me to trust in His ultimate justice in a world that often seems unfair?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of compassion and empathy, rather than malice or indifference, towards those who are struggling?**

### FAQ

**Why was God's judgment against Edom so severe?**

Answer: God's judgment against Edom was severe primarily because of their long-standing animosity and, specifically, their malicious actions and rejoicing during Judah's downfall. Despite being a "brother nation" descended from Esau, Edom consistently acted with hostility towards Israel. When Jerusalem fell to Babylon, Edom not only failed to help but actively participated in the plunder, blocked escape routes, and gloated over Judah's calamity. This "vengeance" and "malice" against God's covenant people were seen as an affront to God Himself, provoking a comprehensive and irreversible judgment, as detailed in [Ezekiel 25:12](/ezekiel/25-12 "Ezekiel 25:12 - Edom's Vengeance") and further elaborated in the entire book of [Obadiah](/obadiah/1 "Obadiah - Prophecy Against Edom").

**Has this prophecy against Edom been historically fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, the prophecies against Edom have seen significant historical fulfillment. Following the Babylonian conquest, Edom's power declined. The Nabataeans, an Arab people, gradually displaced the Edomites from their traditional territories in the 4th century BCE, forcing them to migrate north into southern Judah, where they became known as Idumeans. By the Roman period, Idumea was absorbed into the Roman province of Judea, and the Edomite identity eventually vanished. Historical and archaeological evidence confirms the desolation of their original homeland, Mount Seir, aligning with prophecies like [Malachi 1:3-4](/malachi/1-3 "Malachi 1:3-4 - Edom's Desolation") which states, "I have laid waste his mountains and his heritage for the jackals of the desert." The complete disappearance of the Edomite people and their distinct identity stands as a testament to the fulfillment of God's word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 25:13 speaks of a specific historical judgment against Edom, its theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "outstretched hand" of the Lord GOD, once a symbol of judgment against rebellious nations, is ultimately manifested in Christ as both the hand of judgment and the hand of salvation. Jesus, as the righteous judge, will execute final justice against all forms of evil, malice, and opposition to God's kingdom, ultimately "cutting off" sin and its destructive power (cf. [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). The desolation pronounced upon Edom foreshadows the ultimate and complete triumph of Christ over all His enemies, leading to the establishment of His eternal kingdom where righteousness dwells and all injustice is abolished (cf. [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Furthermore, the very act of God "cutting off" man and beast can be seen through the lens of Christ's sacrifice, where He was "cut off" from the land of the living (cf. [Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - He Was Cut Off from the Land of the Living")) to bear the judgment for humanity's sin, thereby offering a path to reconciliation and life for those who would otherwise face eternal desolation. Thus, Christ is both the one who fulfills the righteous judgment of God and the one who provides redemption from it.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.