Ezekiel 35:11

KJV

Therefore, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will even do according to thine anger, and according to thine envy which thou hast used out of thy hatred against them; and I will make myself known among them, when I have judged thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore, as I live {H2416}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, I will even do {H6213} according to thine anger {H639}, and according to thine envy {H7068} which thou hast used {H6213} out of thy hatred {H8135} against them; and I will make myself known {H3045} among them, when I have judged {H8199} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

therefore, as I live,' swears Adonai ELOHIM, 'I will deal with you as your anger and envy arising from your hatred deserve; and I will make myself known among them when I judge you.

Berean Standard Bible

therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will treat you according to the anger and jealousy you showed in your hatred against them, and I will make Myself known among them when I judge you.

American Standard Version

therefore, as I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I will do according to thine anger, and according to thine envy which thou hast showed out of thy hatred against them; and I will make myself known among them, when I shall judge thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 35:11 delivers a solemn divine oath, declaring God's unwavering commitment to execute judgment upon Mount Seir (Edom) in direct proportion to their malicious anger, envy, and hatred against Israel. Through this decisive act of retribution, the Lord GOD vows to reveal His righteous character and sovereign power, ensuring that both the judged and the observing nations will experientially know Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal declaration within Ezekiel's prophetic oracle against Mount Seir, encompassing the entirety of [Ezekiel 35](/ezekiel/35 "Ezekiel 35 - Prophecy Against Mount Seir"). This chapter stands in stark contrast to the preceding chapter, [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - The Lord as Shepherd of Israel"), which promises restoration for Israel under the true Shepherd, and the subsequent chapter, [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel"), which details Israel's spiritual and physical renewal. The oracle against Edom serves as a necessary theological interlude, demonstrating God's justice against those who opposed His people, thereby clearing the way for Israel's restoration and vindicating God's holy name. The immediate verses preceding [Ezekiel 35:11](/ezekiel/35-11 "Ezekiel 35:11 - God's Judgment on Edom") highlight Edom's "perpetual hatred" ([Ezekiel 35:5](/ezekiel/35-5 "Ezekiel 35:5 - Edom's Perpetual Hatred")) and their desire to seize the land of Israel, particularly during Judah's time of desolation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, represented by Mount Seir, was a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. A deep-seated animosity had existed between the Edomites and the Israelites for centuries, rooted in their ancestral rivalry. This historical tension escalated significantly during the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC). Instead of offering aid or compassion, Edom rejoiced in Judah's downfall, actively participated in plundering the fleeing Israelites, and even blocked escape routes, handing over refugees to the Babylonians (as vividly depicted in [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob")). Their actions were seen as a profound betrayal and an opportunistic exploitation of Israel's vulnerability. The geographical setting of Mount Seir, a rugged, mountainous region, further emphasizes Edom's perceived impregnability, making God's judgment against them all the more striking.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 35:11](/ezekiel/35-11 "Ezekiel 35:11 - God's Judgment on Edom") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Foremost among these is **Divine Retribution and Poetic Justice**, where God's judgment precisely mirrors the sin committed, demonstrating that the very malice Edom unleashed will be returned upon them. Another central theme is **God's Absolute Sovereignty and Unwavering Justice**, underscored by the solemn divine oath, "as I live, saith the Lord GOD," which emphasizes the certainty and immutability of His decrees over nations and their destinies. Finally, the verse highlights the crucial theme of **God's Self-Revelation Through Judgment**. The ultimate purpose of God's actions, whether in judgment or salvation, is not merely punishment or reward, but to reveal His holy character, power, and justice to all, compelling both the judged and the observers to "know" Him experientially ([Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God will sanctify His great name")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Live (Hebrew, _chay'_):** This word (H2416) is part of the emphatic divine oath, "as I live." It signifies God's very existence, His vitality, and His eternal being. When God swears "as I live," it is the strongest possible affirmation of the absolute certainty and irrevocability of His pronouncement. His word is as sure and undeniable as His own unending life. This phrase underscores the immutability of His promise to act.
* **Anger (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** Derived from the word for "nose" or "nostril" (H639), which flares in anger, this term signifies intense wrath or indignation. In this context, it refers to Edom's furious and malicious rage directed at Israel. God declares that His judgment will be precisely "according to thine anger," indicating a divine mirroring of their destructive passion, a form of *lex talionis* where their own malevolent emotions become the standard for their punishment.
* **Known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H3045) is rich in meaning, extending beyond mere intellectual recognition to include experiential knowledge, intimate acquaintance, and acknowledgment. When God says, "I will make myself known," it implies that through His decisive judgment against Edom, His true nature—His justice, power, and sovereignty—will be undeniably demonstrated and experienced by all, leading to a profound, compelled recognition of who He truly is.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD":** This opening clause functions as a solemn divine oath, the strongest possible affirmation of truth and certainty in the ancient Near East. "As I live" (Hebrew: *Chai Ani*) is God swearing by His own eternal existence, underscoring the absolute irrevocability of the judgment He is about to declare. "Saith the Lord GOD" (Hebrew: *nᵉʼum ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih*) reinforces the divine authority behind the pronouncement, identifying the speaker as the sovereign, covenant-keeping God (YHWH, represented by *Yᵉhôvih* following *ʼĂdônây*).
* **"I will even do according to thine anger, and according to thine envy which thou hast used out of thy hatred against them":** This segment specifies the nature and basis of God's impending judgment. It reveals a principle of divine retribution, where God's action will precisely correspond to Edom's own malevolent emotions and actions. Their "anger," "envy," and "hatred" against Israel were not passive feelings but active forces ("which thou hast used") that manifested in concrete acts of malice and aggression during Judah's distress. God declares that He will "do" (Hebrew: *ʻâsâh*, H6213) to Edom exactly what their own destructive passions warranted, a perfect and just mirroring of their sin.
* **"and I will make myself known among them, when I have judged thee.":** The concluding clause articulates the ultimate purpose of this divine judgment. God's primary aim is not merely punishment, but self-revelation. Through the decisive act of judging Edom, God intends to demonstrate His character—His justice, His power, His faithfulness to His covenant people—to both Edom ("among them") and to all who witness the event. This "making known" (Hebrew: *yâdaʻ*, H3045) is an experiential and undeniable revelation, compelling recognition of His sovereignty and holiness.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 35:11 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is the **Divine Oath**, "as I live, saith the Lord GOD," which lends absolute certainty and gravity to the pronouncement. This oath functions as a powerful rhetorical device, emphasizing the immutable nature of God's word. The passage also employs **Poetic Justice** or **Lex Talionis** (the law of retaliation) in a broader, thematic sense. God declares He will "do according to thine anger, and according to thine envy which thou hast used out of thy hatred," meaning Edom's own destructive emotions and actions become the measure of their judgment. This is a form of **Irony**, as Edom's malice, intended to harm Israel, ultimately becomes the instrument of their own downfall. Furthermore, the phrase "I will make myself known among them" signifies **Theophany through Judgment**, where God's character and power are revealed not through a direct appearance, but through His decisive and visible actions in history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 35:11 profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's active and righteous governance over the nations, revealing Him as the ultimate Judge who holds all accountable for their actions, particularly their treatment of His people. This verse emphasizes that God's justice is not arbitrary but perfectly calibrated to the nature of the offense, demonstrating His moral order in the world. Beyond mere punishment, God's judgment serves a redemptive purpose of self-revelation, ensuring that His sovereignty, holiness, and faithfulness are recognized by all. It teaches that even in the face of human malice and injustice, God remains sovereign, and His divine purposes will ultimately prevail, leading to the vindication of His name and the establishment of His kingdom.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Vengeance is Mine")
* [Psalm 9:16](/psalm/9-16 "The Lord is known by the judgment He executes")
* [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 35:11 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a stark reminder that hatred, envy, and malicious intent, whether on a national or individual level, are not trivial matters to God. While Edom faced national judgment, the principle holds true: harboring such destructive emotions against others ultimately brings spiritual and personal detriment. This verse calls us to examine our own hearts, confessing any lingering malice or resentment, and seeking God's grace to cultivate love, forgiveness, and compassion. Moreover, it provides immense comfort and assurance for those who experience injustice or suffering. Knowing that God is a righteous Judge who will ultimately address all wrongdoing allows us to release the burden of vengeance and trust in His perfect timing and methods. His actions always serve to demonstrate His character and sovereignty, encouraging us to look for His hand and purposes even in difficult or challenging events, and to understand that His ultimate goal is always to make Himself known.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against Edom encourage or challenge your understanding of divine justice today?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, harbor "anger, envy, or hatred" that God might "do according to"?**
* **How can we better recognize and respond to God "making Himself known" through challenging circumstances in our own lives or in the world?**

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

Answer: God's judgment against Edom was severe because of their "perpetual hatred" ([Ezekiel 35:5](/ezekiel/35-5 "Ezekiel 35:5 - Edom's Perpetual Hatred")) and their active malice towards Israel, God's covenant people. Unlike other nations who simply participated in the general chaos of the Babylonian conquest, Edom actively rejoiced in Judah's downfall, exploited their distress, and even participated in their plunder, demonstrating a deep-seated, long-standing animosity (as seen in [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob")). This was not merely political opportunism but a profound spiritual offense against God's chosen nation, which God took personally. The severity of the judgment reflects the depth of their sin and God's unwavering commitment to justice and the protection of His people.

**What does the phrase "as I live, saith the Lord GOD" signify?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful divine oath, the strongest possible affirmation in the Hebrew Bible. When God declares "as I live" (Hebrew: *Chai Ani*), He is swearing by His own eternal existence and immutable character. It signifies the absolute certainty, irrevocability, and solemnity of the pronouncement that follows. It means that what God is about to say is as true and sure as His very being. This oath underscores God's faithfulness to His word and the inevitability of His judgment or promise.

**How does God "make Himself known" through judgment, as stated in this verse?**

Answer: God "makes Himself known" (Hebrew: *yâdaʻ*) through judgment by demonstrating His attributes and character in a tangible, undeniable way. In the case of Edom, their downfall would reveal God's justice, His power, His sovereignty over nations, and His faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. It's not just about intellectual knowledge, but an experiential recognition of who God truly is. When His judgments are executed, His righteous nature is put on full display for all to witness, compelling both the judged and the observers to acknowledge His authority and holiness. This revelation serves to vindicate His name and establish His glory among the nations ([Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 35:11, with its declaration of divine judgment and God's self-revelation, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament passages often depict God's wrath poured out on nations for their sin, the New Testament reveals the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The "anger, envy, and hatred" of Edom against Israel foreshadow the universal human condition of rebellion against God, which justly incurs divine wrath ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed")). Yet, in Christ, God's judgment against sin was fully satisfied, as He bore the full measure of divine wrath on the cross, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). Thus, the principle of God "making Himself known" through judgment is ultimately revealed in the cross, where both His perfect justice and His boundless love are simultaneously displayed. Furthermore, all judgment has been committed to the Son ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father has committed all judgment to the Son")), and it is before Him that every knee will one day bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every knee will bow to Jesus")). In Christ, God's promise to "make myself known" is fulfilled not only through the judgment of sin but preeminently through the salvation offered to all who believe.

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

Matthew 7:2

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Psalms 9:16

The LORD is known [by] the judgment [which] he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.

Psalms 73:17

Until I went into the sanctuary of God; [then] understood I their end.

Psalms 73:18

Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

Amos 1:11

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:

Psalms 137:7

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

James 2:13

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.