Ezekiel 35:12

KJV

And thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD, [and that] I have heard all thy blasphemies which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they are given us to consume.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}, and that I have heard {H8085} all thy blasphemies {H5007} which thou hast spoken {H559} against the mountains {H2022} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, They are laid desolate {H8074}{H8077}, they are given {H5414} us to consume {H402}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will know that I, ADONAI, have heard all your blasphemous talk against the mountains of Isra'el, such as, "They are desolated, they are given to us to devour."

Berean Standard Bible

Then you will know that I, the LORD, have heard every contemptuous word you uttered against the mountains of Israel when you said, ‘They are desolate; they are given to us to devour!’

American Standard Version

And thou shalt know that I, Jehovah, have heard all thy revilings which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they are given us to devour.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 35:12 delivers a stark divine declaration to Mount Seir, representing the nation of Edom, revealing God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering justice. It underscores the Lord's omniscience, affirming that He has meticulously heard and recorded every malicious and blasphemous word spoken by Edom against the desolate mountains of Israel, words that expressed covetous intent to seize and exploit the land. This verse serves as a foundational statement of God's active engagement in human affairs, His perfect awareness of all actions and intentions, and His impending righteous judgment against those who oppose His people and His divine purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 35 of Ezekiel stands as a singular, focused oracle entirely dedicated to a prophecy against Mount Seir, symbolizing the nation of Edom. This chapter immediately follows prophecies concerning the restoration of Israel (Ezekiel 33-34) and precedes the extensive promises of Israel's renewed prosperity and spiritual cleansing in Ezekiel 36. The judgment against Edom serves as a necessary precursor to Israel's restoration, demonstrating God's commitment to dealing with those who have afflicted His people. This particular verse, [Ezekiel 35:12](/ezekiel/35-12 "Ezekiel 35:12 - God's Judgment on Edom"), directly quotes Edom's arrogant words, making God's response explicit and personal. The phrase "And thou shalt know that I am the LORD" is a recurring motif throughout Ezekiel, often appearing after declarations of judgment or restoration, emphasizing God's self-revelation through His mighty acts, as seen in [Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - Knowing the Lord through Judgment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy against Edom is set against the backdrop of Judah's destruction and the Babylonian exile (circa 586 BCE). For centuries, Edom, located southeast of Judah, had maintained a hostile relationship with Israel, rooted in the ancient rivalry between Jacob and Esau. During Jerusalem's fall, Edom not only rejoiced at Judah's calamity but actively participated in plundering the devastated land and preventing Jewish refugees from escaping (cf. [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Sin Against Jacob")). Their words in [Ezekiel 35:12](/ezekiel/35-12 "Ezekiel 35:12 - Edom's Blasphemy Against Israel") reflect their opportunistic desire to seize the "mountains of Israel" – the very heartland of Judah – believing it was now theirs for the taking, a land "given us to consume." This covetousness and malicious gloating against a people in distress, especially God's covenant people, constituted a profound offense in the eyes of God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Self-Revelation**, as God declares His identity ("I am the LORD") through His actions of judgment and intervention. Edom's experience of God's justice would force them to acknowledge His supreme authority. Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Omniscience and Justice**, emphasizing that no word or intention, particularly those filled with malice and contempt, escapes His notice. God's hearing of Edom's "blasphemies" confirms His perfect awareness and His commitment to righteous retribution. Thirdly, it reveals the **Consequences of Malice and Blasphemy**, demonstrating that words spoken against God's people or His land are ultimately considered an affront to God Himself. Edom's desire to "consume" Israel's land was a direct challenge to God's covenant promises to His people, as detailed in passages like [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Blessing and Cursing"). Finally, the verse implicitly affirms **God's Enduring Protection of Israel**, even in their state of desolation. Despite their exile, God remained the ultimate defender of His land and His people, and those who sought to exploit their weakness would face divine reckoning, foreshadowing the restoration promised in [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) This primitive root signifies a deep, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual assent. When God declares, "thou shalt know that I am the LORD," it implies a forced recognition through divine action, often judgment. Edom would come to "know" God's character and power not through willing submission, but through the devastating consequences of their rebellion, leading to an undeniable acknowledgment of His sovereignty.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred, covenant name of God, often rendered "Yahweh," signifying "the Self-Existent One" or "the Eternal." Its use here emphasizes God's unchanging nature, His faithfulness to His covenant, and His absolute authority as the sovereign ruler over all nations and events. It is a declaration of His unique, incomparable deity that Edom must recognize.
* **blasphemies (Hebrew, _nᵉʼâtsâh'_):** (H5007) Derived from a root meaning "to scorn" or "to treat with contempt," this term denotes words or actions that express utter disdain, reproach, or defiance. Edom's words were not merely political statements but deeply offensive expressions of contempt against God's chosen land and people, thus constituting blasphemy against God Himself, who had a special relationship with Israel and their inheritance.
* **mountains (Hebrew, _har'_):** (H2022) This word refers to a mountain or range of hills, often used figuratively for a country or region. In this context, "the mountains of Israel" refers to the entire land of Judah, the physical inheritance promised by God to His people. Edom's blasphemy was specifically directed at this sacred territory, demonstrating their covetous desire to seize what rightfully belonged to God's covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD,"**: This opening clause establishes the ultimate purpose of God's impending judgment on Edom. It is not merely punitive but revelatory. Through the unfolding of divine justice, Edom, like all nations, will be forced to acknowledge the true identity and supreme authority of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This experiential knowledge will be undeniable, demonstrating His power and faithfulness.
* **"[and that] I have heard all thy blasphemies"**: This declaration underscores God's omniscience and active engagement. No word, no matter how secretly conceived or subtly uttered, escapes God's notice. The term "blasphemies" highlights the severe nature of Edom's words—they were not just insults against Israel but contemptuous affronts to God's honor and His divine plan for His people and their land. God's "hearing" implies not just passive reception but an attentive, judicial awareness.
* **"which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel,"**: This specifies the target and nature of Edom's blasphemy. Their contempt was directed at the physical land of Israel, the very inheritance God had promised and consecrated. By speaking against the "mountains of Israel," Edom was effectively speaking against God's covenant faithfulness and His ownership of the land, demonstrating a profound spiritual blindness and hostility.
* **"saying, They are laid desolate, they are given us to consume."**: This clause provides the direct quote of Edom's malicious words. Their statement reveals both their gloating over Israel's vulnerability and their predatory intent. They saw Israel's desolation not as a tragedy or a divine judgment, but as an opportunistic vacuum, a land ripe for plunder and exploitation ("to consume"). This expressed covetousness and lack of compassion, coupled with a sense of entitlement, sealed their fate.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 35:12 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as God speaks directly to "thou" (Mount Seir/Edom), creating an immediate and confrontational tone that emphasizes the personal nature of their offense and God's direct response. The phrase "And thou shalt know that I am the LORD" is a powerful **motif** recurring throughout Ezekiel, serving as a theological refrain that underscores God's self-revelation through His sovereign acts, whether in judgment or restoration. There is also a subtle form of **Anthropomorphism** in God stating, "I have heard all thy blasphemies," attributing human sensory perception (hearing) to God to emphasize His perfect awareness and active attention to every word spoken. Finally, the **Personification** of the "mountains of Israel" as the object of Edom's blasphemy highlights the deep connection between the land and God's covenant people, making the attack on the land an attack on God's divine purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 35:12 powerfully articulates God's active involvement in the affairs of nations, demonstrating His omniscience, unwavering justice, and ultimate sovereignty. The declaration "thou shalt know that I am the LORD" serves as a foundational theological statement, asserting God's self-revelation through His judgments. It reveals that God is not a passive observer but an attentive judge who hears every word, discerns every intention, and will hold nations accountable for their malice, especially when directed against His chosen people and their inheritance. Edom's covetous and contemptuous words against a desolate Israel were deemed blasphemy, underscoring the sanctity of God's covenant with His people and land, and the severe consequences for those who oppose His divine will.

* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalms/139-1 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Open Before God")
* [Zechariah 2:8](/zechariah/2-8 "Zechariah 2:8 - He Who Touches You Touches the Apple of His Eye")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 35:12 serves as a profound reminder of God's unceasing vigilance and His perfect justice, offering both a warning and immense comfort. For us today, it highlights the solemn truth that our words, even those spoken in private or in moments of perceived triumph over others' misfortunes, are heard by God. It calls us to examine our hearts for any trace of malice, gloating, or covetousness towards others, especially those who are vulnerable or experiencing hardship. The verse challenges us to align our speech and intentions with God's righteous character, recognizing that contempt for His people or His purposes is ultimately contempt for Him. Conversely, for those who face adversity, opposition, or the scorn of others, this passage provides deep reassurance. God is fully aware of every injustice, every malicious word, and every attempt to exploit their weakness. He is the ultimate defender and judge, and He will act on behalf of His own, ensuring that His sovereignty is ultimately recognized by all. This truth should cultivate humility and trust in His perfect timing and righteous judgments, even when circumstances seem desolate.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the awareness that God hears "all thy blasphemies" impact my daily speech and inner thoughts, especially concerning those I disagree with or who are struggling?**
* **In what ways might I, subtly or overtly, harbor contempt or gloat over the difficulties of others, and how can I repent of such attitudes?**
* **How does God's declaration, "thou shalt know that I am the LORD," strengthen my faith and trust in His justice when I feel wronged or see injustice in the world?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of compassion and support for those who are "laid desolate" rather than seeking to "consume" or exploit their circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God saying, "thou shalt know that I am the LORD" in this context?**

Answer: This phrase is a recurring theological motif throughout the book of Ezekiel, appearing over 70 times. In [Ezekiel 35:12](/ezekiel/35-12 "Ezekiel 35:12 - God's Self-Revelation"), it signifies that God's actions, particularly His judgments against Edom, are designed to reveal His true identity, power, and sovereignty. Edom, who had acted as if God was absent or powerless over Israel's land, would be forced through devastating experience to acknowledge Yahweh as the supreme, self-existent, and righteous God who governs all nations and fulfills His covenant promises. It's an experiential, undeniable revelation of His character and authority.

**Why are Edom's words considered "blasphemies" against the "mountains of Israel"?**

Answer: Edom's words, "They are laid desolate, they are given us to consume," were deemed blasphemous because they represented a profound contempt not only for Israel but, by extension, for God Himself. The "mountains of Israel" symbolize the land that God had consecrated and promised to His chosen people through an eternal covenant. Edom's gloating over Israel's desolation and their covetous intent to seize and exploit the land directly challenged God's ownership, His covenant faithfulness, and His divine plan. To scorn God's people and His inheritance was to scorn God Himself, making their words an act of profound disrespect and defiance against the Almighty. This is further emphasized by the prophecies against Edom in [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord Against Edom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 35:12, with its declaration of divine judgment against those who scorn God's people and covet their inheritance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Edom's blasphemy was against the physical mountains of Israel, Christ is the true Israel, the ultimate "mountain" of God's kingdom, established not by human conquest but by divine grace. The Lord's declaration, "thou shalt know that I am the LORD," points forward to a day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Just as God heard Edom's blasphemies and brought judgment, so too does Christ, as the omniscient Son of God, hear every word spoken against His body, the Church, and against His redemptive purposes. He is the one who will ultimately judge all nations, separating the sheep from the goats ([Matthew 25:31-33](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-33 - The Judgment of the Nations")), and His coming will establish His kingdom, consuming all earthly powers that oppose Him ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Will End All Others")). The ultimate "consumption" is not of Israel's land by its enemies, but of sin and death by the victorious Lamb of God, who will fully restore His people to a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heavens and New Earth")). Thus, Ezekiel 35:12 foreshadows Christ's ultimate triumph over all spiritual and earthly adversaries, ensuring the complete vindication and eternal security of His redeemed people.

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 36:2

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are ours in possession:

Psalms 83:12

Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession.

Ezekiel 35:9

I will make thee perpetual desolations, and thy cities shall not return: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 6:7

And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Jeremiah 50:7

All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.

Psalms 94:9

He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?

Psalms 94:10

He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, [shall not he know]?