Ezekiel 35:14

KJV

Thus saith the Lord GOD; When the whole earth rejoiceth, I will make thee desolate.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; When the whole earth {H776} rejoiceth {H8055}, I will make {H6213} thee desolate {H8077}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'To the joy of all the land, I will desolate you.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says: While the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate.

American Standard Version

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: When the whole earth rejoiceth, I will make thee desolate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 35:14 declares a profound divine judgment against Mount Seir, representing the nation of Edom. This pronouncement highlights God's unwavering justice, asserting that even as the rest of the world experiences joy or prosperity, Edom will face utter desolation. It underscores the Lord GOD's absolute sovereignty and His specific retribution against those who harbor perpetual hatred and rejoice in the downfall of His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 35 is a distinct prophetic oracle entirely dedicated to the condemnation of Mount Seir, the ancestral land of Edom. This chapter follows a series of oracles against foreign nations (Ezekiel 25-32) but precedes the prophecies of Israel's restoration (Ezekiel 36-39). The placement is significant: God deals with the enemies of His people before detailing the glorious future of Israel. The immediate context within chapter 35 details the reasons for Edom's desolation, particularly their "perpetual hatred" and their intent to possess the land of Israel (cf. [Ezekiel 35:5](/ezekiel/35-5 "Ezekiel 35:5 - Edom's Perpetual Hatred")). The preceding verses describe the physical devastation of Mount Seir, setting the stage for the specific declaration of divine agency in this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, maintained a long-standing and bitter rivalry with Israel. This animosity escalated significantly during the Babylonian exile of Judah. Instead of showing kinship or compassion, Edom actively rejoiced over Jerusalem's destruction in 586 BC, participated in plundering the land, and sought to occupy deserted Israelite territory. This malicious opportunism and deep-seated antagonism are well-documented in other prophetic texts. Culturally, rejoicing in an enemy's downfall was common in ancient Near Eastern warfare, but for Edom, a "brother" nation, this was a particularly egregious betrayal, violating familial and covenantal expectations. God's judgment here is a direct response to this profound moral and spiritual failure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. It emphasizes **Divine Retribution and Justice**, demonstrating that God is a righteous judge who will not allow malicious actions and unholy glee to go unpunished. Edom's specific and severe judgment serves as a stark example of God's **Sovereignty Over Nations**, illustrating His ultimate control over the destinies of all peoples, regardless of their perceived strength or alliances. The contrast between the "whole earth rejoiceth" and Edom's desolation highlights the theme of **Specific Judgment and Isolation**, underscoring that God's judgment is precise, targeting those who have defied His moral order and harmed His covenant people, even when others might experience peace or prosperity. This sets the stage for the subsequent prophecies of Israel's restoration, emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness to His chosen people (cf. [Ezekiel 36:33-36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root means "to say" or "to speak," but it carries a wide range of applications, including to command, declare, appoint, or determine. In the phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD," it functions as a formal prophetic declaration, emphasizing the divine origin and unalterable authority of the message. It signifies that the following words are not human conjecture but the direct, authoritative pronouncement of the sovereign God.
* **rejoiceth (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** This root means "to brighten up," and figuratively, "to be blithe or gleesome." It conveys a sense of joy, gladness, or merriment. In this context, it describes the state of the "whole earth" or, more accurately, other nations. The contrast is stark: while others experience joy, Edom will experience the opposite—desolation. This joy could refer to a general state of peace or prosperity among other nations, or perhaps their own satisfaction at Edom's downfall, mirroring Edom's earlier joy over Jerusalem.
* **desolate (Hebrew, _shᵉmâmâh'_):** This feminine noun, derived from a root meaning "to be waste" or "to be appalled," signifies devastation, ruin, or astonishment. It denotes a state of utter emptiness, unproductiveness, and being uninhabited. When God declares He will make Edom "desolate," it implies a complete and irreversible destruction, not merely a temporary setback, but a profound and lasting ruin that evokes shock and horror.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase is a powerful prophetic formula, known as a messenger formula. It immediately establishes the divine authority and certainty of the pronouncement. The combination of "Lord" (Adonai, H136) and "GOD" (YHWH, H3069) emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty (Adonai) and His covenant faithfulness (YHWH), signifying that this is a solemn and unbreakable decree from the ultimate authority.
* **"When the whole earth rejoiceth,":** This clause sets the temporal and contextual stage for Edom's unique judgment. "The whole earth" (H776, _ʼerets'_) can refer to the entire globe or, more commonly in prophetic literature, to other lands or nations. It suggests a time when other nations might be experiencing peace, prosperity, or even rejoicing over the downfall of Edom itself. The contrast highlights Edom's isolated and specific fate, distinct from the general state of the world or other peoples.
* **"I will make thee desolate.":** This is the core declaration of judgment. The "I" refers directly to the Lord GOD, emphasizing His active agency in bringing about this devastation. "Thee" refers to Mount Seir/Edom. The verb "make" (H6213, _ʻâsâh'_) signifies active execution, not passive allowance. The outcome, "desolate" (H8077, _shᵉmâmâh'_), is one of utter ruin and waste, a direct divine retribution for Edom's malicious actions and perpetual hatred against Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 35:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting the "rejoicing" of the "whole earth" against the "desolation" decreed for Edom. This stark juxtaposition amplifies the severity and specificity of God's judgment, highlighting Edom's unique and isolated fate. The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" functions as a **Divine Oracle** or **Messenger Formula**, lending absolute authority and certainty to the prophecy, underscoring that these are not human words but the unchangeable decree of the Almighty. While "the whole earth" might be interpreted as **Hyperbole** to emphasize the widespread nature of joy or prosperity among other nations, it also serves to isolate Edom's impending doom. The entire passage is permeated by **Retribution Theology**, where Edom's desolation is presented as a direct, just consequence for their prior actions, particularly their rejoicing over Jerusalem's fall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 35:14 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering justice and His sovereign control over the destinies of nations. It reveals that God actively intervenes in human history to uphold His righteous standards and to protect His covenant people. The principle articulated here is that those who gloat over the misfortune of others, especially God's chosen, will ultimately face their own reckoning. This divine retribution is not arbitrary but is a direct consequence of Edom's "perpetual hatred" and their active participation in Israel's suffering. It serves as a stark reminder that while the world may seem to operate by its own rules, God's ultimate justice will prevail, ensuring that every act of malice and unrighteousness receives its due.

* [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob")
* [Psalm 137:7](/psalm/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Edom's Role in Jerusalem's Destruction")
* [Proverbs 24:17-18](/proverbs/24-17 "Proverbs 24:17-18 - Do Not Rejoice When Your Enemy Falls")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 35:14 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It serves as a solemn warning against the insidious sin of schadenfreude—taking pleasure in the misfortune or suffering of others. Edom's judgment reminds us that God sees not only our actions but also the intentions and attitudes of our hearts. We are called to cultivate compassion and empathy, mourning with those who mourn rather than rejoicing in their sorrow (cf. [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep")). This verse also reinforces our confidence in God's ultimate justice. While it may often seem that the wicked prosper or escape consequences in this life, God's Word assures us that His justice will prevail, and every unrighteous act will ultimately be addressed. Our role is to trust in His perfect timing and to live righteously, leaving judgment to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like Edom, be tempted to rejoice in the misfortune or downfall of others, even those I perceive as adversaries?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's justice in a world where evil often seems to go unpunished?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of compassion and empathy, especially towards those I find difficult to love?**

### FAQ
**Who is "thee" that God will make desolate in this verse?**

Answer: The "thee" refers specifically to Mount Seir, which is the ancestral land and symbolic representation of the nation of Edom. Chapter 35 of Ezekiel is entirely dedicated to a prophetic oracle against Edom, detailing the reasons for their severe judgment, primarily their "perpetual hatred" towards Israel and their malicious actions during Jerusalem's destruction (cf. [Ezekiel 35:5](/ezekiel/35-5 "Ezekiel 35:5 - Edom's Perpetual Hatred")).

**What does "When the whole earth rejoiceth" imply?**

Answer: This phrase implies a stark contrast between the general state of other nations and the specific fate of Edom. It could mean that while other nations might experience peace, prosperity, or even a sense of joy, Edom alone will face utter ruin. Alternatively, it could suggest that other nations might even rejoice over Edom's downfall, mirroring Edom's earlier gloating over Jerusalem. The key is the isolation of Edom's judgment, emphasizing its unique and severe nature due to its particular wickedness against God's people.

**Why was Edom singled out for such a severe judgment?**

Answer: Edom was singled out for severe judgment primarily because of its deep-seated and "perpetual hatred" (cf. [Ezekiel 35:5](/ezekiel/35-5 "Ezekiel 35:5 - Edom's Perpetual Hatred")) towards Israel, their "brother" nation descended from Esau. This animosity culminated during the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem, when Edom not only rejoiced over Israel's calamity but also actively participated in plundering the land and sought to seize Israelite territory. God's judgment on Edom is a direct, righteous response to this profound betrayal and malice, demonstrating His commitment to defending His covenant people and upholding justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 35:14, with its declaration of divine judgment and desolation against Edom, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, it foreshadows Christ as the ultimate and righteous Judge. Just as the Lord GOD brings desolation upon Edom for its malice, so too will Christ, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), execute perfect justice upon all who reject Him and revel in unrighteousness. The world's "rejoicing" in sin and opposition to God's ways will ultimately meet the decisive judgment of the Son of Man, who will separate the sheep from the goats ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Furthermore, the desolation promised to Edom points to the ultimate spiritual desolation of those who remain outside of Christ, eternally separated from God's presence ([2 Thessalonians 1:9](/2_thessalonians/1-9 "2 Thessalonians 1:9 - Eternal Destruction From the Presence of the Lord")). Conversely, for those who are in Christ, the promise is not desolation but eternal life and a new creation where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")). Jesus Himself experienced the "rejoicing" of the world in His suffering and crucifixion, yet through His ultimate sacrifice, He secured salvation for His people, transforming the world's momentary triumph into His eternal victory over sin and death ([John 16:20](/john/16-20 "John 16:20 - Your Sorrow Will Turn Into Joy")). Thus, Edom's desolation serves as a stark backdrop against which the glorious and redemptive work of Christ shines all the more brightly.

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

Isaiah 65:13

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:

Isaiah 65:15

And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:

Jeremiah 51:48

Then the heaven and the earth, and all that [is] therein, shall sing for Babylon: for the spoilers shall come unto her from the north, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 14:7

The whole earth is at rest, [and] is quiet: they break forth into singing.

Isaiah 14:8

Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, [and] the cedars of Lebanon, [saying], Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us.