Ezekiel 35:6

Therefore, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee: sith thou hast not hated blood, even blood shall pursue thee.

Therefore, as I live {H2416}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, I will prepare {H6213} thee unto blood {H1818}, and blood {H1818} shall pursue {H7291} thee: sith {H518} thou hast not hated {H8130} blood {H1818}, even blood {H1818} shall pursue {H7291} thee.

Therefore, as I live,' Adonai ELOHIM swears, 'I will prepare you for blood. Blood will pursue you. You intensely hate your own blood [relatives]; therefore blood will pursue you.

therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will give you over to bloodshed and it will pursue you. Since you did not hate bloodshed, it will pursue you.

therefore, as I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I will prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee: since thou hast not hated blood, therefore blood shall pursue thee.

Commentary

Commentary on Ezekiel 35:6 (KJV)

Ezekiel 35:6 delivers a stark and powerful declaration of divine judgment against Mount Seir, which represents the nation of Edom. This verse emphasizes the certainty and severity of God's retribution for Edom's long history of animosity and violence against Israel.

Context

This prophecy in Ezekiel 35 is specifically directed at Mount Seir, the mountainous region inhabited by the Edomites, descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. Throughout biblical history, Edom harbored a deep-seated and "perpetual hatred" for Israel, often rejoicing in their misfortunes and actively participating in their downfall, particularly during the Babylonian exile (as mentioned in Ezekiel 35:5). God's judgment here is a direct response to their unceasing hostility and their delight in bloodshed.

Key Themes

  • Divine Oath and Certainty of Judgment: The phrase "As I live, saith the Lord GOD" is a solemn divine oath, emphasizing the absolute certainty and unwavering commitment of God to execute this judgment. It signifies that God's very existence guarantees the fulfillment of His word.
  • Retribution and Consequences of Violence: The core message is one of divine retribution. Because Edom "hast not hated blood"—implying an indifference to, or even an affinity for, violence and bloodshed—blood itself will pursue them. This is a clear application of the principle that what one sows, one reaps, and that violence begets violence.
  • The Gravity of Bloodshed: The repeated use of the word "blood" (Hebrew: dam) four times within this single verse underscores the abhorrence of God for wanton violence and murder. It highlights that Edom's spiritual condition was so depraved that they did not detest the shedding of innocent blood, leading to their own bloody demise.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "As I live" (chai ani) is a powerful divine oath, found frequently in Scripture when God emphasizes the absolute certainty of His declarations. It is a testament to His faithfulness in both promise and judgment (see Numbers 14:28). The repetition of "blood" (dam) serves as a dramatic literary device, reinforcing the central theme of violence and its inescapable consequences. The phrase "sith thou hast not hated blood" is particularly poignant, suggesting not just an absence of moral opposition to violence, but perhaps a passive acceptance or even active enjoyment of it.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 35:6 offers a profound principle of divine justice relevant for all times. It reminds us that God holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions, especially those marked by hatred, violence, and indifference to the suffering of others. The consequences of embracing bloodshed are severe and inescapable, illustrating the universal truth that "all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword" (Matthew 26:52). This verse serves as a sober warning against perpetual animosity and a call to hate evil and pursue peace, recognizing that God's justice will ultimately prevail.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 63:2

    Wherefore [art thou] red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?

  • Isaiah 63:6

    And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.

  • Revelation 18:24

    And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

  • Obadiah 1:15

    For the day of the LORD [is] near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.

  • 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.

  • Revelation 19:2

    For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

  • Revelation 19:3

    And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.