Ezekiel 35:8

And I will fill his mountains with his slain [men]: in thy hills, and in thy valleys, and in all thy rivers, shall they fall that are slain with the sword.

And I will fill {H4390} his mountains {H2022} with his slain {H2491} men: in thy hills {H1389}, and in thy valleys {H1516}, and in all thy rivers {H650}, shall they fall {H5307} that are slain {H2491} with the sword {H2719}.

I will fill his mountains with his slain; in your hills and valleys and in all your ravines will fall those slain by the sword.

I will fill its mountains with the slain; those killed by the sword will fall on your hills, in your valleys, and in all your ravines.

And I will fill its mountains with its slain: in thy hills and in thy valleys and in all thy watercourses shall they fall that are slain with the sword.

Ezekiel 35:8 is a powerful declaration of divine judgment against Mount Seir, the land of Edom. It vividly portrays the devastating consequences of Edom's long-standing hostility towards Israel, promising widespread death and desolation across their territory, from mountains to valleys and rivers.

Context

This verse is part of a specific prophetic oracle found in Ezekiel chapter 35, which is entirely dedicated to the judgment of Mount Seir, identified with the nation of Edom. Edom, descended from Esau (Jacob's brother), had a history of animosity and perpetual hatred towards Israel. This animosity intensified significantly when Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians. Instead of showing compassion, Edom rejoiced in Israel's calamity and even sought to seize their land, as indicated in Ezekiel 35:5. God's declaration here is a direct response to Edom's malice and serves as a stark reminder of His sovereign justice over nations.

Key Themes

  • Divine Retribution: The verse underscores God's active role ("I will fill") in bringing judgment upon Edom for their actions, particularly their unceasing hatred and exploitation of Israel's misfortune.
  • Widespread Desolation: The imagery of "mountains," "hills," "valleys," and "rivers" being filled with the slain emphasizes the totality and comprehensiveness of the impending destruction across the entire Edomite territory. This speaks to a complete overthrow.
  • Consequences of Hatred: Edom's persistent malevolence is shown to have severe, self-destructive consequences. God's judgment is often a reflection of the sin committed.
  • God's Sovereignty: This prophecy reaffirms God's ultimate control over the destinies of nations, demonstrating that no nation, regardless of its perceived strength or geographical advantage, is beyond His divine oversight and judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "slain" is chalal (חָלָל), which specifically refers to those pierced or wounded to death, particularly in battle. It conveys a sense of violent, bloody death rather than natural demise. The repetition of "slain with the sword" (חֶרֶב - cherev) reinforces the brutal, military nature of the judgment. The phrase "I will fill" highlights God's direct agency and the abundance of those who will fall, suggesting a complete and overwhelming defeat.

Significance and Application

Ezekiel 35:8 serves as a powerful testament to God's justice and His commitment to holding nations and individuals accountable for their actions, especially those fueled by hatred and malice. It reminds us that:

  • God Sees and Judges: No act of injustice or hatred, even when carried out in secret or against the vulnerable, escapes God's notice. His justice may be delayed, but it is ultimately sure.
  • The Peril of Enmity: Harboring perpetual hatred or rejoicing in the misfortunes of others brings severe consequences. This aligns with broader biblical principles that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
  • Hope for the Oppressed: For those who are unjustly treated, this verse offers comfort in knowing that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring justice and vindicate His people.

The prophecy against Edom stands as a timeless warning against pride, cruelty, and animosity, emphasizing that true security lies not in geographical advantage or military might, but in aligning with God's righteous standards.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 31:12

    And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him.

  • Ezekiel 32:4

    Then will I leave thee upon the land, I will cast thee forth upon the open field, and will cause all the fowls of the heaven to remain upon thee, and I will fill the beasts of the whole earth with thee.

  • Ezekiel 32:5

    And I will lay thy flesh upon the mountains, and fill the valleys with thy height.

  • Ezekiel 39:4

    Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that [is] with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and [to] the beasts of the field to be devoured.

  • Ezekiel 39:5

    Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD.

  • Isaiah 34:2

    For the indignation of the LORD [is] upon all nations, and [his] fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter.

  • Isaiah 34:7

    And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.

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