Ezekiel 35:13

Ezekiel 35:13 (KJV) delivers a stern divine rebuke directed at Mount Seir, representing the nation of Edom. God declares that Edom has brazenly boasted against Him and multiplied their words of defiance, emphasizing His absolute awareness of their every utterance: "Thus with your mouth ye have boasted against me, and have multiplied your words against me: I have heard [them]." This verse underscores God's omniscience and the accountability of nations and individuals for their speech and intentions.

Context

This verse is part of a prophetic oracle in Ezekiel 35 specifically pronouncing judgment against Mount Seir (Edom). Edom, a descendant of Esau, had a long history of animosity towards Israel, the descendants of Jacob. Their sin, as highlighted throughout this chapter, was not merely passive dislike but active gloating over Israel's desolation, particularly the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. They saw Israel's misfortune as an opportunity to seize their land, as indicated in Ezekiel 35:10, where they declared their intent to possess both Israel and Judah. Their boasting and multiplied words against God were a direct affront to His sovereignty and His covenant with His people, even in their time of punishment. This passage serves as a stark contrast to the hope and restoration promised to Israel in the preceding chapters.

Key Themes

• Divine Omniscience and Sovereignty: The declaration "I have heard [them]" powerfully asserts God's complete awareness of every word spoken, even those uttered in secret or with malicious intent. It highlights His absolute control and the futility of defying Him.
• Accountability of Words: The verse emphasizes that words are not inconsequential. Boasting and multiplying words against God carry severe consequences, demonstrating that speech reflects the heart's true disposition and is subject to divine judgment.
• Judgment on Pride and Arrogance: Edom's boasting was rooted in deep-seated pride and contempt for God's chosen people. This passage is a strong warning against human arrogance that seeks to elevate itself against divine purposes.
• Retributive Justice: God's hearing of their words is immediately followed by a promise of judgment, signifying that their actions and words will be met with a just recompense, mirroring their own malicious desires back upon them.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrases in this verse add depth to its meaning:

• "Boasted against me" (Hebrew: gadalta alay - גדלת עלי): This literally means "you have magnified yourself against me" or "you have made yourself great against me." It conveys a sense of extreme arrogance and defiance, as if Edom considered itself superior or powerful enough to challenge God directly.
• "Multiplied your words" (Hebrew: hirbitem divreikem - הרביתם דבריכם): This suggests a continuous stream of hostile, arrogant, or contemptuous speech, not just an isolated incident. It implies persistence in their opposition.
• "I have heard [them]" (Hebrew: ani shamati - אני שמעתי): The emphatic "I" (ani) before "heard" (shamati) highlights God's personal and direct attention to their words. It's not merely that the words were uttered, but that the sovereign God Himself took note, signifying that their actions did not go unnoticed and would not go unpunished.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 35:13 serves as a timeless reminder about the power and accountability of our words. It challenges believers to consider:

• The Seriousness of Speech: Every word we speak is heard by God. This should prompt us to exercise caution and intentionality in our conversations, especially regarding our attitudes towards God, His plans, and His people.
• Humility Over Arrogance: The downfall of Edom stemmed from their pride and boasting. We are called to humility, acknowledging God's sovereignty in all circumstances rather than exalting ourselves or gloating over others' misfortunes.
• God's Omniscience as Comfort and Warning: For those who seek to honor God, His omniscience is a comfort, knowing He hears our prayers and praises. For those who defy Him, it serves as a solemn warning that all hidden thoughts and malicious words are known to Him and will be brought to account. As Matthew 12:37 states, "For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."