Ezekiel 25:12
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יַ֣עַן
H3282
יַ֣עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
עֲשׂ֥וֹת
hath dealt
H6213
עֲשׂ֥וֹת
hath dealt
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֱד֛וֹם
Because that Edom
H123
אֱד֛וֹם
Because that Edom
Strong's:
H123
Word #:
7 of 15
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
לְבֵ֣ית
against the house
H1004
לְבֵ֣ית
against the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
10 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
11 of 15
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
אָשׁ֖וֹם
and hath greatly
H816
אָשׁ֖וֹם
and hath greatly
Strong's:
H816
Word #:
12 of 15
to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish
אָשׁ֖וֹם
and hath greatly
H816
אָשׁ֖וֹם
and hath greatly
Strong's:
H816
Word #:
13 of 15
to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish
Historical Context
During Jerusalem's 586 BC fall, Edomites helped Babylonians capture fleeing refugees, looted Jerusalem, and occupied southern Judah. This treachery despite blood relationship made their sin particularly heinous.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage challenge any desires for personal revenge or 'settling scores' in your relationships?
- What does it mean to trust God's justice rather than seeking your own vindication?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Edom's sin involved 'taking vengeance' and 'greatly offending' in revenge against Judah. Descended from Esau (Genesis 36), Edom maintained brotherly hatred throughout history. They violated the kinship bond by exploiting Judah's vulnerability during Babylonian invasion (Obadiah 10-14). Taking revenge belongs to God alone (Romans 12:19); human vengeance compounds sin with sin.