Ezekiel 35:3
And say unto it, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I am against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
הַר
Behold O mount
H2022
הַר
Behold O mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
9 of 16
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
שֵׂעִ֑יר
Seir
H8165
שֵׂעִ֑יר
Seir
Strong's:
H8165
Word #:
10 of 16
seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine
וְנָטִ֤יתִי
I am against thee and I will stretch out
H5186
וְנָטִ֤יתִי
I am against thee and I will stretch out
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
11 of 16
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
יָדִי֙
mine hand
H3027
יָדִי֙
mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
12 of 16
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
עָלֶ֔יךָ
H5921
עָלֶ֔יךָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וּנְתַתִּ֖יךָ
against thee and I will make
H5414
וּנְתַתִּ֖יךָ
against thee and I will make
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
14 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Jeremiah 6:12And their houses shall be turned unto others, with their fields and wives together: for I will stretch out my hand upon the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD.Jeremiah 15:6Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.Ezekiel 35:7Thus will I make mount Seir most desolate, and cut off from it him that passeth out and him that returneth.Ezekiel 6:14So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their habitations: and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Historical Context
Edom's mountain fortresses included Petra, carved into rock cliffs. They believed themselves impregnable. Yet God's stretched-out hand would bring comprehensive destruction regardless of natural or military defenses.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to have God as ally versus having Him as opponent?
- How should awareness of God's active opposition to evil affect your choices and allegiances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The declaration 'I am against thee' appears frequently in judgment oracles. It's the most terrifying statement anyone can hear—to have God as active opponent. 'I will stretch out mine hand against thee' indicates active, not passive, judgment. Complete desolation would result. When God opposes, no defense succeeds.