Ezekiel 35:9
I will make thee perpetual desolations, and thy cities shall not return: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
עוֹלָם֙
thee perpetual
H5769
עוֹלָם֙
thee perpetual
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
אֶתֶּנְךָ֔
I will make
H5414
אֶתֶּנְךָ֔
I will make
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 10
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וְעָרֶ֖יךָ
and thy cities
H5892
וְעָרֶ֖יךָ
and thy cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
4 of 10
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תָישֹׁ֑בְנָה
H3427
תָישֹׁ֑בְנָה
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖ם
and ye shall know
H3045
וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖ם
and ye shall know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
7 of 10
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Ezekiel 25:13Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword.Ezekiel 35:4I will lay thy cities waste, and thou shalt be desolate, and thou shalt know that I am the LORD.Ezekiel 6:7And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Historical Context
Unlike Israel who returned from exile, Edom never recovered as a nation. Their territory was absorbed by others, and their ethnic identity dissolved. This permanent judgment contrasts with Israel's preservation despite judgment, revealing God's covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between God's discipline of His people and His judgment of persistent enemies?
- How does Edom's permanent destruction contrast with Israel's preservation despite judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God would make Edom 'perpetual desolations'—permanent, not temporary, destruction. Their cities would remain uninhabited. The covenant formula 'ye shall know that I am the LORD' reveals that even annihilation serves revelatory purposes. Some judgments are terminal, not corrective, demonstrating both God's patience and His limits.