Once upon a time, the word of Jehovah, the Almighty, came to Ezekiel, the son of man. “Set your face against Mount Seir,” He commanded, “and prophesy its doom.”
Thus, Ezekiel turned his gaze toward Mount Seir, his spirit heavy with the unpalatable decree he had to deliver. The words fell heavily from his lips, echoing through the skies and the mountains.
“Thus saith the Lord Jehovah,” he intoned. “I am against thee, O Mount Seir. My hand is prepared to bring desolation and astonishment upon you.” The wind whistled through the mountain peaks, carrying the dire prediction with it.
Jehovah’s wrath was kindled by Mount Seir’s perpetual enmity and relentless betrayal of the children of Israel. Without remorse, they had delivered them to the merciless sword in the dark time of their calamity.
“Vengeance is mine,” declared Jehovah. “For the blood you have spilled, more blood shall follow you. Since you have shown no hatred for bloodshed, blood shall become your shadow.” He declared that He would make Mount Seir into an everlasting wasteland, its bustling cities empty desolations. From the hills, valleys, and watercourses, all who fell by the sword would lay still and silent.
Bitter was the judgement for Mount Seir’s arrogance. “You claimed these two nations and their lands for your own, forgetting that I, Jehovah, am the rightful presence there.” Jehovah’s wrath mirrored the anger and envy that Mount Seir had shown in their hatred for Israel. “When I judge thee, they shall witness my power,” Jehovah asserted.
Mount Seir had taunted the bareness of Israel’s mountains and, swelling with arrogance, they spoke against Jehovah Himself. He, the ever-present and all-knowing God, had heard their vile words.
“Thus says the Lord Jehovah: ‘Whilst the earth finds joy, you will know desolation. You rejoiced in the misfortune of Israel’s heritage, laughing at their desolation. As you have done, so shall it be done unto you.”
The denouncement was final. Mount Seir and all of Edom would become desolate, a testament to the wrath of Jehovah. In witnessing the stark wastelands and empty cities, all would recognize the Almighty Jehovah, the true and lasting God.
