As thou didst rejoice at the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do unto thee: thou shalt be desolate, O mount Seir, and all Idumea, even all of it: and they shall know that I am the LORD.

EZEKIEL 35:15KJV
Know the Bible

Ezekiel 35:15 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 35:15 mean?

Ezekiel 35:15 says that just as the people of Mount Seir (Edom/Idumea) rejoiced when Israel’s land became empty and ruined, God will make Mount Seir itself desolate, so that its people will know He is the LORD. The verse is a declaration of judgment against Edom for taking pleasure in Israel’s suffering.

In this verse, God speaks through Ezekiel to announce consequences for Edom (Mount Seir and all Idumea) because they celebrated Israel’s downfall. The historical setting is after Jerusalem’s destruction, when neighboring nations like Edom were glad to see Israel’s “inheritance” ruined. God promises to treat Edom the same way, turning their land into a wasteland as well.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 35:15

  • “Rejoice” (שִׂמְחָה, simchah): This word means joy or gladness, often used for celebrations. Here, it highlights Edom’s inappropriate delight at Israel’s misfortune, not just a neutral observation.
  • “Inheritance” (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This refers to the land God gave Israel. The word emphasizes that Israel’s territory was a gift and a trust from God, not just ordinary land.
  • “Desolate” (שָׁמֵם, shamem and שְׁמָמָה, shemamah): Both forms appear, stressing complete emptiness or ruin. The repetition underlines how thorough the judgment will be—Edom will experience the same devastation they cheered for in Israel.
  • “Know” (יָדַע, yada): This word means more than intellectual knowledge; it often includes recognition or acknowledgment. Here, it means Edom will come to recognize God’s authority and power through what happens.

Why Ezekiel 35:15 matters

  • The verse clarifies that God notices and responds to the attitudes of nations, especially when they take pleasure in the downfall of others.
  • It connects Edom’s fate directly to their treatment of Israel, showing that God’s justice is measured and reciprocal.
  • Ezekiel 35:15 ties into the larger theme of Ezekiel 35–36, where God judges Israel’s enemies but also promises restoration for Israel, highlighting both judgment and hope.

Where else these words appear

“Seir” Hebrew H8165 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 14:6 And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness.
  • Deuteronomy 2:1 Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea, as the LORD spake unto me: and we compassed mount Seir many days.
  • Judges 5:4 LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water.

“desolate” Hebrew H8077 · used in 54 verses

  • Exodus 23:29 I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.
  • Jeremiah 44:6 Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate, as at this day.
  • Ezekiel 33:29 Then shall they know that I am the LORD, when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed.

“desolate” Hebrew H8074 · used in 87 verses

  • Leviticus 26:22 I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate.
  • Isaiah 54:1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.
  • Ezekiel 27:35 All the inhabitants of the isles shall be astonished at thee, and their kings shall be sore afraid, they shall be troubled in their countenance.

“rejoice” Hebrew H8057 · used in 89 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Esther 9:17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.