Ezekiel 25:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I will carry out My vengeance against Edom through My people Israel, guiding them to act in accordance with My anger and wrath, so they will understand My retribution, declares the Lord Adonai. The two nations mentioned earlier—Moab and Seir—now focus back on Edom, inquiring about its deeds. Edom, Esau, and Seir are all recognized as one people, a truth confirmed by the sacred texts. This is also evident in the prophetic messages targeting Edom by prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos; the prophet Abijah addressed this group directly, a topic we have explored previously. Seir, known for its hairiness, and Edom, called bloody due to the story of the red lentils, lost his birthright and gained a name tied to sustenance (Gen. 25). It’s important to note that in Hebrew, the term always used is Edom; the Greek version refers to it as Idumea. Accordingly, Edom did not respond as Moab did but sought retribution against Judah, recalling past grievances against those who had caused it trouble. Hence, it was not through angels or others but by the Lord Himself that His hand was against Edom, leading to the devastation of both people and animals, creating desolation in its cities, including Theman, which we translate as the south. Those destroyed came from both Timan and Dedan and fell by the sword. In response to Edom’s vengeance upon Judah, I will enact My wrath through My people Israel, visiting destruction upon those who inflicted harm. They will confront Edom as I ordain, ensuring that My anger and fury are fulfilled. By the hand of My people Israel, My wrath against this adversarial nation will be made known, illustrating that such retribution is a just response to Edom’s unjust acts against My people, says the Lord Adonai.

The allegorical interpretation suggests that Edom embodies earthly and carnal inclinations, opposing the spiritual by attempting to draw the soul inward, to avenge itself upon the children of Judah who, turning away from the flesh, pursued spiritual truth. Therefore, the Lord Himself acts as the avenger for Judah, destroying reason and simple faith in Edom to bring about desolation. From Timan, meaning lacking, and from Dedan, meaning connectedness, He wields the sword through His people Israel to vanquish Edom, revealing the ferocity of divine wrath, ensuring that this vengeance serves the interests of the house of Judah. This aligns with the apostolic declaration, "I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau" (Romans 9:13), illustrating God’s favor towards Jacob, who overcomes earthly desires to earn His blessings. Initially, we dwell in the flesh, followed by a life in the spirit. First come the vices, then virtues that annihilate those very vices, for the human heart is naturally inclined toward evil from youth (Gen. 8), and youthful errors are chastised in adulthood. David conveys this sentiment, asking that the sins of his youth not be recalled (Ps. 24:7). It’s essential to recognize that Jacob received the primary blessing while Esau received the second. The statement “You shall serve your brother” (Genesis 27:40) denotes the flesh yielding to the spirit in unity, leading to the transformation where Edom integrates into Judah.

It was for this reason that I surrendered them, not to other foes, but specifically to My own people whom the Edomites had wronged, so that in their utter ruin they might recognize the might of My authority.

The city of Thebes, belonging to Edom, and Dedan, associated with the descendants of Abraham through Keturah, owe their names to the builders of these settlements, with Dedan being closely connected and allied with Edom. After prophesying concerning these, the focus shifts to foreign nations, as the Edomites, being descendants of Isaac, were not strangers, just as the Ammonites and Moabites, who descended from Lot. In contrast, the Tyrians, Sidonians, and other nearby nations were indeed outsiders. The Scriptures designate the Ascalonians, Gazans, Hephaites, Acaronites, and the dwellers of Ashdod as foreigners, as their lands bordered those of Judah, indicating their proximity. Consequently, God also declares what shall come to pass for them.