Introduction
In this session, Ezekiel 35:1–15 contains a prophecy against Mount Seir, the homeland of the Edomites. Historically, the Edomites were relatives of the Israelites (descended from Esau, Jacob’s brother) but remained bitter enemies. This chapter serves as a divine judgment on Edom for their persistent hatred, cruelty, and celebration of Jerusalem’s downfall.
Objectives
By the end of this session, the learner will have:
- Identified the root cause of God’s judgment against Edom.
- Understood the spiritual consequences of clinging to generational hatred and bitterness.
- Examined God’s justice in defending His people and His territory.
- Understood the danger of perpetual hatred.
Outline
- The root cause of God’s judgment against Edom.
- The spiritual consequences of holding onto generational hatred and bitterness
- God’s justice in defending His people
- The purpose of God’s judgments on nations
Group Study Time
Ezekiel 35: 1-15
Connecting
- Gather with two or more people for a community discovery bible study session.
- Start with a heartfelt prayer, inviting God to guide and bless your understanding.
- Explore the passage by reading it at least twice, using different Bible versions if available, then retell the story together as a group.
- Reflect and share the challenges and blessings you experienced from the previous study.
Comprehending
- Read Ezekiel 35:1–5. Who are the Edomites? Identify the judgement pronounced against the Edomites. Why is God executing judgement on Mount Seir, and what does this teach us about long-standing grudges?
- Edom harboured a “perpetual hatred” that endured for centuries. Discuss how nursing old offences can corrupt a community or an individual, eventually leading to destructive actions when others are vulnerable.
- Read Ezekiel 35:6-9. What do you understand by the law of reaping what you sow (the Law of Retribution)? How does God’s specific punishment fit the crime committed by Edom? What is the principle of divine justice? Because Edom loved bloodshed and violence against Israel, violence would ultimately consume them. How does this verse caution us against wishing harm upon others?
- Read Ezekiel 35:10-15. What critical mistake did Edom make regarding Israel’s land, and what did they fail to realise? Edom thought they could seize Israel’s land during the exile, completely ignoring that the Lord claimed that land and lived among His people. Discuss how people often make plans based purely on human circumstances, forgetting that God is actively present and protective of His own.
- What recurring theme and final outcome characterise God’s judgment in this chapter? God’s judgments are not merely about punishment; they reveal His identity and sovereignty to the world. Why is it important for both believers and non-believers to recognise that God is the ultimate judge?
Committing
- Engage with the Bible—read, study, memorize, meditate, pray, listen, and live it out.
- List three lessons you have learnt as an agent of change that you would like to put into practice and teach others about.
- Take time and worship Jesus with the attributes revealed about Christ.
- Use the SPACEPETS model, to assist you in putting God’s word into practice. Look for:
- Sin to confess
- Promise to claim
- Attitude to change
- Command to keep
- Error to change
- Prayer to make
- Example to copy
- Truth to obey and
- Something praiseworthy
Communicating
- Identify one person you can connect with and share the valuable insights and lessons you gained from this session.
- Reach out to a new believer—either in person or by phone—and pray with them to support them through their challenges, including any concerns about attending church.
- Create a new group and guide others through this study to help them grow in their understanding.