This prophecy is an expansion of that which the Lord gave Ezekiel which was recorded in Ezekiel 25:12-14. Edom is characterized here by the mountain range on the east border of the Wadi Arabah south of the Dead Sea. Edom is a prototype of all Gentile nations in general and more specifically the Arab States. Ezekiel is commanded to convey a prophecy of God to the nation of Edom emphasizing His desire to destroy Edom as a judgment for the way in which they have historically treated Israel. One question which always seems to arise is why the judgment on just Esau. When, Esau (Edom) was Jacob’s (Israel) brother they both seemed to be sinners. From birth Jacob had his hand upon the heel of his brother Esau. Jacob was to receive the Abrahamic covenant as revealed to his mother Rebecca. But he took advantage of Esau and some would say stole the covenant by deceit. He did that to be sure but God’s plan was for him to have it and he was punished by God through his father in law Lavan for the manner in which he took it. Laban made him an indentured servant for nearly twenty years. God has said that, “I loved Jacob! And Esau I hated” (Malachi 1:3; Romans 9:13). Since God looks on the heart of a person and not the outward appearance we can see that God says that Esau despised his birthright.
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