Ezekiel now turns to Edom. This rather stands out as the final sections of Ezekiel are concerned almost entirely with Israel. Why is this included here, rather than in the middle section of Ezekiel where he is prophesying against various nations?
Maybe the answer is something like this. When the hope of restoration comes one of the things that usually happens is that enemies or things from the past still seem to pose a threat, or mock us. Edom had long been an enemy of Israel (35:5), and had gloated over Israel's demise. God is assuring Israel that the restoration will include the destruction of her enemies.
When someone or something mocks the people of God, they are also mocking God Himself. Now note also that at the time Edom was mocking Israel, Israel was in the wrong, she was disobeying God, and she was receiving her just deserts. When we have turned from God and eventually hear the call back we can wonder if we have slipped too far. When taunted we may fear because we know we deserved much of the stuff that we suffered from. Even so, when God calls us back we are completely free to come back.The only thing that is required of us is that we repent and turn to the Lord. God will take care of all the seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Maybe the answer is something like this. When the hope of restoration comes one of the things that usually happens is that enemies or things from the past still seem to pose a threat, or mock us. Edom had long been an enemy of Israel (35:5), and had gloated over Israel's demise. God is assuring Israel that the restoration will include the destruction of her enemies.
When someone or something mocks the people of God, they are also mocking God Himself. Now note also that at the time Edom was mocking Israel, Israel was in the wrong, she was disobeying God, and she was receiving her just deserts. When we have turned from God and eventually hear the call back we can wonder if we have slipped too far. When taunted we may fear because we know we deserved much of the stuff that we suffered from. Even so, when God calls us back we are completely free to come back.The only thing that is required of us is that we repent and turn to the Lord. God will take care of all the seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
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