Ezekiel 35:1-6 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Moreover, the word of the Lord, &c. “The prophet goes on to show, that the same reason which would operate in favour of the Jews, would not operate in favour of the heathen; especially not in favour of the Jews' relations, the Edomites: for they showed no mercy, and therefore deserved to receive none; and, because they had perpetual hatred, they were to be made a perpetual desolation.” Obs. on Books. Set thy face against mount Seir Mount Seir is the same with Idumea: see Deuteronomy 2:5. I will lay thy cities waste, &c. To the same effect Jeremiah prophesied against them, Jeremiah 49:7, &c., where see the notes. Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, &c. See note on Ezekiel 25:12. In the time that their iniquity had an end That is, either at the time when God exercised against them the last chastisement of their iniquity; or at the time of their extreme affliction, when the anger of God was most inflamed against them. It is the greatest of all cruelties to insult the afflicted, and to add new sorrows to the unhappy: see Calmet. Therefore I will prepare thee unto blood I will expose thee to great slaughter. Since thou hast not hated blood, &c. Since thou hast loved cruelty, and taken delight in shedding blood, vengeance and slaughter shall pursue thee, and thou shalt fall into the hands of those that will be as eager to shed thine.