What is the context?
The Lord directs Ezekiel against Mount Seir, identified at the end of the chapter with Edom. The family background reaches back to Esau, whose dwelling in Seir is recorded in Genesis 36:8–9.
The charge is specific: Edom harbored an ancient hatred and handed Israelites over to the sword during their disaster. It chose to deepen the suffering of a people already under judgment.
The Lord announces bloodshed in return for bloodshed. Seir’s cities, hills, valleys and ravines will become places of desolation and death. The repeated outcome is that Edom will know He is the Lord.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley understands the accusation as delight in bloodshed rather than hatred of it. Cambridge connects the enduring hostility with Edom’s participation in Israel’s calamity and its attempt to seize the land.
Henry emphasizes the seriousness of maintaining hostility toward God and His people. The judgment answers the conduct named in the passage, rather than treating descent from an ancestor as a substitute for examining what these people did.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Hebrews 12:14–17 brings Esau’s story into a warning to pursue peace and holiness, guard against a root of bitterness, and refuse the godlessness that trades away a birthright for a meal.
Hebrews is addressing its own readers, rather than interpreting every detail of Edom’s judgment. The family background gives the passages a meaningful connection: what is received from God must not be treated lightly, and bitterness must not be allowed to grow into harm that spreads to others.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.