Mount Seir was a mountainous region at the heart of the nation of Edom, who were descendants from Esau. The Lord having given prophesies against other nations, (chapters 25-32), including Edom and Seir (25 v8-14), then Lord’s attention turned back to Israel (chapters 33-34). But the Lord briefly interupts this focus on Israel to focus on Mount Seir again. The reasons seems to be in order to create a contrast with the Mountains of Israel (ch. 36).

The Lord says he will bring desolation to Mount Seir so that they will know that H eis Yahweh, the true God (v1-4). God reveals who He is through grace but also through judgment.

The judgment was coming because of their enmity against the people of Israel, particularly when theyw ere facing judgment (v5-70. the big problem is that these people loved bloodshed (v6) and for it to happen to God’s people. Are you maybe guilty of verbal bloodshed, passing on harsh and cutting comments about some of God’s people? Be warned, God sees this!

God instead calls on us all to love those whom He loves intensely.