יחזקאל, פרק ל״ה, פסוק א׳

A profound shift occurs as the focus turns toward the ultimate downfall of Edom at the end of days, an event directly tied to the future redemption of the people of Israel. While the message is directed at Mount Seir, the historical territory of Edom located near Jerusalem, its true scope reaches much further. It extends to the Roman Empire and the nations of the West [אברבנאל].

This connection stems from an ancient tradition regarding the descendants of Esau. Zepho, the son of Eliphaz and descendant of Esau, is said to have settled in Italy with his family, eventually filling Rome with an Edomite population. As the Roman Empire expanded its power, every land that fell under its control became associated with the broader identity of Edom.

Therefore, the warning begins by addressing the physical ruin of the historical Mount Seir but expands to encompass the ultimate collapse of the entire Edomite empire. This broader entity represents the fourth great kingdom responsible for exiling the people of Israel. The intense hostility that Edom harbors toward Israel is not a random development. It is a deep-seated animosity traced all the way back to the very pregnancy and birth of their ancestors, Jacob and Esau. Because of this enduring and fundamental hatred, a decree of absolute desolation was sealed against Edom [אברבנאל].