Ezekiel 35 10

Ezekiel 35:10 kjv

Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas the LORD was there:

Ezekiel 35:10 nkjv

"Because you have said, 'These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess them,' although the LORD was there,

Ezekiel 35:10 niv

"?'Because you have said, "These two nations and countries will be ours and we will take possession of them," even though I the LORD was there,

Ezekiel 35:10 esv

"Because you said, 'These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will take possession of them' ? although the LORD was there ?

Ezekiel 35:10 nlt

"For you said, 'The lands of Israel and Judah will be ours. We will take possession of them. What do we care that the LORD is there!'

Ezekiel 35 verses

Ezekiel 35 10 meaning

Ezekiel 35:10 denounces Mount Seir (Edom) for its arrogant and covetous declaration: a plan to seize the territories of both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, effectively dispossessing the Israelites. This hostile intent was particularly egregious because it was voiced despite the enduring presence and sovereignty of the LORD over His covenanted land and people, even in their state of temporary desolation and exile. Edom sought to capitalize on Israel's misfortunes, ignoring God's unchanging claims and power.

Ezekiel 35 10 Context

Ezekiel 35 is a detailed oracle of judgment against Mount Seir, representing the nation of Edom. This chapter follows a series of prophecies concerning nations that opposed Israel and immediately precedes Ezekiel 36, which describes the glorious future restoration of Israel. Historically, Edom was the descendant nation of Esau, brother of Jacob (Israel), and had a long-standing history of antagonism and animosity towards the Israelites. Throughout Israel's periods of trouble, especially during and after the Babylonian invasion and subsequent exile, Edom consistently rejoiced in Israel's misfortune and sought to profit from its downfall. Verse 10 directly captures this malevolent intention: Edom viewed the desolation of Israel and Judah as an opportunity to claim their territories, entirely disregarding the fact that the LORD, the God of Israel, remained sovereign over the land and His chosen people, even when they were scattered and suffering. This deep-seated hatred and covetousness would ultimately lead to Edom's complete desolation.

Ezekiel 35 10 Word analysis

• Because you have said: This highlights Edom's verbalized, intentional declaration of malice. It wasn't just thought, but spoken, demonstrating clear, deliberate defiance. The Hebrew for "said" (אָמַר, amar) indicates a firm pronouncement or resolve.
• 'These two nations and these two countries': Refers specifically to the divided kingdoms of Judah (the southern kingdom, based around Jerusalem) and Israel (the northern kingdom, also called Ephraim or Samaria, prior to its Assyrian exile). Edom saw an opportunity in the desolation of both, signaling its comprehensive covetousness.
• shall be mine, and we will take possession of them,': Reveals Edom's extreme sense of entitlement and predatory intent. They saw themselves as inheritors by right, or at least by conquest, overlooking divine claims. The phrase "take possession" (וְנִרַשְׁנוּ, w’nirashnu) is from the root יָרַשׁ (yarash), which means "to inherit, dispossess, occupy, take possession of." This is particularly significant because Israel inherited the land from God, who dispossessed its former inhabitants. Edom now sought to reverse this, dispossessing God's chosen.
• although the LORD was there: This is the theological crux of the verse. Edom's grand presumption occurred despite God's active, conscious, and deliberate presence (יהוה, YHWH). "The LORD" (יהוה, YHWH) is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His steadfast faithfulness to His promises, including those regarding the land. "There" (שָׁם, sham) points specifically to the land of Israel, affirming His constant oversight even amidst the visible signs of His people's temporary punishment and apparent abandonment. Edom ignored the ultimate Landlord.

Ezekiel 35 10 Bonus section

Edom's sin in Ezekiel 35:10 is not merely geopolitical aggression; it is a profound theological error rooted in denying or ignoring God's active role in history. This challenges a common human tendency to perceive God as absent during times of tribulation or perceived vulnerability, leading to attempts to exploit others or claim what rightfully belongs to God. The phrase "the LORD was there" serves as a timeless reminder that divine sovereignty and covenant fidelity remain operative even when earthly circumstances appear chaotic or God seems distant. This theme resonates in later biblical narratives where nations like Assyria and Babylon, though instruments of God's judgment, were still held accountable for their arrogance and excessive cruelty because they, too, disregarded God's ultimate authority.

Ezekiel 35 10 Commentary

Ezekiel 35:10 exposes Edom's profound spiritual blindness and defiant hubris. Edom believed it could seize the inheritance of God's chosen people, misinterpreting Israel's temporary judgment as a permanent void in divine ownership. Their stated intention to "take possession" directly challenged God's unassailable title to the land and His enduring covenant with Israel. The critical phrase "although the LORD was there" underscores Edom's fundamental error: their perception was based purely on human opportunity and visible desolation, failing to account for the ever-present, sovereign God whose plans transcend human circumstances and who remains faithful to His word despite His people's failings. Edom’s malice and greed amounted to a direct affront against YHWH Himself, setting the stage for its severe judgment. This illustrates how ignoring God's invisible presence and unchangeable character in the face of apparent divine silence leads to self-destruction.