“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—
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed is the sheer audacity of the Edomites' claim: they declared ownership over lands not just empty, but still the dwelling place of God Himself. Their covetousness wasn't just about taking territory; it was a direct challenge to the divine presence, a profound statement that they believed their ambition mattered more than God's own indwelling.
“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—
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Ezekiel is delivering a fierce oracle against the nation of Edom for their deep-seated hatred and violent actions against their neighbors, Israel and Judah. Edom had gloated and plotted to seize the land of Israel, especially during the people's exile, arrogantly claiming it as their own inheritance while God was still present in the land. This passage specifically highlights Edom's presumptuous desire to possess both Israel and Judah's territory, a desire that defied God's ownership and presence.
Imagine someone eyeing your house, not just because it's nice, but because they believe it's rightfully theirs. That's the audacity we see here.
The Edomites looked at the lands of Israel and Judah, lands promised and set apart by God, and declared, 'These shall be mine!' This wasn't just a land grab; it was a direct challenge to God's ownership and covenant. They ignored that the land was already claimed by the Most High, making their ambition not just greedy, but blasphemous.
Pride often whispers its plans in secret, but God hears everything. Edom's arrogance was laid bare before the ultimate Judge.
The Edomites voiced their greedy intentions, believing they could simply take what they wanted. However, Ezekiel reveals that their words and desires were not hidden from God. He 'was there,' not just as an observer, but as the sovereign Lord who hears every arrogant pronouncement and knows every covetous thought.
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Understand the original words
yāraš · Hebrew Verb
To take possession of property, land, or inheritance, often implying a legal claim or the act of seizing what belongs to another. Biblically, it is used regarding the inheritance of the land God gave to Israel.
The Edomites' arrogant claim to the lands of Israel and Judah in Ezekiel 35 wasn't just about territory; it was a direct challenge to God's ownership and presence in His chosen land, especially in the wake of Judah's exile and the destruction of its capital.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following the death of King Solomon, the united Kingdom of Israel splits into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. This division creates ongoing tension and conflict between the two.
722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Neo-Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting much of its population and scattering them. The Edomites, located to the south-east of Judah, likely expanded into territories left vacant.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins his campaigns against Judah, leading to the first deportation of Judean nobles and skilled workers, including the prophet Daniel. This marks the beginning of Judah's exile.
597 BC— this verse
Second Deportation to Babylon
Babylonian forces capture Jerusalem again, deporting King Jehoiachin and thousands more Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel. The Edomites likely viewed this weakening of Judah as an opportunity to seize land.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar completely destroy Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, ending the Kingdom of Judah and scattering its people. The Edomites are accused of actively participating in or rejoicing over this destruction and even occupying Judean territory.
This verse highlights the long-standing tension and conflict between Jacob and Esau's descendants, foreshadowing Edom's covetous desire for Israel's land.
Psalm 83:4-6This psalm explicitly lists Edom and other surrounding nations conspiring against Israel, mirroring the aggressive territorial claims seen in Ezekiel 35:10.
Jeremiah 49:14-16This passage prophesies against Edom for its pride and its belief that it was safe and exalted, echoing the self-assurance in Ezekiel 35:10 that God's presence was insufficient to protect Israel.
Obadiah 1:10-14Obadiah directly condemns Edom for its violence against Jacob (Israel) and its gloating over Judah's destruction, directly linking to the sin of coveting and attempting to possess what God had given to His people.
gillEzekiel 35:10: "Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas the LORD was there:"
Because thou hast said, these two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it,.... Meaning either Idumea he was now possessed of, and Israel he hoped to be, upon the people of it being carried captive; or rather the two nations of Israel and Judah, and their countries; which he pleased himself with would fall into his han…
barnesEzekiel 35:10: "Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas the LORD was there:"
These two nations - Israel and Judah.
What's easily missed is the sheer audacity of the Edomites' claim: they declared ownership over lands not just empty, but still the dwelling place of God Himself. Their covetousness wasn't just about taking territory; it was a direct challenge to the divine presence, a profound statement that they believed their ambition mattered more than God's own indwelling.
The prophet Ezekiel is delivering a fierce oracle against the nation of Edom for their deep-seated hatred and violent actions against their neighbors, Israel and Judah. Edom had gloated and plotted to seize the land of Israel, especially during the people's exile, arrogantly claiming it as their own inheritance while God was still present in the land. This passage specifically highlights Edom's presumptuous desire to possess both Israel and Judah's territory, a desire that defied God's ownership and presence.
The prophet Ezekiel is delivering a fierce oracle against the nation of Edom for their deep-seated hatred and violent actions against their neighbors, Israel and Judah. Edom had gloated and plotted to seize the land of Israel, especially during the people's exile, arrogantly claiming it as their own inheritance while God was still present in the land. This passage specifically highlights Edom's presumptuous desire to possess both Israel and Judah's territory, a desire that defied God's ownership and presence.
"“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—" — What's easily missed is the sheer audacity of the Edomites' claim: they declared ownership over lands not just empty, but still the dwelling place of God Himself. Their covetousness wasn't just about…
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Last reviewed October 2026