Ezekiel 35:10
“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)
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The Edomites’ sin wasn't just coveting land, but arrogantly claiming God's own inheritance. They saw a weakened Israel and Judah and thought, "It's ours now!" – completely ignoring that God Himself was present and that this land was His unique possession for His people.
Edom, fueled by a bitter hatred and covetousness, is gloating over the misfortune of Israel and Judah during their exile. They are arrogantly declaring their intent to seize both lands for themselves, forgetting that this land is God's chosen inheritance and that He is fully aware of their wicked intentions. This presumption shows their defiance not just against Israel, but against God Himself who was, and always would be, connected to that land.
Imagine looking at something that doesn't belong to you, and with sheer arrogance, declaring, 'That's mine!' This is exactly the sin Edom committed.
Edom's primary offense, as highlighted in this verse, wasn't just hatred, but a greedy desire for what belonged to Israel and Judah. They saw the nations weakened and vulnerable and plotted to seize their land and resources for themselves.
This wasn't a passing thought; it was a boastful declaration: 'These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it.' Their sin was rooted in covetousness and an arrogant claim to inheritance that was not theirs by divine right.
Edom thought they were claiming empty land, but they overlooked the most important resident. Who was it that truly owned the territory?
The cutting remark in Ezekiel 35:10 is the phrase 'although the LORD was there.' This wasn't just a historical note; it was the core of Edom's fatal error. They acted as if God had abandoned the land and His people, leaving it ripe for the taking.
But God's presence was the ultimate claim. The land of Israel was uniquely God's, given to His people as an inheritance. Edom's pride blinded them to the fact that they were not just taking land, but challenging the sovereign Lord who resided there and whose right to it was absolute. Their plans were doomed from the start because they disregarded the divine presence.
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.
Edom's arrogance in claiming the land of Israel, even while God's presence was historically tied to it, is highlighted against the backdrop of Judah's destruction and exile by Babylon. Their covetousness ignored the sacred inheritance and God's ultimate sovereignty.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following King Solomon's reign, the united Kingdom of Israel splits into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This division sets the stage for future conflicts and Edom's predatory ambitions.
Late 8th Century BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Kingdom
The powerful Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, scattering its people and leaving Judah vulnerable. This event likely emboldens Edom's desire to seize Israelite territory.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian Empire begins its campaigns against Judah, resulting in the first wave of exiles to Babylon. This period marks a significant weakening of Judah and a perceived opportunity for Edom.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, the focal point of God's presence for Israel. The Babylonian conquest leaves the land of Judah largely empty, fueling Edom's claims.
This passage echoes the same sentiment of nations plotting to claim Israel's land as their own, highlighting a recurring theme of hostile neighbors coveting God's chosen people and territory.
Jeremiah 49:14-16Jeremiah prophesies against Edom directly, mirroring Ezekiel's accusations and revealing that their arrogance and desire to possess Israel stemmed from a prideful heart, even as God's presence was meant to be a safeguard.
Romans 8:31This New Testament passage powerfully declares 'If God is for us, who can be against us?', directly countering the proud presumption seen in Ezekiel 35:10 where Edom thought they could take possession 'whereas the LORD was there'.
Genesis 27:39-40This foundational passage reveals the ancient rivalry between Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom), showing the deep-seated historical tension and perceived claim Edom felt over what belonged to Israel, setting the stage for the arrogance seen in Ezekiel.
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.
The Edomites’ sin wasn't just coveting land, but arrogantly claiming God's own inheritance. They saw a weakened Israel and Judah and thought, "It's ours now!" – completely ignoring that God Himself was present and that this land was His unique possession for His people.
Edom, fueled by a bitter hatred and covetousness, is gloating over the misfortune of Israel and Judah during their exile. They are arrogantly declaring their intent to seize both lands for themselves, forgetting that this land is God's chosen inheritance and that He is fully aware of their wicked intentions. This presumption shows their defiance not just against Israel, but against God Himself who was, and always would be, connected to that land.
Edom, fueled by a bitter hatred and covetousness, is gloating over the misfortune of Israel and Judah during their exile. They are arrogantly declaring their intent to seize both lands for themselves, forgetting that this land is God's chosen inheritance and that He is fully aware of their wicked intentions. This presumption shows their defiance not just against Israel, but against God Himself who was, and always would be, connected to that land.
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c. 582 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
A second, smaller deportation from Judah to Babylon occurs. Edom's opportunistic territorial claims are made during this time of profound national crisis for Judah.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Conquest of Babylon
The Persian Empire, led by Cyrus, conquers Babylon. This ushers in a new era where exiled peoples, including the Jews, are eventually allowed to return to their homelands.
"“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—" — The Edomites’ sin wasn't just coveting land, but arrogantly claiming God's own inheritance. They saw a weakened Israel and Judah and thought, "It's ours now!" – completely ignoring that God Himself w…
