Breakdown of Ezekiel 35:10-15

"“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— therefore, as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will deal with you according to the anger and env…" — The Edomites weren't just eyeing territory; they were arrogantly claiming what they believed was rightfully theirs, overlooking the fact that the land was God's special possession. Their pride blinde…

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Ezekiel 35:10-15

What does Ezekiel 35:10-15 mean?

The Edomites weren't just eyeing territory; they were arrogantly claiming what they believed was rightfully theirs, overlooking the fact that the land was God's special possession. Their pride blinded them to the Divine presence, making their desire to seize Israel and Judah not just greedy, but a direct defiance of God Himself.

“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— therefore, as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will deal with you according to the anger and envy that you showed because of your hatred against them. And I will make myself known among them, when I judge you. And you shall know that I am the LORD. “I have heard all the revilings that you uttered against the mountains of Israel, saying, ‘They are laid desolate; they are given us to devour.’ And you magnified yourselves against me with your mouth, and multiplied your words against me; I heard it. Thus says the Lord GOD: While the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate. As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so I will deal with you; you shall be desolate, Mount Seir, and all Edom, all of it. Then they will know that I am the LORD.

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Ezekiel 35:10-15 means

The prophet Ezekiel is delivering a harsh judgment against Edom, who rejoiced when Jerusalem fell and desired to seize Israel's land for themselves. Edom's arrogance is highlighted by their boast that both nations and their territories would be theirs, ignoring the fact that God was present, had given them this land, and was still sovereign over it. This greedy claim, made while God's presence was still linked to the land, sealed their doom.

The Arrogance of Land Grabbing

Edom looked at Israel and Judah's devastation and saw not God's judgment, but an open invitation for conquest. How easily we can mistake God's actions for our opportunities!

Edom's sin wasn't just hatred (mentioned earlier in the chapter), but a greedy ambition to seize the land promised to Israel and Judah. They declared, 'These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will take possession of them!' This wasn't a casual desire; it was a bold pronouncement of ownership, fueled by their cousins' misfortune.

Imagine seeing a neighbor's house empty after a disaster and thinking, 'Great, now I can just move in!' That's the spirit Edom displayed. They didn't just want territory; they wanted to possess it, claiming it as their own right, perhaps based on their lineage as Esau's descendants, the 'elder brother.' Their focus was entirely on the land and their own gain, blind to any higher claims.

God's Presence Changes Everything

Edom thought they saw an opportunity in Israel's weakness. But they missed the most crucial element: God was still 'there'.

The most chilling part of Edom's greedy declaration is the final phrase: '—although the LORD was there—'. This isn't just an observation; it's the core of their offense and the reason for their coming judgment.

Edom saw a land vacated by its people, perhaps assuming God had abandoned it permanently. They acted as if God's presence had been disassociated from the land, leaving it free for the taking. But God's presence wasn't tied to Israel's success or presence; He was the rightful owner and sovereign Lord of that land.

Their calculation was fundamentally flawed because it ignored the divine claim. To covet and plan to seize a land where God's presence, even in judgment, was acknowledged was not just arrogance; it was rebellion against the Almighty.

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What Ezekiel 35:10-15 means

What does Ezekiel 35:10-15 mean?

What Ezekiel 35:10-15 means

The Arrogance of Land Grabbing

God's Presence Changes Everything

Ask Sola about this verse

What Ezekiel 35:10-15 means

The Arrogance of Land Grabbing

God's Presence Changes Everything

Ask Sola about this verse

The original words in Ezekiel 35:10-15

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