Because you cherished perpetual enmity and gave over the people of Israel to the power of the sword at the time of their calamity, at the time of their final punishment,
English Standard Version (ESV)
What’s striking here is the phrase "the time that their iniquity had an end." This doesn't mean Israel's sinfulness suddenly ceased, but rather refers to the culmination of their punishment—the moment they faced the full consequences of their actions, a moment Edom cruelly exploited. It highlights how the world often attacks God's people not when they are at their best, but precisely in their deepest moments of vulnerability and consequence.
Because you cherished perpetual enmity and gave over the people of Israel to the power of the sword at the time of their calamity, at the time of their final punishment,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of God's judgment against Mount Seir, the land of Edom, for their deep-seated, ancient hatred of Israel. The Edomites not only rejoiced over Israel's destruction during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem but actively participated in the slaughter and mistreatment of fleeing Israelites, a brutal act that marked the culmination of Israel's punishment for their sin. God declares that this perpetual enmity and cruel action against His people in their darkest hour will bring His own retribution upon Edom.
Why would God specifically call out 'perpetual hatred' as a reason for judgment? This wasn't just a passing disagreement, but a deep-seated animosity.
The Edomites, descendants of Esau, harbored an ancient, festering resentment against the Israelites, descendants of Jacob. This wasn't just political rivalry; it was a hatred passed down through generations, stemming from the very beginning of their intertwined family history.
Imagine seeing your neighbor's house burn down and not only doing nothing, but actively helping the fire spread. That's the picture painted here.
The verse describes Edom actively participating in Israel's downfall. When Jerusalem faced its 'calamity' and 'final punishment,' Edom didn't offer aid or compassion. Instead, they joined in the destruction, essentially handing the Israelites over 'to the power of the sword.'
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Understand the original words
eyvah olam · Hebrew Noun phrase
A deep-seated, ongoing, and ancient hostility or hatred. It refers to a settled disposition of malice that persists over time, especially toward God’s people.
ed · Hebrew Noun
A time of severe trial, catastrophe, or disaster. It refers to the moments when a person or nation is brought to the brink of ruin, often as a result of divine judgment or historical conflict.
avon qetz · Hebrew Noun phrase
The concluding period of divine discipline or retribution. It signifies that God's patience has ended and the final measure of justice is being enacted upon the rebellious.
Ezekiel's prophecy against Edom isn't just about ancient grudges; it highlights how nations often capitalize on others' suffering for their own gain, revealing a deep, dark side of human nature that Scripture consistently calls out.
c. 8th century BC
Hereditary Enmity Between Esau and Jacob
The deep-seated, long-standing feud between the Edomites (descendants of Esau) and the Israelites (descendants of Jacob) is rooted in the biblical narrative of the brothers' rivalry.
Late 8th century BC
Prophecy Against Edom by Amos
The prophet Amos condemns Edom for its relentless hatred and aggression towards Israel, foreshadowing divine judgment.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
The Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar conquer Judah, deporting some of the royal family and nobility to Babylon. This marks the beginning of Judah's decline and exile.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a Judean revolt, Nebuchadnezzar deports more of Jerusalem's population, including the prophet Ezekiel and King Jehoiachin.
587/586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar's armies conquer Jerusalem, destroy the city and the Temple, and exile most of the remaining population to Babylon. Edomites are noted for their hostility during this calamity.
c. 586 BC
Obadiah's Prophecy Against Edom
The prophet Obadiah denounces Edom for its cruel behavior towards Judah during the fall of Jerusalem, foretelling Edom's complete destruction.
This passage directly parallels Ezekiel's accusation against Edom, detailing how their hatred and violence against Israel, particularly during Jerusalem's downfall, would bring about their own destruction.
Psalm 137:7This psalm echoes the sentiment of Ezekiel 35:5, lamenting Edom's active participation and cruel rejoicing over Jerusalem's destruction, highlighting the deep-seated enmity.
Jeremiah 18:21This verse from Jeremiah shows a similar charge of violence and ill-will against God's people, where a community plots against Jerusalem and prays for their destruction, reflecting the 'perpetual enmity' mentioned in Ezekiel.
Genesis 27:41This foundational story explains the origin of the perpetual hatred between Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom), showing how Esau's bitterness over the stolen birthright and blessing set the stage for future conflict.
Ezekiel 21:29-32This passage, also by Ezekiel, describes the 'iniquity of the end' and the coming judgment upon Judah, providing context for the 'calamity' and 'final punishment' that Edom so cruelly exploited.
gillEzekiel 35:5: "Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed the blood of the children of Israel by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time that their iniquity had an end:"
Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred,.... There was an old grudge and enmity subsisting in the posterity of Esau against the posterity of Jacob, because the latter supplanted the former, and got the birthright and blessing from him; and which was discovered in all ages, and at all oppo…
barnesEzekiel 35:5: "Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed the blood of the children of Israel by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time that their iniquity had an end:"
Shed blood - Omit "blood:" better as in the margin, i. e., and hast given up the children of Israel to the sword; thou hast scattered the children of Israel in confusion like stones poured down a mountain-side Micah 1:6 . That their iniquity had an end - Or, "of the iniquity of the end," i…
What’s striking here is the phrase "the time that their iniquity had an end." This doesn't mean Israel's sinfulness suddenly ceased, but rather refers to the culmination of their punishment—the moment they faced the full consequences of their actions, a moment Edom cruelly exploited. It highlights how the world often attacks God's people not when they are at their best, but precisely in their deepest moments of vulnerability and consequence.
This passage is part of God's judgment against Mount Seir, the land of Edom, for their deep-seated, ancient hatred of Israel. The Edomites not only rejoiced over Israel's destruction during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem but actively participated in the slaughter and mistreatment of fleeing Israelites, a brutal act that marked the culmination of Israel's punishment for their sin. God declares that this perpetual enmity and cruel action against His people in their darkest hour will bring His own retribution upon Edom.
This passage is part of God's judgment against Mount Seir, the land of Edom, for their deep-seated, ancient hatred of Israel. The Edomites not only rejoiced over Israel's destruction during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem but actively participated in the slaughter and mistreatment of fleeing Israelites, a brutal act that marked the culmination of Israel's punishment for their sin. God declares that this perpetual enmity and cruel action against His people in their darkest hour will bring His own retribution upon Edom.
"Because you cherished perpetual enmity and gave over the people of Israel to the power of the sword at the time of their calamity, at the time of their final punishment," — What’s striking here is the phrase "the time that their iniquity had an end." This doesn't mean Israel's sinfulness suddenly ceased, but rather refers to the culmination of their punishment—the momen…
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Last reviewed October 2026