Ezekiel 35:5
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)
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It's easy to read this as simply saying Edom hated Israel. But the text reveals something more chilling: Edom didn't just hate them; they cherished this hatred, finding a perverse satisfaction in it, especially during Israel's lowest moments of utter devastation. This wasn't just animosity; it was a deep-seated, almost celebratory cruelty that reveled in destruction when Israel's iniquity reached its final, painful end.
The prophet Ezekiel is delivering a scathing oracle against the people of Edom, who are descendants of Esau and long-standing enemies of Israel. This judgment is a direct response to their deep-seated, perpetual hatred and their cruel actions against the Israelites, particularly during the devastating fall of Jerusalem. Edom didn't just stand by; they actively participated in the destruction and plundered their own kin, a betrayal that sealed their own doom.
The story of Edom and Israel isn't just ancient history. It's a pattern of deep-seated animosity that has echoes in our own world.
Edom's hatred for Israel wasn't a passing disagreement; it was a 'perpetual hatred,' a grudge that stretched back to their ancestors, Esau and Jacob. This wasn't just animosity; it was a deep-seated enmity that festered over generations.
This kind of enduring hatred is a powerful force. It can shape entire cultures and relationships. We see it in lingering ethnic conflicts, historical resentments, and even divisions within families that persist long after the original cause is forgotten.
God sees this kind of relentless hostility. It's not a minor offense but a significant reason for His judgment, as this verse makes clear.
What does it mean to thrive when others are in deep pain? This verse reveals a dangerous spiritual trap.
The people of Israel were in a time of great 'calamity' and 'final punishment' due to their own sin. Instead of showing compassion or staying out of the way, Edom actively attacked them, 'giving them over to the power of the sword.'
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This wasn't just a military action; it was taking advantage of extreme vulnerability. It's like seeing someone struggling to stay afloat and actively pushing them further under. The commentators note how brutal this was, especially against neighbors and kin.
This act reveals a heart that rejoices in others' downfall and profits from their pain. God’s judgment is often directed at those who exploit the weak and afflicted, especially when it’s done with a malicious spirit.
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.
The hatred Ezekiel addresses isn't a sudden outburst but a deeply ingrained, multi-generational animosity. Edom's cruel actions during Jerusalem's final destruction weren't just opportunistic; they were the culmination of a long, bitter feud, revealing a chilling pattern of gloating over and attacking the vulnerable.
c. 900 BC
Ancient Enmity Established
The deep-seated animosity between the descendants of Esau (Edom) and Jacob (Israel) originates from the conflict between the twin brothers, Esau and Jacob, foreshadowing centuries of tension.
Late 8th Century BC
Amos Prophesies Against Edom
The prophet Amos denounces Edom for its perpetual hatred and violence against Israel, highlighting a long history of their animosity.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar's forces begin deporting Judeans to Babylon, marking the start of Judah's decline and escalating the 'calamity' mentioned in Ezekiel.
587/586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, a catastrophic event for Israel. Edomites are noted for their cruel participation and exultation during this disaster.
c. 582 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar conducts further deportations from Judah, continuing the period of intense suffering and punishment for the Israelites.
c. 550-400 BC
Edomites Invade Southern Judah
Following the Babylonian destruction, Edomites move into the depopulated southern territory of Judah, taking advantage of Israel's weakened state.
This passage directly echoes Ezekiel 35:5, highlighting Edom's 'perpetual enmity' and violence against their brother Jacob, particularly during Israel's time of distress.
Psalm 137:7This psalm reflects the deep pain caused by the Edomites' actions, specifically their encouragement of those who destroyed Jerusalem and their participation in the city's downfall, mirroring the 'calamity' mentioned in Ezekiel.
Amos 1:11Amos also condemns Edom for its 'perpetual hatred' and pursuit with the sword, emphasizing a long-standing animosity that went beyond mere political rivalry.
Jeremiah 18:21This passage uses a similar image of 'pouring out' the people, which aligns with the description in Ezekiel 35:5 and illustrates the severe violence and scattering inflicted upon Israel.
Ezekiel 25:12This verse provides context by stating that Edom acted with 'vengeance' and 'malice of spirit' against Judah, setting the stage for the specific accusations of perpetual hatred and violence detailed in chapter 35.
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…
It's easy to read this as simply saying Edom hated Israel. But the text reveals something more chilling: Edom didn't just hate them; they cherished this hatred, finding a perverse satisfaction in it, especially during Israel's lowest moments of utter devastation. This wasn't just animosity; it was a deep-seated, almost celebratory cruelty that reveled in destruction when Israel's iniquity reached its final, painful end.
The prophet Ezekiel is delivering a scathing oracle against the people of Edom, who are descendants of Esau and long-standing enemies of Israel. This judgment is a direct response to their deep-seated, perpetual hatred and their cruel actions against the Israelites, particularly during the devastating fall of Jerusalem. Edom didn't just stand by; they actively participated in the destruction and plundered their own kin, a betrayal that sealed their own doom.
The prophet Ezekiel is delivering a scathing oracle against the people of Edom, who are descendants of Esau and long-standing enemies of Israel. This judgment is a direct response to their deep-seated, perpetual hatred and their cruel actions against the Israelites, particularly during the devastating fall of Jerusalem. Edom didn't just stand by; they actively participated in the destruction and plundered their own kin, a betrayal that sealed their own doom.
"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," — It's easy to read this as simply saying Edom hated Israel. But the text reveals something more chilling: Edom didn't just hate them; they cherished this hatred, finding a perverse satisfaction in i…
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