Ezekiel 36:5
therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Surely I have spoken in my hot jealousy against the rest of the nations and against all Edom, who gave my land to themselves as a possession with wholehearted joy and utter contempt, that they might make its pasturelands a prey.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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God's intense jealousy isn't just about anger; it's a passionate defense of what is His, specifically His land. The Edomites didn't just take it; they reveled in their contempt for God's people, emptying the land with "wholehearted joy" and "utter contempt."
This verse is part of God's declaration of judgment against the nations who rejoiced in Israel's downfall and seized their land. Ezekiel has just delivered a prophecy against Mount Seir (Edom) in the preceding chapter, detailing their wicked actions. Now, God extends His wrath to "the rest of the nations" and specifically highlights Edom again for their gleeful and contemptuous claim over the land that God Himself designated as His own.
Ever heard of God being 'jealous'? It sounds intense, maybe even negative. But in Ezekiel's day, this wasn't a petty emotion; it was a holy, righteous response.
Ezekiel 36:5 describes God speaking "in my hot jealousy." This isn't like human jealousy, which is often rooted in insecurity or envy. God's jealousy is a fierce, holy passion that arises from His unwavering love and commitment to His people and His promises.
A Divine Reaction
The enemies of God's people often rejoice in their suffering. Ezekiel 36:5 reveals the disturbing attitude of Edom, which serves as a stark warning.
The nations, particularly Edom, didn't just occupy God's land; they did so with a horrifying combination of "wholehearted joy and utter contempt." This wasn't a neutral act of conquest but a malicious celebration.
The Heart of the Matter
Understand the original words
qin'ah · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew concept of divine zeal or intense emotion regarding the protection of God's honor, covenant, and people, often appearing as righteous indignation against idols or oppressors.
erets · Hebrew Noun
A land specifically set apart by God for His people as a covenantal inheritance; it carries theological significance as the place of God's presence and blessing.
This verse is spoken in the context of the Babylonian exile, specifically addressing the Edomites' cruel occupation of Judah's southern lands after Jerusalem's fall, a joyless and contemptuous act that ignited God's furious jealousy.
c. 597 BC
First Deportation of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem and deports King Jehoiachin and many prominent citizens to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile for Judah.
c. 588-586 BC
Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
After a prolonged siege, Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians. The city is destroyed, the Temple is desecrated and burned, and the remaining population is exiled.
c. 586 BC onwards— this verse
Edomites Occupy Southern Judah
The Edomites, who had sided with the Babylonians, move into the depopulated southern regions of Judah, taking possession of abandoned lands with glee and contempt.
c. 571 BC
Ezekiel's Prophetic Ministry Ends
The book of Ezekiel concludes with prophecies extending into the period after the fall of Jerusalem, likely indicating the prophet's ministry spanned several decades.
This passage uses the potent phrase 'the fire of my jealousy,' echoing Ezekiel's declaration of God's intense anger against those who oppose Him and His people. It highlights the consuming nature of God's righteous wrath.
Jeremiah 49:7-11This prophecy directly addresses Edom (Idumea), detailing their pride and the coming judgment for their actions, including their gleeful contempt towards Judah during its downfall. It provides a specific instance of the 'despiteful minds' mentioned in Ezekiel.
Psalm 137:7This psalm expresses the bitter cry of the exiles against Edom, specifically remembering their participation and joyful encouragement of the destruction of Jerusalem. It captures the 'wholehearted joy' and 'utter contempt' Edom showed towards God's people and land.
Ezekiel 35:10-15This earlier passage in Ezekiel speaks directly to Mount Seir (Edom) and condemns their ancient hatred and covetousness towards Israel's land. It reinforces the theme of Edom's long-standing hostility and God's promise of retribution for their arrogance.
Romans 1:18While on a different scale, this New Testament verse speaks of God's wrath being revealed against ungodliness and unrighteousness, showing that the 'fire of jealousy' is a consistent attribute of God's response to those who reject Him and harm His people.
pulpitEzekiel 36:5: "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all their heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey."
Verse 5. - Surely. אִם־לא, the particle of adjuration, as in Ezekiel 5:11; Ezekiel 33:27; Ezekiel 34:8; Ezekiel 38:19. The fire of my jealousy. Zephaniah (Zephaniah 1:18; Zephaniah 3:8) uses the same phrase…
jfbEzekiel 36:5: "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all their heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey."
- to cast it out for a prey—that is, to take the land for a prey, its inhabitants being cast out. Or the land is compared to a prey cast forth to wild beasts. Fairbairn needlessly alters the Hebrew pointin…
God's intense jealousy isn't just about anger; it's a passionate defense of what is His, specifically His land. The Edomites didn't just take it; they reveled in their contempt for God's people, emptying the land with "wholehearted joy" and "utter contempt."
This verse is part of God's declaration of judgment against the nations who rejoiced in Israel's downfall and seized their land. Ezekiel has just delivered a prophecy against Mount Seir (Edom) in the preceding chapter, detailing their wicked actions. Now, God extends His wrath to "the rest of the nations" and specifically highlights Edom again for their gleeful and contemptuous claim over the land that God Himself designated as His own.
This verse is part of God's declaration of judgment against the nations who rejoiced in Israel's downfall and seized their land. Ezekiel has just delivered a prophecy against Mount Seir (Edom) in the preceding chapter, detailing their wicked actions. Now, God extends His wrath to "the rest of the nations" and specifically highlights Edom again for their gleeful and contemptuous claim over the land that God Himself designated as His own.
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539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian king Cyrus the Great overthrows the Babylonian Empire, paving the way for the return of exiled peoples, including the Jews, to their homelands.
"therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Surely I have spoken in my hot jealousy against the rest of the nations and against all Edom, who gave my land to themselves as a possession with wholehearted joy and utter contempt, that they might make i…" — God's intense jealousy isn't just about anger; it's a passionate defense of what is His, specifically His land. The Edomites didn't just take it; they reveled in their contempt for God's people, empt…
