Ezekiel 25:10

KJV

Unto the men of the east with the Ammonites, and will give them in possession, that the Ammonites may not be remembered among the nations.

KJV (with Strong's)

Unto the men {H1121} of the east {H6924} with the Ammonites {H1121}{H5983}, and will give {H5414} them in possession {H4181}, that the Ammonites {H1121}{H5983} may not be remembered {H2142} among the nations {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

together with the people of 'Amon, to the people from the east, whom I will let take possession of them. Thus the people of 'Amon will not be remembered as being one of the nations;

Berean Standard Bible

I will give it along with the Ammonites as a possession to the people of the East, so that the Ammonites will no longer be remembered among the nations.

American Standard Version

unto the children of the east, to go against the children of Ammon; and I will give them for a possession, that the children of Ammon may not be remembered among the nations:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 25:10 pronounces a severe judgment against the Ammonites, declaring that their land will be given over to "the men of the east" and that they will be utterly dispossessed, leading to their complete national obliteration. This divine decree serves as a direct consequence for their malicious joy and contempt displayed towards Judah during its time of destruction and exile, underscoring God's righteous sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering justice for His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 25:10 is situated within a significant prophetic section (Ezekiel 25-32) where the prophet Ezekiel delivers oracles of judgment against various surrounding nations. Chapter 25 specifically targets four nations: Ammon (verses 1-7), Moab (verses 8-11), Edom (verses 12-14), and Philistia (verses 15-17). This series of judgments follows the prophecies concerning Judah's destruction and exile, serving to affirm God's universal sovereignty and His commitment to justice, even against those who gloated over His people's suffering. The immediate preceding verses detail the specific offenses of the Ammonites: their clapping of hands, stamping of feet, and malicious rejoicing over the desolation of Israel and the destruction of the temple ([Ezekiel 25:3](/ezekiel/25-3 "Ezekiel 25:3 - Ammon's Malice") and [Ezekiel 25:6](/ezekiel/25-6 "Ezekiel 25:6 - Ammon's Contempt")). Thus, verse 10 is the climactic pronouncement of their deserved punishment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his younger son Ben-Ammi ([Genesis 19:38](/genesis/19-38 "Genesis 19:38 - Origin of Ammonites")), occupied territory east of the Jordan River, bordering Israel. Throughout Israelite history, they were consistent adversaries, frequently engaging in conflicts with figures like Jephthah ([Judges 11:4-33](/judges/11-4 "Judges 11:4-33 - Jephthah and Ammon")) and King Saul ([1 Samuel 11:1-11](/1-samuel/11-1 "1 Samuel 11:1-11 - Saul's Victory Over Ammon")). Their animosity intensified during Judah's decline, culminating in their open mockery and opportunistic actions during Jerusalem's fall to Babylon. The phrase "men of the east" (Hebrew: *bene qedem*) refers to nomadic tribes, likely from the Arabian Desert, known for their raiding activities and ability to overrun settled territories. Historically, Ammonite territory was indeed overrun by various eastern peoples and later incorporated into larger empires, eventually leading to their disappearance as a distinct national entity by the Hellenistic period, fulfilling this prophecy.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's righteous wrath against nations that oppose His will and mistreat His chosen people. It underscores that no nation, regardless of its power or perceived independence, is outside His ultimate authority and accountability. Another prominent theme is the **Consequences of Malice and Schadenfreude**; the Ammonites' hostile rejoicing over Israel's calamity directly leads to their own destruction, serving as a stark reminder that attitudes of contempt, pride, and lack of compassion do not go unpunished by God ([Proverbs 17:5](/proverbs/17-5 "Proverbs 17:5 - Mocking the Poor")). Furthermore, the phrase "that the Ammonites may not be remembered among the nations" highlights the theme of **Eradication of Identity**, signifying a complete national obliteration and loss of historical legacy, a severe form of divine retribution for their persistent antagonism. Finally, the verse illustrates God's **Sovereignty over History and Nations**, as He declares His intention to use other peoples, "the men of the east," as instruments to execute His predetermined judgment ([Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **men of the east (Hebrew, _bene qedem'_):** This phrase combines `bên` (H1121), meaning "son" or "descendant," often used collectively for a group or people, and `qedem` (H6924), referring to "the front," "antiquity," or "the East." Together, "men of the east" denotes nomadic tribes originating from the Arabian Desert. In this context, they are not merely geographical neighbors but instruments God will use to execute His judgment, signifying an external, perhaps unexpected, force of destruction.
* **possession (Hebrew, _môwrâshâh'_):** This word (H4181) is a feminine noun derived from a root meaning "to inherit" or "to possess." It signifies a permanent holding, an inheritance, or a rightful possession. Here, it emphasizes the complete and irrevocable transfer of the Ammonite territory from their control to that of "the men of the east," highlighting the finality of their dispossession and the loss of their ancestral land.
* **remembered (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** The verb `zâkar` (H2142) means "to mark so as to be recognized," "to recall," or "to mention." In the negative construction "may not be remembered," it signifies more than mere forgetfulness. It implies the complete annihilation of their national identity, presence, and historical legacy. This is a profound and devastating judgment, indicating that the Ammonites would cease to exist as a distinct people among the nations, erasing their very name from the historical record.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Unto the men of the east with the Ammonites":** This clause indicates that the judgment involves the Ammonites being displaced by "the men of the east." It suggests a co-existence or a direct interaction where the latter will come to reside in the former's territory, implying conquest and displacement.
* **"and will give them in possession":** This phrase highlights God's active role as the sovereign agent orchestrating this transfer of territory. The Ammonite land, their heritage, will be divinely assigned as a permanent holding to another people, emphasizing God's ultimate control over the destinies and boundaries of nations.
* **"that the Ammonites may not be remembered among the nations":** This final, powerful declaration states the ultimate and most severe outcome of the judgment. It signifies a complete and lasting obliteration of the Ammonite national identity, their distinct presence ceasing to exist on the world stage. This is not merely defeat or subjugation, but an eradication of their very memory as a people.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 25:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey the severity of God's judgment. **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as God is presented as the active agent who "will give them in possession," underscoring His absolute control over the rise and fall of nations. The phrase "that the Ammonites may not be remembered among the nations" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the completeness and finality of their destruction and disappearance, a fate more profound than mere military defeat. It also serves as a form of **Poetic Justice** or **Retribution**, as the Ammonites, who rejoiced at Judah's downfall and sought to erase Israel's memory through their contempt, are now themselves condemned to be forgotten. This reversal highlights God's unwavering commitment to justice and His defense of His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 25:10 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. It serves as a stark reminder that national pride, malice, and contempt for God's people do not go unpunished. The judgment against Ammon teaches that God sees and responds to the suffering of His own, even when they are in exile or seemingly abandoned. His justice ensures that those who gloat over the misfortunes of others will face their own reckoning, and that His purposes for His people will ultimately prevail, regardless of the hostility they face. This passage affirms that God is the true arbiter of history, determining the rise and fall of nations according to His righteous will.

* [Psalm 9:15-16](/psalms/9-15 "The Wicked Caught in Their Own Trap")
* [Obadiah 1:12-15](/obadiah/1-12 "Edom's Judgment for Gloating")
* [Nahum 1:2-3](/nahum/1-2 "God's Vengeance and Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 25:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and nations alike. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of justice who holds all accountable for their actions, particularly for cruelty, pride, and gloating over the misfortunes of others. For individuals, it calls us to examine our own hearts for any traces of *schadenfreude*—taking pleasure in the suffering of others—and to cultivate compassion, empathy, and humility instead. It challenges us to stand with those who are oppressed and to resist the temptation to mock or scorn those who are struggling. For nations, this verse underscores the principle that national policies and attitudes, especially towards vulnerable populations or those who differ, are not beyond divine scrutiny. It affirms God's ultimate control over history and the destiny of nations, ensuring that His purposes will prevail. For believers facing adversity, it provides comfort in knowing that God sees and will ultimately address all injustice, even when His people endure suffering, reminding us that our ultimate hope rests in His unwavering justice and faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be tempted to gloat over the misfortunes of others, even subtly?**
* **How does God's judgment against the Ammonites affirm His sovereignty and justice in a world that often seems chaotic or unjust?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of compassion and humility, rather than animosity or indifference, towards those who are struggling?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when I see injustice or suffering in the world?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific offense of the Ammonites that led to such a severe judgment?**

Answer: The Ammonites' primary offense, as detailed in [Ezekiel 25:3](/ezekiel/25-3 "Ezekiel 25:3 - Ammon's Malice") and [Ezekiel 25:6](/ezekiel/25-6 "Ezekiel 25:6 - Ammon's Contempt"), was their malicious joy, contempt, and gloating over the destruction of Jerusalem and the desolation of the land of Israel. They clapped their hands and stamped their feet in delight when Judah, God's covenant people, suffered exile. This demonstrated a deep-seated antagonism and a lack of compassion that God found utterly reprehensible.

**Who are "the men of the east" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The men of the east" (Hebrew: *bene qedem*) refers to nomadic tribes, likely from the Arabian Desert region, who were known for their raiding and migratory patterns. These peoples were often unsettled and could easily overrun established territories. In this prophecy, they are depicted as instruments of God's judgment, used to dispossess the Ammonites and occupy their land, leading to their eventual disappearance as a distinct nation.

**Did the Ammonites truly "not be remembered among the nations" historically?**

Answer: Yes, historical and archaeological evidence suggests a significant decline and eventual disappearance of the Ammonites as a distinct national entity. While their territory was absorbed by various empires (Babylonian, Persian, Hellenistic), the Ammonite identity faded over time. By the Hellenistic period, they were no longer recognized as a separate people, fulfilling the prophecy of their memory being erased from among the nations. This stands in contrast to other peoples like the Jews, who, despite exile, maintained their identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 25:10 directly addresses the judgment of the Ammonites, its deeper theological currents find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The passage highlights God's unwavering justice against those who oppose His people and His ultimate sovereignty over all nations. In Christ, we see the ultimate demonstration of God's justice and sovereignty, not primarily in judgment against nations, but in the redemptive judgment enacted at the cross. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of divine wrath against sin, becoming the means by which humanity can escape the ultimate "not be remembered" – eternal separation from God. Furthermore, the Ammonites' malicious joy over Judah's suffering foreshadows the world's hostility towards Christ and His followers ([John 15:18-20](/john/15-18 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred")). Yet, just as God vindicated His people and brought judgment upon their adversaries, so too does He promise ultimate vindication for those who are in Christ. The "possession" of the land by "men of the east" can be seen as a shadow of the new creation, where God's people, comprised of all nations, inherit a kingdom that cannot be shaken ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). Ultimately, Christ's victory ensures that those who are "remembered" in His book of life will never be forgotten among the nations, but will live eternally in His presence, fulfilling the promise of a lasting inheritance ([Revelation 20:15](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - The Book of Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 21:32

Thou shalt be for fuel to the fire; thy blood shall be in the midst of the land; thou shalt be no [more] remembered: for I the LORD have spoken [it].

Psalms 83:3

They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.

Psalms 83:6

The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;

Isaiah 23:16

Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.

Ezekiel 25:4

Behold, therefore I will deliver thee to the men of the east for a possession, and they shall set their palaces in thee, and make their dwellings in thee: they shall eat thy fruit, and they shall drink thy milk.