Ezekiel 25:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, therefore I will deliver {H5414} thee to the men {H1121} of the east {H6924} for a possession {H4181}, and they shall set {H3427} their palaces {H2918} in thee, and make {H5414} their dwellings {H4908} in thee: they shall eat {H398} thy fruit {H6529}, and they shall drink {H8354} thy milk {H2461}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will let the people from the east take possession of you. They will set up camps and build their homes among you; they will eat your fruit and drink your milk.

Berean Standard Bible

therefore I will indeed give you as a possession to the people of the East. They will set up their camps and pitch their tents among you. They will eat your fruit and drink your milk.

American Standard Version

therefore, behold, I will deliver thee to the children of the east for a possession, and they shall set their encampments in thee, and make their dwellings in thee; they shall eat thy fruit, and they shall drink thy milk.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 25:4 delivers a powerful divine oracle against Ammon, declaring its complete subjugation and exploitation by "the men of the east." This judgment is a direct consequence of Ammon's malicious celebration and contemptuous attitude towards the desolation of Judah and the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple. The verse vividly portrays a thorough and permanent occupation, where the invading forces will not only seize the land but also establish their own dominion, consume all of Ammon's agricultural and economic wealth, and fundamentally reverse its fortunes under the sovereign hand of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 25:4 is strategically positioned within a series of oracles against foreign nations (Ezekiel 25-32), which immediately follow the prophet's pronouncements concerning the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple. This placement is crucial, demonstrating God's universal sovereignty and His righteous judgment extending beyond Israel to all peoples. Chapter 25 specifically targets Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia, all of whom had exhibited hostility or gloated over Judah's suffering. This particular verse builds directly upon the condemnation of Ammon's sin in [Ezekiel 25:3](/ezekiel/25-3 "Ezekiel 25:3 - Ammon's Contempt for Judah"), where God denounces their "Aha!" at the destruction of His sanctuary and the desolation of the land of Israel. The subsequent verses in the chapter continue to detail the comprehensive nature of Ammon's impending punishment, establishing a clear and severe cause-and-effect relationship between their malicious actions and God's sovereign intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ammonites, descendants of Ben-Ammi, Lot's son ([Genesis 19:38](/genesis/19-38 "Genesis 19:38 - Ben-Ammi, Ancestor of the Ammonites")), occupied territory east of the Jordan River, bordering Israel. Their history was frequently marked by conflict and animosity with Israel, as evidenced by episodes like Nahash the Ammonite's siege of Jabesh-Gilead ([1 Samuel 11](/1_samuel/11 "1 Samuel 11 - Nahash the Ammonite Besieges Jabesh-Gilead")) and their alliance against Judah during the reign of Jehoshaphat ([2 Chronicles 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat's Victory over Moab and Ammon")). At the time of Jerusalem's fall to Babylon in 586 BC, Ammon, rather than offering solidarity to a neighboring Semitic nation, reveled in Judah's misfortune and likely participated in the plundering. This behavior was considered a profound affront to God's covenant people and His holy name. The phrase "men of the east" (Hebrew: _bene qedem_) typically referred to nomadic or semi-nomadic tribes from the Arabian Desert, such as various Arab tribes or, in the broader context of Neo-Babylonian expansion, the Chaldeans themselves. These groups were notorious for their swift incursions, plundering, and subsequent settlement in conquered territories, often acting as instruments of larger empires or exploiting regional instability for their own gain.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 25:4 powerfully articulates several foundational themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, illustrating that God's authority is absolute and extends over all nations, holding them accountable for their actions, particularly their treatment of His covenant people. Secondly, it highlights the severe **Consequences of Malice and Schadenfreude**, demonstrating that taking pleasure in the misfortune of others, especially those afflicted by divine judgment, incurs swift and certain divine wrath. Ammon's gloating over Judah's fall is directly linked to their own impending doom, serving as a solemn warning against a lack of compassion and empathy. Thirdly, the prophecy emphasizes **Retributive Justice**, where the punishment precisely fits the crime; just as Ammon rejoiced in Judah's desolation, their own land would be desolated and exploited. This aligns with the universal principle articulated in [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord is Near for All Nations"), "As you have done, it will be done to you." Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Vindication of His People**, assuring Judah that despite their profound suffering, God would ultimately deal with those who oppressed or mocked them, thereby upholding His own righteousness and faithfulness to His covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **deliver (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414, a primitive root meaning "to give," but used with a vast range of applications, including "put," "make," "appoint," "bestow," and significantly here, "deliver up" or "hand over." In Ezekiel 25:4, _nâthan_ signifies God's active, intentional, and sovereign agency in handing over Ammon to its enemies. It is not a passive surrender but a deliberate act of divine judgment, emphasizing God's complete control over the destinies of nations and His direct involvement in executing His justice. This word highlights the certainty and divine origin of Ammon's impending fate.
* **possession (Hebrew, _môwrâshâh'_):** From H4181, a feminine noun meaning "a possession," "heritage," or "inheritance." This term denotes a permanent and rightful claim to land or property, often passed down through generations. When God declares that Ammon will be delivered to the men of the east "for a possession," it implies a complete, enduring, and legitimate transfer of ownership and control, far beyond a temporary raid or occupation. This underscores the totality of Ammon's loss of sovereignty and the permanence of the invaders' claim, signifying a fundamental change in the land's status.
* **palaces (Hebrew, _ṭîyrâh'_):** From H2918, a feminine noun referring to a "wall," and by extension, a "fortress," "hamlet," or "castle/palace." The setting up of "palaces" by the invaders signifies more than just temporary encampments or military outposts; it denotes the establishment of permanent, fortified settlements and centers of power. This imagery conveys the depth and permanence of the conquest, indicating that the "men of the east" would not merely plunder and depart but would settle, rule, and make Ammon's land their own, asserting their dominion and authority over the territory and its resources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, therefore I will deliver thee to the men of the east for a possession":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine decree and the instruments of judgment. "Behold" (Hebrew: _hinneh_) serves as an emphatic interjection, drawing urgent attention to the certainty and gravity of the pronouncement. "Therefore" explicitly links this judgment directly to Ammon's prior sin of malicious gloating ([Ezekiel 25:3](/ezekiel/25-3 "Ezekiel 25:3 - Ammon's Contempt for Judah")). God Himself declares, "I will deliver thee," emphasizing His direct, sovereign action in handing Ammon over. The "men of the east" (Hebrew: _bene qedem_, "sons of the east") are identified as the chosen instruments of this divine judgment, nomadic or semi-nomadic tribes from the Arabian desert, likely including the Chaldeans or their allies. The crucial phrase "for a possession" indicates that the transfer of control will be absolute and permanent, transforming Ammon's land into the rightful inheritance of its conquerors, signifying a complete loss of national identity and sovereignty.
* **"and they shall set their palaces in thee":** This clause elaborates on the nature of the occupation, moving beyond mere conquest to permanent settlement. The term "palaces" (Hebrew: _ṭîyrâh_) can refer to fortified settlements, castles, or even large, established nomadic encampments that serve as administrative centers. The act of "setting" them implies a deliberate and established presence, signifying that the invaders will not merely raid and leave, but will establish their own centers of power and authority within Ammon's territory. This points to a thorough and lasting conquest, replacing Ammonite rule with their own, demonstrating their intent to govern and inhabit the land.
* **"and make their dwellings in thee":** This phrase further reinforces the idea of permanent settlement and inhabitation, moving from the establishment of power centers to the everyday reality of occupation. "Dwellings" (Hebrew: _mishkân_) refers to residences or habitations, indicating where people live. By making their dwellings in Ammon, the invaders fully claim the land as their own, populating it with their own people. This signifies a complete demographic and political shift, where the foreign invaders become the new residents and masters of the land, displacing, subjugating, or assimilating the native Ammonite population.
* **"they shall eat thy fruit":** This clause begins to describe the comprehensive economic exploitation that will accompany the conquest and occupation. "Fruit" (Hebrew: _pᵉrîy_) refers to the produce of the land, encompassing crops from fields, vineyards, and orchards. To "eat thy fruit" signifies the consumption and appropriation of Ammon's agricultural wealth, representing the plundering of its natural resources and the complete economic subjugation of the land. It implies that the invaders will benefit from all the labor and productivity of the Ammonites.
* **"and they shall drink thy milk":** This final clause continues and completes the imagery of economic exploitation, focusing on livestock and their produce. "Milk" (Hebrew: _châlâb_) represents the produce of herds, signifying the wealth derived from cattle, sheep, and goats. To "drink thy milk" complements the eating of fruit, forming a comprehensive picture of the invaders consuming all the wealth and produce of the land, from its agriculture to its animal husbandry. Together, "eat thy fruit and drink thy milk" is a powerful idiom for the total appropriation and consumption of a nation's resources, leaving nothing for the original inhabitants and signifying utter destitution for the conquered.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 25:4 masterfully employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of impending judgment and complete desolation. The entire passage functions as a **Prophecy**, a divine oracle delivered through the prophet Ezekiel, foretelling future events as a direct and certain consequence of past actions. **Symbolism** is prominently featured, particularly in the phrase "men of the east," which symbolizes the instruments of God's judgment—often nomadic invaders who would bring destruction and take permanent possession. The vivid imagery of the invaders setting their "palaces" and making their "dwellings" in Ammon is symbolic of a complete and permanent **Conquest** and **Occupation**, far exceeding a temporary raid, indicating a total transfer of sovereignty and a demographic shift. Furthermore, the striking idiom "eat thy fruit, and they shall drink thy milk" is a powerful example of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "fruit" and "milk" stand for the entirety of Ammon's agricultural and pastoral wealth, symbolizing the complete **Exploitation** and plundering of the nation's resources. This phrase also exhibits a clear form of **Parallelism**, reinforcing the idea of total consumption through two complementary actions. The direct address "I will deliver thee" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action (delivering) to God, emphasizing His personal, active, and decisive involvement in the execution of this severe judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 25:4 profoundly illustrates God's active sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that God not only judges His own people for their disobedience but also holds external nations accountable for their actions, especially their malice towards His chosen ones. Ammon's malicious joy at Judah's downfall was not merely a political slight but a deep theological offense, demonstrating contempt for God's covenant and His sanctuary. The prophecy underscores that God's justice is comprehensive and retributive; those who gloat over the suffering of others will themselves experience desolation. This serves as a powerful reminder that God sees all actions, and His divine order will ultimately prevail, bringing judgment upon wickedness and vindication to His people.

* [Jeremiah 49:1-6](/jeremiah/49-1 "Jeremiah 49:1-6 - Prophecy Against Ammon") - A parallel prophecy against Ammon, detailing similar themes of judgment and desolation for their pride and aggression against God's people.
* [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is Known by His Judgment") - "The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands." This verse encapsulates the principle of God's justice being revealed through His judgments on the wicked.
* [Obadiah 1:12-15](/obadiah/1-12 "Obadiah 1:12-15 - Edom's Judgment for Rejoicing in Judah's Calamity") - Another powerful example of God's judgment against a nation (Edom) for their malicious joy and participation in the plundering of Judah, echoing the themes found in Ezekiel 25:4 concerning Ammon.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 25:4 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. Firstly, it serves as a stark warning against the insidious sin of schadenfreude—taking pleasure in the misfortune or suffering of others. Ammon's downfall was directly linked to their malicious joy over Judah's calamity. This calls us to cultivate a heart of profound empathy and compassion, prompting us to mourn with those who mourn ([Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep")) rather than gloating over their pain, even when they are our adversaries or perceived enemies. Secondly, the verse powerfully reinforces the absolute sovereignty of God over all nations and human affairs. Even when His people endure profound suffering and apparent defeat, God remains firmly in control, orchestrating events to bring about His righteous judgment and ultimate redemptive purposes. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance that no injustice will go unaddressed and that God will ultimately vindicate His own. For us, this means trusting in God's perfect timing and unwavering justice, even when circumstances seem chaotic, unfair, or beyond human comprehension. It encourages us to pray for justice, to stand against malice and oppression, and to remember that God's eternal kingdom will ultimately triumph over all earthly powers and their wickedness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be tempted to take pleasure in the misfortune of others, and how can I actively cultivate a heart of empathy and Christ-like compassion instead?**
* **How does the absolute sovereignty of God over nations, as powerfully depicted in this verse, impact my perspective on current global events, political conflicts, and the suffering I witness in the world?**
* **What does Ammon's severe judgment teach me about the profound seriousness of our attitudes, intentions, and emotional responses, especially concerning those who are suffering or are considered "enemies"?**

### FAQ

**Who were "the men of the east" mentioned in this prophecy?**

Answer: "The men of the east" (Hebrew: _bene qedem_, literally "sons of the east") typically referred to nomadic or semi-nomadic tribes originating from the vast Arabian desert regions to the east of Israel and Ammon. Historically, this term could encompass various groups, including specific Arab tribes, or more broadly, the Chaldeans (Babylonians) and their auxiliary forces, who were the dominant imperial power in the region at the time. These groups were renowned for their military prowess, their swift incursions, and their tendency to invade, plunder, and subsequently settle in conquered territories. In the context of [Ezekiel 25:4](/ezekiel/25-4 "Ezekiel 25:4 - Prophecy Against Ammon"), they are presented as the divinely appointed instruments of God's judgment against Ammon, destined to permanently occupy and exploit their land and resources.

**What was Ammon's specific sin that led to this severe judgment?**

Answer: Ammon's primary sin, as explicitly detailed in [Ezekiel 25:3](/ezekiel/25-3 "Ezekiel 25:3 - Ammon's Contempt for Judah"), was their malicious joy and contemptuous attitude towards Judah's downfall. They rejoiced with a resounding "Aha!" when the Jerusalem Temple was desecrated and when the land of Israel became desolate. This was not merely political opportunism or a strategic alliance but a deep-seated animosity and a profound lack of compassion for a nation that, despite its failings, was still God's covenant people. Their gloating and mockery at Judah's suffering was deemed by God as a direct affront to His own name and His unique relationship with Israel. This sin of schadenfreude, combined with their historical hostility and territorial ambitions, provoked God's severe and retributive judgment.

**How does this prophecy relate to historical events, and was it fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, this prophecy is widely understood by biblical scholars to have been fulfilled through the actions of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and subsequent Arab incursions. After the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, continued its campaigns throughout the Levant. Although Ammon initially allied with Babylon against Judah, it eventually faced its own judgment. Historical records and archaeological evidence suggest that Ammon, like other Transjordanian states, fell under Babylonian control. Later, during the Persian period and beyond, Arab tribes, consistent with the description of "men of the east," increasingly infiltrated and settled in the former Ammonite territory, eventually displacing the Ammonites entirely. By the Hellenistic period, the Ammonites as a distinct ethnic and political entity largely disappear from historical records, their land having been taken over by others, thus fulfilling the prophecy of their land becoming a "possession" and their resources consumed by foreign invaders.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 25:4 directly describes a historical judgment against the nation of Ammon, its underlying theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the ultimate King and Judge, whose absolute sovereignty extends over all nations and every aspect of human history, far surpassing any earthly power or empire. The judgment against Ammon for its malice and lack of compassion foreshadows the final, universal judgment of all humanity, where Christ will separate the righteous from the wicked, condemning those who rejoiced in evil and failed to show mercy or compassion ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Just as Ammon's land was delivered as a "possession" to its enemies, Christ, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, has decisively conquered all spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil—and has claimed His redeemed people as His own precious "possession" and eternal inheritance ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ"), [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")). Furthermore, the vivid imagery of hostile invaders setting their "palaces" and "dwellings" and consuming "fruit" and "milk" can be spiritually inverted and transformed in Christ. Instead of hostile invaders plundering resources, Christ establishes His permanent, loving dwelling among His people through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - Jesus Dwells with Believers"), [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")). And believers, in turn, are invited to "eat" of His spiritual "fruit" (the abundant fruit of the Spirit, [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")) and "drink" of the living water He provides ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")), receiving inexhaustible spiritual sustenance and blessing from Him, rather than being plundered. Thus, the harsh judgment on Ammon underscores the blessed and abundant reality of God's dwelling with His redeemed people in Christ, where there is only life, peace, and eternal abundance, not desolation.

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

Deuteronomy 28:51

And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed: which [also] shall not leave thee [either] corn, wine, or oil, [or] the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep, until he have destroyed thee.

Deuteronomy 28:33

The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:

Judges 6:33

¶ Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.

1 Kings 4:30

And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.

Isaiah 1:7

Your country [is] desolate, your cities [are] burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and [it is] desolate, as overthrown by strangers.

Numbers 23:7

And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, [saying], Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.

Leviticus 26:16

I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.