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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context of Ezekiel 25:4

The prophecy in Ezekiel 25:4 is part of a larger section (Ezekiel 25-32) where the prophet Ezekiel delivers oracles against the surrounding nations. Specifically, this verse addresses Ammon, an ancient kingdom east of the Jordan River, often hostile to Israel. God's judgment against Ammon is pronounced because of their malicious joy and applause (Ezekiel 25:3) at the destruction of Judah and the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple. This verse foretells the invaders who would seize Ammon's land and resources, symbolizing a complete reversal of their fortunes.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment: This verse powerfully illustrates God's active involvement in the affairs of nations, bringing judgment upon those who oppose His people and rejoice in their suffering. It underscores His sovereignty over all earthly powers.
  • Consequences of Malice: Ammon's downfall is a direct result of their hostile attitude and gloating over Judah's calamity. The passage serves as a stark warning against schadenfreude and a lack of compassion, especially towards those experiencing hardship.
  • Complete Conquest and Exploitation: The "men of the east" are not merely passing raiders but conquerors who will "set their palaces" and "make their dwellings" in Ammon. This signifies a thorough and permanent occupation, leading to the complete exploitation of Ammon's wealth, symbolized by "eat thy fruit, and they shall drink thy milk."
  • God's Justice: The prophecy assures that God's justice extends beyond His chosen people to all nations, ensuring that wickedness, particularly against His covenant people, does not go unpunished. Daniel 4:32 similarly speaks of God's dominion over the kingdoms of men.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "men of the east" translates the Hebrew b'nei qedem (בְנֵי קֶדֶם), literally "sons of the east." This term often refers to nomadic tribes from the Arabian desert, known for their predatory incursions. Historically, these could have been various desert tribes, or even Chaldean (Babylonian) allies, who would take advantage of the political instability. The vivid imagery of them setting up "palaces" (tirotam, which can also mean "encampments" or "fortified settlements") and "dwellings" emphasizes a permanent, dominant takeover rather than just a temporary raid. The idiom "eat thy fruit, and they shall drink thy milk" is a common biblical expression for consuming the full produce and wealth of a land, signifying total economic subjugation and plundering.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 25:4 serves as a timeless reminder of spiritual principles. Firstly, it cautions against taking pleasure in the misfortune of others, particularly when it involves God's people or those in distress. Such an attitude invites divine displeasure. Secondly, it reinforces the truth that God is sovereign over all nations and holds them accountable for their actions. His justice is not limited to one people group but extends universally. For believers, this verse encourages empathy and compassion, urging us to mourn with those who mourn rather than rejoice in their pain. It reminds us that God sees and will ultimately address all forms of injustice and malice, bringing about His perfect will. Jeremiah 49:1-6 offers a parallel prophecy against Ammon, further highlighting God's consistent judgment.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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