Ezekiel 25:6

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast clapped [thine] hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel;

For thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Because thou hast clapped {H4222} thine hands {H3027}, and stamped {H7554} with the feet {H7272}, and rejoiced {H8055} in heart {H5315} with all thy despite {H7589} against the land {H127} of Israel {H3478};

For here is what Adonai ELOHIM says: "Because you clapped your hands and stamped your feet, full of malicious joy over the land of Isra'el;

For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you clapped your hands and stomped your feet and rejoiced over the land of Israel with a heart full of contempt,

For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because thou hast clapped thy hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced with all the despite of thy soul against the land of Israel;

Ezekiel 25:6 KJV delivers a powerful divine indictment against the nation of Ammon, highlighting God's severe displeasure over their malicious reaction to Israel's suffering. The verse states: "For thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast clapped [thine] hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel;"

Context

This verse is part of a series of prophecies in Ezekiel 25-32, where God pronounces judgment against the surrounding nations who either oppressed Israel or rejoiced in her downfall. Specifically, Ezekiel 25:1-7 focuses on Ammon, a nation east of the Jordan River, historically related to Israel through Lot (Genesis 19). At this time, Judah (the southern kingdom of Israel) was experiencing the devastating Babylonian invasion and subsequent exile, including the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple. Instead of showing empathy or concern for their neighbor's plight, Ammon is depicted as actively celebrating Israel's misfortune with overt, scornful glee.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice: God holds nations accountable not only for their actions but also for their attitudes. Ammon's "despite" (contemptuous malice) against Israel incurs divine judgment.
  • Malicious Joy (Schadenfreude): The core sin here is finding joy in another's suffering, especially the suffering of God's chosen people. This is seen as a profound lack of compassion and an act of defiance against God's purposes.
  • God's Vindication of Israel: Even in their period of discipline and judgment, God still watches over Israel. Those who gloat over their suffering will face consequences, demonstrating God's enduring covenantal care for His people, even when they are disobedient.
  • Reckoning of the Heart: The phrase "rejoiced in heart" emphasizes that God sees beyond outward actions into the true intentions and emotions of the heart, which are ultimately judged (Jeremiah 17:10).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrases "clapped [thine] hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart" vividly describe a public and enthusiastic display of scornful delight. The Hebrew words used for "clapped hands" (taphach) and "stamped feet" (raqa') often denote expressions of derision, mockery, or violent triumph, rather than simple joy. The term "despite" (Hebrew: sha'anan or related forms, often implying arrogant disdain or contempt) signifies a deep-seated malice and pleasure in the downfall of another, indicating a heart filled with animosity towards Israel.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning against the sin of schadenfreude – rejoicing in the misfortunes of others. It reminds us that:

  • God sees our attitudes: Our inner disposition and emotional reactions to others' struggles are not hidden from God. Malicious glee is a serious offense in His sight.
  • Empathy is paramount: Instead of celebrating adversity, we are called to mourn with those who mourn and show compassion (Romans 12:15).
  • God defends His own: Even when God's people face discipline, He does not abandon them. Those who take advantage of or mock their suffering will face His righteous judgment. This provides comfort and assurance to believers facing adversity.

Ezekiel 25:6 underscores that God's justice extends to every nation and every heart, holding all accountable for their treatment of His people and their overall attitudes towards suffering.

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.

  • Zephaniah 2:8

    ¶ I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified [themselves] against their border.

  • Obadiah 1:12

    But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress.

  • Zephaniah 2:10

    This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified [themselves] against the people of the LORD of hosts.

  • Ezekiel 25:15

    Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy [it] for the old hatred;

  • Ezekiel 6:11

    ¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel! for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence.

  • Ezekiel 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.

  • Nahum 3:19

    [There is] no healing of thy bruise; thy wound is grievous: all that hear the bruit of thee shall clap the hands over thee: for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually?

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