Ezekiel 25:6

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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,

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 25:6 delivers a severe divine indictment against the Ammonite nation, condemning their open and heartfelt celebration of Israel's suffering and the desolation of its land. This verse encapsulates God's profound displeasure with their malicious joy, highlighting a deep-seated contempt that violated historical kinship, defied the covenantal relationship, and demonstrated a profound lack of compassion for God's chosen people in their time of severe discipline. It serves as a powerful declaration of divine justice, asserting God's sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to hold accountable those who gloat over the misfortunes of others, especially His own.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within Ezekiel's broader series of oracles against the surrounding nations (chapters 25-32), which immediately follows the prophecies detailing Jerusalem's destruction and Judah's exile (chapters 1-24). Having meticulously explained God's judgment upon His own people for their unfaithfulness, the narrative shifts to address the nations that witnessed, contributed to, or, in Ammon's case, rejoiced in Israel's downfall. Specifically, [Ezekiel 25:1-7](/ezekiel/25-1-7 "Ezekiel 25:1-7 - Prophecy Against Ammon") targets Ammon, a nation historically related to Israel through Lot, yet consistently hostile. This section underscores God's universal sovereignty, demonstrating that His justice extends beyond Israel to all nations, holding them accountable for their actions and attitudes towards His covenant people, even when Israel is under divine discipline.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Ezekiel 25:6 is the tumultuous period of the Babylonian conquest of Judah in the early 6th century BCE, culminating in the devastating fall of Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BCE. The Ammonites, residing to the east of the Jordan River, were opportunistic neighbors who, instead of offering aid or sympathy, actively participated in the plundering and celebrated Judah's demise. Their actions were not mere indifference but active "despite" (contemptuous malice), expressed through public displays of joy. Such behavior was considered a profound breach of regional solidarity and a direct affront to the God of Israel, particularly given the historical ties and shared Abrahamic heritage. The "clapping of hands" and "stamping of feet" were common ancient Near Eastern expressions of derision, triumph, or mocking celebration, often associated with public humiliation and scorn.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 25:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores the theme of **Divine Justice**, demonstrating that God holds nations accountable not only for their direct actions against Israel but also for their malicious attitudes and emotional responses to Israel's suffering. The verse vividly portrays **Malicious Joy (Schadenfreude)** as a severe sin, particularly when directed at God's chosen people. This uncompassionate gloating is seen as a direct affront to God's purposes, revealing a heart devoid of empathy and filled with animosity. Furthermore, it highlights **God's Vindication of Israel**, even in their period of severe discipline. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness and the judgment they faced, God's covenantal care for them endures. Those who mock or exploit Israel's vulnerability will face divine reckoning, reinforcing the truth that God's people, though disciplined, are never abandoned, a truth echoed in passages like [Isaiah 54:7-10](/isaiah/54-7-10 "Isaiah 54:7-10 - God's Everlasting Love for Israel"). Finally, the phrase "rejoiced in heart" emphasizes the theme of the **Reckoning of the Heart**, revealing that God judges not only outward actions but also the hidden intentions and emotions of the human heart, as articulated in [Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - The Lord Searches the Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **clapped (Hebrew, _mâchâʼ'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to rub or strike the hands together (in exultation)." This word describes a physical act of applause, but in this context, it signifies a triumphant, mocking, or derisive celebration. It's an overt, public display of joy over another's misfortune, indicating scorn and contempt rather than mere happiness.
* **stamped (Hebrew, _râqaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to pound the earth (as a sign of passion); by analogy to expand (by hammering)." Here, it denotes a forceful, rhythmic striking of the feet, often accompanying the clapping of hands. Like "clapped," it conveys an intense, passionate expression of exultation, derision, or violent triumph, emphasizing the depth of Ammon's malicious glee.
* **despite (Hebrew, _shᵉʼâṭ'_):** From an unused root meaning "to push aside," this word conveys "contempt." It signifies a deep-seated disdain, scorn, or malice. It's not just indifference or lack of sympathy, but an active, malicious pleasure in the downfall of another, indicating a heart filled with animosity and arrogant disregard.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase, a common prophetic formula, establishes the divine authority and certainty of the message. It signifies that the following words are not human opinion but a direct oracle from Yahweh, the sovereign Lord (Adonai YHWH), underscoring the gravity and infallibility of the impending judgment.
* **"Because thou hast clapped [thine] hands, and stamped with the feet,":** This clause describes the outward, physical manifestations of Ammon's malicious joy. The clapping of hands and stamping of feet are vivid, public gestures of celebration, mockery, and derision. These actions signify an open and unashamed display of triumph over Israel's calamity, indicating a profound lack of empathy and a hostile attitude.
* **"and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite":** This part of the verse delves into the internal motivation behind the outward actions. "Rejoiced in heart" (Hebrew: _sâmach_ with _nephesh_) reveals that the celebration was not merely superficial but stemmed from a deep-seated, genuine pleasure in Israel's suffering, affecting their very being. The phrase "with all thy despite" intensifies this, indicating that their joy was fueled by utter contempt, malice, and arrogant disdain for the land and people of Israel. It emphasizes the comprehensive nature of their animosity, permeating their entire being.
* **"against the land of Israel;":** This final clause specifies the precise object of Ammon's malicious joy and contempt. It clarifies that their celebration was directed precisely at the desolation and suffering inflicted upon God's covenant land and people. This direct targeting underscores the profound offense against God's purposes and His chosen nation, making their actions a direct affront to the divine will.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 25:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine condemnation. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the depiction of God "saying" and observing the actions of Ammon, attributing human-like communication and perception to the divine, thereby emphasizing the personal nature of His judgment. The vivid imagery of "clapped hands" and "stamped with the feet" constitutes both **Synecdoche**, where a part (hands, feet) represents the whole person's actions, and **Metonymy**, as these physical actions stand in for the underlying emotion of malicious triumph and derision. This **Sensory Imagery** creates a powerful and immediate picture of Ammon's scornful celebration. The repetition of verbs of action ("clapped," "stamped," "rejoiced") combined with the intensifying phrase "with all thy despite" creates a sense of **Climax** and emphasizes the totality and depth of Ammon's malevolent attitude. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Indictment**, a formal charge laid out by God against a nation, detailing their specific sin and foreshadowing the ensuing judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 25:6 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His deep concern for His people, even when they are undergoing discipline. It reveals that God not only judges overt acts of aggression but also the hidden attitudes of the heart, particularly the sin of *schadenfreude*—rejoicing in the misfortune of others. This malicious joy, born of contempt and despite, is seen as a direct affront to God's character, who calls His people to compassion and empathy. The Ammonites' celebration of Israel's downfall was a rejection of the divine order and a demonstration of hostility towards God's redemptive plan, thus incurring severe divine wrath. This principle extends beyond national judgments to individual conduct, reminding believers that our attitudes towards others' suffering are under divine scrutiny, reflecting the very nature of our hearts.

* [Proverbs 24:17-18](/proverbs/24-17-18 "Proverbs 24:17-18 - Do Not Rejoice When Your Enemy Falls")
* [Obadiah 1:12](/obadiah/1-12 "Obadiah 1:12 - Do Not Gloat Over Your Brother's Day of Disaster")
* [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice, Weep with Those Who Weep")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 25:6 serves as a potent spiritual mirror, challenging us to examine our own hearts and reactions to the struggles of others, especially those we might consider adversaries, rivals, or even those with whom we disagree. In a world often characterized by division, competition, and the rapid spread of negativity, the temptation to find satisfaction or even pleasure in the setbacks or misfortunes of others can be insidious and deeply ingrained. This verse unequivocally condemns such malicious joy, reminding us that God sees beyond outward actions into the deepest recesses of our hearts, where true attitudes reside. True spiritual maturity and Christ-likeness call us to profound empathy and compassion, to mourn with those who mourn, and to extend grace even to those who may have wronged us or hold differing views. It is a call to cultivate a heart that reflects God's own character—a heart of love, mercy, and justice, rather than one that revels in the pain of others or finds satisfaction in their downfall.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations or towards which individuals might I be tempted to secretly or openly rejoice in someone else's misfortune?**
* **How does my immediate and heartfelt reaction to the struggles of others reflect my own spiritual health and alignment with God's compassionate heart?**
* **What practical steps can I take to actively cultivate a more empathetic and compassionate response to those who are suffering, even if they are perceived as "enemies" or competitors?**
* **How does understanding God's severe judgment on Ammon for their "despite" inform my prayers and attitudes towards current global conflicts, societal divisions, or personal grievances?**

### FAQ

**What is "despite" in the context of Ezekiel 25:6?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 25:6, "despite" (Hebrew: _shᵉʼâṭ'_) refers to a deep-seated contempt, scorn, or malicious pleasure. It's not merely a lack of sympathy but an active, hostile animosity that causes one to rejoice in the downfall or suffering of another. The Ammonites' "despite" against the land of Israel meant they harbored profound ill-will and took delight in the destruction and distress that befell God's people. This highlights that God judges not only actions but also the underlying attitudes and intentions of the heart, as seen in [Proverbs 17:5](/proverbs/17-5 "Proverbs 17:5 - He Who Mocks the Poor Insults His Maker").

**Why was Ammon's reaction to Israel's suffering so offensive to God?**

Answer: Ammon's reaction was deeply offensive for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated a profound lack of compassion and empathy towards a neighboring nation, especially one with whom they shared a historical lineage (both descended from Lot, Abraham's nephew). Secondly, it was an act of gloating over the suffering of God's chosen people, Israel, who, despite their discipline, remained under God's covenantal care. To rejoice in Israel's downfall was, in essence, to mock God's purposes and His relationship with His people. Thirdly, it was a public and unashamed display of contempt, as evidenced by their "clapping hands" and "stamping feet," which went beyond mere indifference to active, malicious celebration, as condemned in [Obadiah 1:12-14](/obadiah/1-12-14 "Obadiah 1:12-14 - Do Not Gloat Over Your Brother's Disaster").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 25:6, with its condemnation of malicious joy over Israel's suffering, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While Ammon rejoiced in the downfall of God's people, Christ embodies the antithesis of such despite. He did not come to gloat over humanity's fallen state but to redeem it. The ultimate suffering of God's "land of Israel" was the crucifixion of Jesus, the true Israel, the Lamb of God. Yet, instead of the world's nations rejoicing in His suffering, His death was the means of their salvation, transforming potential gloating into the opportunity for grace. The New Testament calls believers to a radical empathy that mirrors Christ's own, weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice ([Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice, Weep with Those Who Weep")). Jesus Himself wept over Jerusalem ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")), demonstrating divine compassion even for those who would reject Him and bring about His suffering. Furthermore, Christ's victory on the cross ultimately vindicates God's people, not through the destruction of their enemies, but through the offer of reconciliation and peace to all who believe, transforming hearts of "despite" into hearts of love and mercy, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant where God's law is written on the heart ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). The judgment against Ammon foreshadows the ultimate judgment of all who reject God's compassion and revel in sin, while Christ offers the path to eternal joy and true reconciliation, inviting all to partake in His triumph over sin and death, rather than finding joy in the suffering of others.

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

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?