Ezekiel 35:10

KJV

¶ Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas the LORD was there:

KJV (with Strong's)

Because thou hast said {H559}, These two {H8147} nations {H1471} and these two {H8147} countries {H776} shall be mine, and we will possess {H3423} it; whereas the LORD {H3068} was there:

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Because you say, "These two nations, these two countries, will be mine; we will take possession of them," even though ADONAI is there;

Berean Standard Bible

Because you have said, ‘These two nations and countries will be ours, and we will possess them,’ even though the LORD was there,

American Standard Version

Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas Jehovah was there:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 35:10 delivers a severe prophetic indictment against Mount Seir, representing the nation of Edom, for its audacious declaration to seize the territories of Israel and Judah. This verse highlights Edom's covetous ambition and malicious intent during Israel's time of weakness and exile, directly contrasting their presumptuous claim of ownership with the immutable reality of God's active and sovereign presence over His covenant land and people, even in their apparent desolation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 35 stands as a distinct oracle of judgment, following a series of prophecies against various foreign nations (chapters 25-32) and immediately preceding the powerful prophecies of Israel's restoration (chapters 36-39). This particular chapter is entirely dedicated to the condemnation of Edom (Mount Seir), an ancient enemy of Israel. The preceding chapters detailed the fall of Jerusalem and the exile, setting the stage for Edom's opportunistic and malicious response. Chapter 35 serves as a theological bridge, demonstrating God's justice against those who rejoiced in Israel's downfall before pivoting to His faithfulness in restoring His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, maintained a long-standing antagonistic relationship with Israel, marked by rivalry and hostility. Historically, Edom often capitalized on Israel's misfortunes. During the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC) and the subsequent exile of Judah, Edom not only failed to assist their kin but actively participated in the plundering and rejoiced over Judah's calamity (cf. [Psalm 137:7](/psalm/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Remember Edom") and [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Treachery")). Their declaration, "These two nations and these two countries shall be mine," reflects their intent to annex the now-vacant territories of the northern kingdom of Israel (which fell to Assyria in 722 BC) and the southern kingdom of Judah, viewing it as a rightful inheritance or a prize of war. This covetousness, coupled with their schadenfreude, formed the basis for God's severe judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Ownership**, asserting that the land of Israel, the promised inheritance, ultimately belongs to God, not to any human nation to claim or seize at will. Edom's attempt to possess it was a direct affront to God's covenantal rights and His plan for His people. Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Arrogance, Covetousness, and Malice**. Edom's prideful declaration and malicious rejoicing over Israel's downfall incurred divine wrath, demonstrating that God holds nations accountable for their actions and attitudes towards His chosen people. Finally, the phrase "whereas the LORD was there" emphasizes **God's Unwavering Presence and Faithfulness**. Even in the midst of exile and apparent defeat, God had not abandoned His land or His people. His presence guaranteed His future intervention, the restoration of Israel, and the ultimate judgment of those who opposed His divine purposes, echoing the foundational truth of His enduring presence with His people, as seen in passages like [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root is used with great latitude, encompassing not just speaking but also declaring, determining, commanding, or even intending. In this context, it signifies Edom's firm, decisive, and arrogant declaration of intent, a presumptuous claim of ownership over what was not theirs. It's a statement of self-willed determination against God's established order.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term refers to foreign nations or Gentiles. Here, it refers to the two divided kingdoms of Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom), which Edom sought to claim. The use of "nations" rather than "people" can emphasize the political and territorial aspect of Edom's ambition, viewing Israel and Judah as mere geopolitical entities to be absorbed.
* **possess (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This root implies occupying by driving out previous tenants, seizing, or inheriting. Edom's intent was not merely to settle but to dispossess Israel and Judah, taking their land as their own inheritance. This word highlights the aggressive, predatory nature of Edom's ambition, aiming to fully displace God's people from their divinely appointed land.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His self-existent, eternal nature and His personal relationship with Israel. The use of "LORD" here is crucial; it signifies that the God of the covenant, the one who brought Israel into the land and promised it to them, was actively present and aware of Edom's malicious plans. It underscores His sovereignty and covenant faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it;":** This clause directly quotes Edom's arrogant and covetous declaration. "These two nations" refers to the formerly united kingdom of Israel, now divided into the northern kingdom (Israel/Samaria) and the southern kingdom (Judah). "These two countries" refers to their respective territories. Edom's statement reveals their opportunistic desire to seize the land, viewing Israel's desolation as an open invitation to expand their own territory and wealth. Their use of "mine" and "we will possess it" demonstrates a profound sense of entitlement and a complete disregard for God's prior claim and covenant with Israel.
* **"whereas the LORD was there:":** This powerful contrasting clause forms the theological core of the verse. Despite the apparent emptiness of the land, the exile of its people, and the destruction of Jerusalem, the covenant God, Yahweh, was still actively present. This presence was not passive observation but an active, sovereign, and watchful presence. It implies that Edom's presumption was not merely against Israel but directly against God Himself, who remained the ultimate owner and guardian of His land and His people, even in their disciplinary exile.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, juxtaposing Edom's arrogant claim ("shall be mine, and we will possess it") with the divine reality ("whereas the LORD was there"). This highlights the futility and hubris of human ambition when it opposes divine sovereignty. There is also strong **Irony** in Edom's declaration; they believe the land is empty and ripe for the taking, yet the most significant presence—God Himself—remains. The phrase "the LORD was there" functions as a powerful **Understatement** or **Litotes**, implying far more than it explicitly states; it signifies God's active knowledge, sovereign control, and impending judgment, rather than mere passive observation. The entire verse serves as a **Prophetic Oracle of Judgment**, a divine pronouncement of condemnation against Edom's specific transgression.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 35:10 profoundly articulates God's unwavering sovereignty over His creation and His covenant people. Edom's covetousness and malicious joy over Israel's downfall directly challenged God's ownership of the land and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The declaration "whereas the LORD was there" serves as a powerful theological statement: even in desolation and exile, God's presence ensures His ultimate control and the fulfillment of His purposes. This truth undergirds all of God's redemptive history, affirming that no human action or national ambition can thwart His divine will or disinherit His chosen ones. It underscores that true ownership and authority reside with the Creator, not with earthly powers.

* [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - The Day of the LORD on All Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 35:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It calls us to a deep reverence for God's absolute sovereignty and ownership over all things, including our lives, our possessions, and the very ground we stand on. We are reminded that covetousness, especially when it rejoices in the misfortune of others or seeks to claim what is not rightfully ours, is an affront to God's order and invites divine judgment. This verse challenges us to examine our attitudes towards others' struggles and our desires for what belongs to them. Furthermore, the powerful affirmation "whereas the LORD was there" provides immense comfort and assurance. In times of personal or collective desolation, when circumstances seem bleak and God's presence feels distant, we are reminded that He is, in fact, "there"—actively present, sovereign, and faithful to His promises. This truth anchors our hope, reminding us that even in our darkest valleys, God has not abandoned us and is working His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be presuming ownership or control that truly belongs to God?**
* **How do I respond when others experience misfortune? Do I ever secretly or openly rejoice, or seek to gain from their loss?**
* **How does the truth that "the LORD was there" comfort or challenge me in my current circumstances, especially during times of difficulty or uncertainty?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the nature of God's justice and His faithfulness to His covenant?**

### FAQ

**Why was Edom singled out for such a strong judgment in Ezekiel 35?**

Answer: Edom was singled out for a particularly strong judgment primarily due to their long-standing and deeply rooted animosity towards Israel, coupled with their malicious actions during Judah's most vulnerable time. Unlike other nations who might have simply engaged in warfare, Edom displayed an unholy glee and opportunistic covetousness when Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and exiled the people. They not only refused to help their "brother" nation (descended from Esau, Jacob's brother) but actively participated in the plundering and sought to permanently seize Israel's land, claiming it as their own. This act was a direct affront to God's covenant with Israel and His ultimate ownership of the land (as highlighted by "whereas the LORD was there"). Other prophetic books, like [Obadiah](/obadiah/1 "The Book of Obadiah"), also condemn Edom's treachery and pride, underscoring a consistent divine indictment against their persistent hostility and lack of compassion towards God's chosen people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 35:10, with its declaration of God's enduring presence and sovereignty amidst desolation, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Edom's attempt to seize the land and dispossess God's people foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle for the true inheritance. While Edom sought to claim a physical land, humanity, in its fallen state, continually attempts to usurp God's authority and possess life on its own terms, apart from Him. The powerful truth, "whereas the LORD was there," points ultimately to the incarnate Christ, Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")). In Jesus, God's presence is not merely a watchful eye but a redemptive, active participation in human history, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice to reclaim what was lost to sin. His death and resurrection dispossessed the powers of darkness and secured for His people a new, eternal inheritance ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Furthermore, the promise of God's presence continues through the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers, making them temples of the living God ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), ensuring that "the LORD is there" in every circumstance, guiding His church towards the full realization of His kingdom, where He will ultimately "make all things new" ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Am Making All Things New")).

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 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.

Ezekiel 48:35

[It was] round about eighteen thousand [measures]: and the name of the city from [that] day [shall be], The LORD [is] there.

Psalms 83:4

They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

Psalms 83:12

Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession.

Ezekiel 36:2

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are ours in possession:

Psalms 48:1

¶ A Song [and] Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the mountain of his holiness.

Psalms 48:3

God is known in her palaces for a refuge.