Ezekiel 35:5

KJV

Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed [the blood of] the children of Israel by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time [that their] iniquity [had] an end:

KJV (with Strong's)

Because thou hast had a perpetual {H5769} hatred {H342}, and hast shed {H5064} the blood of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} by the force {H3027} of the sword {H2719} in the time {H6256} of their calamity {H343}, in the time {H6256} that their iniquity {H5771} had an end {H7093}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Because of your long-standing hatred, you put the people of Isra'el to the sword at their time of calamity, at the time of final iniquity.

Berean Standard Bible

Because you harbored an ancient hatred and delivered the Israelites over to the sword in the time of their disaster at the final stage of their punishment,

American Standard Version

Because thou hast had a perpetual enmity, and hast given over the children of Israel to the power of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time of the iniquity of the end;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 35:5 delivers a severe divine indictment against Mount Seir, representing the nation of Edom, for its persistent and deep-seated animosity towards Israel. The verse condemns Edom for actively participating in the bloodshed and suffering of the Israelites, specifically during their period of national calamity, which coincided with the divinely appointed conclusion of Israel's period of punishment for their iniquity. This accusation highlights Edom's opportunistic cruelty and lack of compassion, setting the stage for God's impending judgment upon them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 35 is a prophetic oracle specifically directed against Mount Seir, which is a symbolic representation of the nation of Edom. This chapter immediately follows prophecies of Israel's restoration (Ezekiel 34, which speaks of God as the Good Shepherd who will gather His flock) and precedes the grand vision of Israel's return to their land and spiritual renewal in [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Israel's Restoration"). The placement of this judgment against Edom serves to underscore God's commitment to His covenant people; before their full restoration, those who actively opposed and exploited them during their time of discipline must face divine justice. It contrasts the steadfast love of God for His people with the enduring hatred of their enemies.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, descended from Esau, Jacob's twin brother, had a long and contentious relationship with Israel. Despite their kinship, a deep-rooted animosity characterized their interactions, often marked by border disputes and military conflicts (e.g., [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Passage to Israel") and [2 Kings 8:20-22](/2_kings/8-20 "2 Kings 8:20-22 - Edom Revolts from Judah")). This verse specifically references Edom's actions during the Babylonian conquest of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Instead of offering aid or sympathy to their kin, historical accounts and other prophetic texts (like [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Cruelty Against Jacob") and [Psalm 137:7](/psalms/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Remember Edom, O Lord")) indicate that Edom rejoiced in Judah's downfall, plundered their refugees, and even participated in the slaughter of those fleeing the Babylonians. This opportunistic and malicious behavior during Israel's greatest vulnerability forms the backdrop of God's severe condemnation.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several major themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine justice and accountability for nations**. God is sovereign over all nations and holds them responsible for their actions, particularly their treatment of His people. Edom's "perpetual hatred" underscores the theme of **enduring malice and its consequences**, demonstrating that deep-seated animosity, especially against God's chosen, does not go unpunished. Secondly, the phrase "in the time that their iniquity had an end" introduces the theme of **God's sovereign timing and the purpose of discipline**. It reveals that Israel's suffering was not arbitrary but a divinely ordained period of judgment for their sins, with a set duration. Edom's cruelty was exacerbated by the fact that it occurred precisely when God's disciplinary hand was lifting, making their actions an affront to God's redemptive plan for His people, as seen in promises of restoration like [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for Israel's Future").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hatred (Hebrew, _ʼêybâh'_):** From the root meaning "to be hostile," this term signifies a deep-seated, active animosity, not merely a passive dislike. It implies a state of being an enemy, a fundamental opposition. The KJV's "perpetual hatred" (combining with `H5769 'ôwlâm`) emphasizes the enduring, unyielding nature of this animosity, indicating it was a characteristic disposition of Edom, passed down through generations.
* **Children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** While literally "son," this term is used broadly to refer to descendants, offspring, or members of a group. Here, "the children of Israel" emphasizes their identity as God's chosen people, the covenant nation. Edom's actions were therefore not just against a random group but against those with whom they shared a familial (Esau/Jacob) and historical connection, making their malice even more reprehensible.
* **Force (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** Literally "hand," this word is highly versatile, often denoting power, means, or agency. In this context, "by the force of the sword" indicates direct, violent action, emphasizing Edom's active role in Israel's suffering rather than passive observation. It highlights their deliberate and aggressive participation in the bloodshed, using their physical power and weaponry to inflict harm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred,"**: This clause establishes the foundational reason for God's judgment: Edom's enduring, deep-seated animosity towards Israel. It was not a momentary lapse but a characteristic disposition that defined their relationship.
* **"and hast shed [the blood of] the children of Israel by the force of the sword"**: This specifies the nature of Edom's malice—active violence and bloodshed. They were not merely passive observers of Israel's suffering but actively participated in their destruction, using military force ("the force of the sword") against their kinsmen.
* **"in the time of their calamity,"**: This pinpoints the specific timing of Edom's cruel actions. It was during Israel's period of extreme distress, vulnerability, and national collapse (the Babylonian conquest and exile), a time when compassion would have been expected from a kinsman nation.
* **"in the time [that their] iniquity [had] an end:"**: This crucial phrase reveals God's sovereign timing. Israel's "calamity" was a divinely appointed period of judgment for their sins ("iniquity"). The "end" of their iniquity does not imply Israel became sinless, but rather that the predetermined duration of God's disciplinary judgment was reaching its conclusion. Edom's actions were particularly egregious because they occurred precisely as God was preparing to lift His hand of discipline from Israel and move towards restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 35:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. **Personification** is evident in the address to "Mount Seir," which stands in for the entire nation of Edom, giving a geographical entity human characteristics of hatred and violent action. This makes the indictment more direct and impactful. The phrase "perpetual hatred" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and enduring nature of Edom's animosity, conveying that their malice was not fleeting but deeply ingrained and generational. Furthermore, there is a profound **Irony** in Edom's actions occurring "in the time that their iniquity had an end." Edom, in their opportunistic cruelty, was acting against Israel precisely when God's disciplinary purpose for His people was concluding, making their actions an affront to God's own redemptive timeline and demonstrating their utter lack of understanding of divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 35:5 powerfully articulates the principle of divine justice and the accountability of nations before God. It underscores that God observes and judges not only overt acts of aggression but also the underlying attitudes of hatred and the opportunistic exploitation of others' suffering, especially when directed against His covenant people. Edom's "perpetual hatred" and active participation in Israel's calamity reveal a profound spiritual blindness and a rejection of the compassion expected between kinsmen. The verse also highlights God's sovereign control over history, demonstrating that even Israel's period of judgment was finite and purposeful, part of a larger divine plan for purification and ultimate restoration. Those who oppose God's purposes or exacerbate the suffering of His people during such times will face His righteous indignation.

* [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Cruelty Against Jacob"): This prophecy provides a detailed account of Edom's specific transgressions against Judah during their downfall, corroborating Ezekiel's indictment.
* [Amos 1:11](/amos/1-11 "Amos 1:11 - Edom's Transgressions"): Amos also condemns Edom for pursuing their brother with the sword and casting off all pity, maintaining their wrath forever.
* [Psalm 137:7](/psalms/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Remember Edom in Jerusalem's Fall"): This psalm, a lament from the exiles, vividly recalls the Edomites' cry during Jerusalem's destruction: "Raze it, raze it, even to the foundation!"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 35:5 serves as a profound reminder of God's unwavering commitment to justice and His meticulous observation of human actions, particularly those driven by malice and opportunism. For believers, this passage calls for a deep introspection into our own hearts, challenging us to root out any "perpetual hatred" or lingering animosity towards others, especially those who may be vulnerable or suffering. It warns against the temptation to rejoice in the misfortunes of others or to exploit their weaknesses, reminding us that such attitudes are an affront to God's character. Instead, we are called to cultivate compassion, mercy, and solidarity, reflecting the very heart of God who "is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" ([Psalm 145:8](/psalms/145-8 "Psalm 145:8 - The Lord's Goodness")). Furthermore, understanding that God has a sovereign timeline for all things, even for periods of discipline and suffering, encourages us to trust in His ultimate purposes and to refrain from actions that would hinder His redemptive work or add to the burdens of those He is refining.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "perpetual hatred" manifest in our lives or communities today, and how can we actively combat it?**
* **How does God's judgment on Edom for exploiting Israel's "calamity" challenge our own responses to the suffering of others?**
* **What does the phrase "in the time that their iniquity had an end" teach us about God's sovereignty over periods of discipline and suffering?**
* **How can we, as believers, better embody compassion and mercy, especially towards those who are vulnerable or undergoing difficult times?**

### FAQ
**What does "perpetual hatred" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Perpetual hatred" (Hebrew: *'eybat 'olam*) refers to a deep-seated, enduring, and long-standing animosity that characterized Edom's relationship with Israel. It indicates that their hostility was not a temporary reaction but a fundamental, generational disposition. This phrase highlights the severity of their malice, which was rooted in a history of conflict and a consistent lack of brotherly compassion, culminating in their actions during Israel's greatest time of need, as seen in [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Cruelty").

**What is the significance of "in the time that their iniquity had an end"?**

Answer: This crucial phrase does not imply that Israel suddenly became sinless. Rather, it signifies that God's divinely appointed period of judgment and discipline for Israel's sins was reaching its predetermined conclusion. God had allowed the Babylonian exile as a consequence of Israel's persistent disobedience, but this period had a set duration and purpose. Edom's cruel actions were particularly heinous because they occurred precisely when God was preparing to lift His hand of discipline and move towards the restoration of His people, as promised in passages like [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - God's Plans for Israel's Future"). Edom's malice was thus an affront to God's own redemptive timeline.

**Why was Edom judged so severely by God?**

Answer: Edom was judged severely for several reasons, primarily their "perpetual hatred" and active participation in the suffering of Israel, their kinsmen, during a time of extreme vulnerability. Instead of showing compassion, they exploited Israel's "calamity" and shed their blood, even when God's disciplinary period for Israel was ending. This demonstrated a profound lack of mercy, a disregard for the covenant relationship between Jacob and Esau's descendants, and a direct opposition to God's purposes for His chosen people. God's justice holds nations accountable for their actions, especially when they act with cruelty and pride against those whom He has chosen, as also seen in [Amos 1:11](/amos/1-11 "Amos 1:11 - Edom's Transgressions").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 35:5, with its stark portrayal of Edom's "perpetual hatred" and opportunistic cruelty during Israel's "calamity," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, it foreshadows the world's persistent hatred and opposition to God's ultimate Son, Jesus Christ, who came to His own, but His own received Him not ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Comes to His Own")). Just as Edom exploited Israel's weakness, so too did the forces of evil, both human and spiritual, conspire against Christ in His time of ultimate "calamity" on the cross, believing they had achieved victory over Him. Yet, it was precisely in that moment of apparent weakness that the "iniquity" of humanity found its "end" through His atoning sacrifice. The shedding of Israel's blood by the sword points to the ultimate shedding of the [Lamb of God's blood](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") for the sins of the world, bringing an end to the dominion of sin and death for those who believe ([Romans 6:6-11](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6-11 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")). Furthermore, God's righteous judgment against Edom for their malice serves as a powerful reminder that all injustice and hatred will ultimately be confronted by Christ, who will return to judge the living and the dead and establish His eternal kingdom of righteousness ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Ultimately, the "end of iniquity" for believers is found not in a historical period but in the finished work of Christ, who bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sins and live for righteousness ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")).

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

Psalms 137:7

¶ Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase [it], rase [it, even] to the foundation thereof.

Amos 1:11

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever:

Obadiah 1:10

¶ For [thy] violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.

Obadiah 1:16

For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, [so] shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.

Ezekiel 25:12

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;

Ezekiel 21:25

And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity [shall have] an end,

Ezekiel 21:29

Whiles they see vanity unto thee, whiles they divine a lie unto thee, to bring thee upon the necks of [them that are] slain, of the wicked, whose day is come, when their iniquity [shall have] an end.