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.

Therefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Surely in the fire {H784} of my jealousy {H7068} have I spoken {H1696} against the residue {H7611} of the heathen {H1471}, and against all Idumea {H123}, which have appointed {H5414} my land {H776} into their possession {H4181} with the joy {H8057} of all their heart {H3824}, with despiteful {H7589} minds {H5315}, to cast it out {H4054} for a prey {H957}.

therefore this is what Adonai ELOHIM says: "In the heat of my jealousy I speak against the other nations and all of Edom, since, rejoicing with all their heart, they have arrogated my land to themselves as a possession and, with utter contempt, seized it as prey."'

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Surely in My burning zeal I have spoken against the rest of the nations, and against all Edom, who took My land as their own possession with wholehearted joy and utter contempt, so that its pastureland became plunder.

therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the nations, and against all Edom, that have appointed my land unto themselves for a possession with the joy of all their heart, with despite of soul, to cast it out for a prey.

Commentary

Ezekiel 36:5 is a powerful declaration from the Lord GOD, expressing His righteous indignation and judgment against surrounding nations, particularly Idumea (Edom), for their malicious actions against the land of Israel during its time of distress.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic discourse in Ezekiel 36, where God promises to restore and vindicate the land and people of Israel after their exile and desolation. The preceding verses lament the way the mountains of Israel were left desolate and preyed upon by surrounding nations. Verse 5 specifically addresses the perpetrators of this exploitation. God's declaration here serves as a divine assurance that He has seen the injustice and will act in response to the contempt shown towards His chosen land and people, contrasting with the promise of future blessing for Israel found in Ezekiel 36:24.

Key Themes

  • Divine Jealousy and Zeal: The phrase "in the fire of my jealousy" highlights God's intense, holy passion and protective zeal for His covenant people and their inheritance. This is not human envy, but a divine attribute of righteous indignation against injustice and unfaithfulness. God's jealousy ensures His promises and His honor are upheld.
  • Judgment on Malicious Nations: The verse specifically targets "the residue of the heathen" and "all Idumea" (Edom). Edom, historically a descendant of Esau and a long-standing adversary of Israel, is singled out for its particularly cruel and gleeful exploitation of Israel's downfall. Their actions were not merely opportunistic but driven by "joy of all their heart" and "despiteful minds," indicating deep-seated hatred and malicious intent. This echoes similar condemnations against Edom found in Obadiah 1:10-14 and Psalm 137:7.
  • God's Sovereignty Over His Land: The phrase "my land" underscores God's ultimate ownership and sovereignty over the land of Israel. The nations' attempt to "appoint it into their possession" and "cast it out for a prey" was an affront to God Himself, not just to Israel. God's judgment is a defense of His own property and His divine decree, as stated in Leviticus 25:23.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Jealousy" (Hebrew: qin'ah - ืงึดื ึฐืึธื”): This word signifies a strong, passionate zeal, often used to describe God's fervent commitment to His covenant and His people. When applied to God, it's a positive attribute, demonstrating His unwavering loyalty and intolerance for anything that threatens His relationship with His chosen ones or desecrates His holy name.
  • "Idumea": This is the Greek form of Edom, the nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Their consistent hostility towards Israel, particularly during times of weakness, made them a frequent subject of prophetic condemnation.
  • "Despiteful minds" (Hebrew: b'sha'at nephesh - ื‘ึฐึผืฉึทืืึฒื˜ ื ึถืคึถืฉื): This phrase literally translates to "contempt of soul" or "despising heart." It emphasizes the deep-seated malice and scorn with which these nations acted, showing a profound lack of empathy and a deliberate intention to inflict harm.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 36:5 reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and that He takes note of injustice and cruelty. It assures believers that:

  • God Defends His Own: Those who maliciously harm God's people or despise what belongs to Him will face His righteous judgment. God's "fire of jealousy" is a powerful deterrent to those who would seek to exploit the vulnerable.
  • Malice is Not Overlooked: The verse highlights that God judges not only actions but also intentions. The "joy of all their heart" and "despiteful minds" underscore that malicious pleasure in another's suffering is particularly offensive to God.
  • God's Promises are Sure: Despite the temporary suffering and desolation, God's ultimate plan for His people and His land will prevail. His judgment on their enemies is part of His larger redemptive purpose, paving the way for restoration and blessing. This gives hope that even in difficult times, God's justice will ultimately triumph, as also seen in broader prophecies of divine judgment on the unrighteous (Jeremiah 25:15).
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Cross-References

  • Micah 7:8

    Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD [shall be] a light unto me.

  • Ezekiel 36:3

    Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they have made [you] desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and [are] an infamy of the people:

  • Deuteronomy 4:24

    For the LORD thy God [is] a consuming fire, [even] a jealous God.

  • Zechariah 1:15

    And I am very sore displeased with the heathen [that are] at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.

  • Ezekiel 38:19

    For in my jealousy [and] in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;

  • Psalms 137:7

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

  • 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.