Ezekiel 25:10

Unto the men of the east with the Ammonites, and will give them in possession, that the Ammonites may not be remembered among the nations.

Unto the men {H1121} of the east {H6924} with the Ammonites {H1121}{H5983}, and will give {H5414} them in possession {H4181}, that the Ammonites {H1121}{H5983} may not be remembered {H2142} among the nations {H1471}.

together with the people of 'Amon, to the people from the east, whom I will let take possession of them. Thus the people of 'Amon will not be remembered as being one of the nations;

I will give it along with the Ammonites as a possession to the people of the East, so that the Ammonites will no longer be remembered among the nations.

unto the children of the east, to go against the children of Ammon; and I will give them for a possession, that the children of Ammon may not be remembered among the nations:

Commentary

Ezekiel 25:10 is part of a series of prophecies delivered by the prophet Ezekiel concerning the judgment of surrounding nations who had gloated over Judah's downfall and acted with hostility towards God's people. This specific verse pronounces a severe fate upon the Ammonites.

Context

This verse falls within Ezekiel chapter 25, which opens a section of prophecies (chapters 25-32) directed against various nations bordering Israel: Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and finally Egypt. The Ammonites, descendants of Lot, had a long history of antagonism towards Israel. Their particular offense, highlighted in Ezekiel 25:3 and Ezekiel 25:6, was their malicious joy and contempt when Jerusalem was destroyed and the people of Judah went into exile. Godโ€™s judgment here is a direct response to their scorn and lack of compassion, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and His justice for His covenant people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse powerfully illustrates God's righteous judgment against nations that oppose His will and mistreat His chosen people. It underscores that no nation is outside His ultimate authority.
  • Consequences of Malice: The Ammonites' hostile rejoicing over Israel's calamity leads directly to their own destruction, serving as a stark reminder that attitudes of contempt and schadenfreude do not go unpunished by God.
  • Eradication of Identity: The phrase "that the Ammonites may not be remembered among the nations" signifies a complete national obliteration. Their land would be given to others, and their distinct identity would vanish from the world stage, a severe form of divine retribution.
  • God's Use of Instruments: God declares He will give Ammon into the possession of "the men of the east," indicating His use of other peoples, likely nomadic tribes or even elements of the Babylonian army, as instruments to execute His judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "men of the east" translates the Hebrew `bene qedem` (ื‘ึฐึผื ึตื™ึพืงึถื“ึถื), which refers to nomadic tribes originating from the Arabian Desert. These peoples often engaged in raiding and could easily overrun settled territories. The severity of the judgment is encapsulated in "not be remembered among the nations," signifying not just defeat or subjugation, but a profound and lasting loss of national presence and identity.

Historical & Cultural Significance

The Ammonites, whose origins are traced to Lot's younger son, Ben-Ammi, occupied territory east of the Jordan River. Throughout Israelite history, they were consistent adversaries, often engaging in conflict with figures like Jephthah (Judges 11) and King Saul (1 Samuel 11). This prophecy was fulfilled over time, as the Ammonite territory was indeed overrun by various eastern peoples, contributing to their eventual disappearance as a distinct national entity by the Hellenistic period.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 25:10 offers timeless lessons for both individuals and nations. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is just and holds all accountable for their actions, particularly for cruelty, pride, and gloating over the misfortunes of others. It affirms God's ultimate control over history and the destiny of nations, ensuring that His purposes will prevail. For believers, it provides comfort in knowing that God sees and will ultimately address all injustice, even when His people endure suffering. It encourages a spirit of compassion and humility, rather than animosity towards those who are struggling.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 21:32 (4 votes)

    Thou shalt be for fuel to the fire; thy blood shall be in the midst of the land; thou shalt be no [more] remembered: for I the LORD have spoken [it].

  • Psalms 83:3 (2 votes)

    They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.

  • Psalms 83:6 (2 votes)

    The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;

  • Isaiah 23:16 (2 votes)

    Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.

  • Ezekiel 25:4 (2 votes)

    Behold, therefore I will deliver thee to the men of the east for a possession, and they shall set their palaces in thee, and make their dwellings in thee: they shall eat thy fruit, and they shall drink thy milk.