Ezekiel 35:10

“Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas the Lord was there.”

Historical Context: Ezekiel was a prophet who prophesied during the Babylonian exile, around the sixth century BCE. The book of Ezekiel contains prophecies and visions that were given to him by God. In this particular chapter, Ezekiel prophesies against Mount Seir and Edom, which represented the enemies of Israel.

• Understanding the Verse:

In Ezekiel 35:10, God is speaking to the nation of Edom, which was located in the region of Mount Seir. Edom was known for its hostility towards Israel and took advantage of their vulnerable state during the Babylonian exile.

The verse begins with the reason for God’s judgment against Edom. They had expressed their desire to possess the land of Israel and Judah, claiming ownership over these territories. By saying, “These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it,” Edom revealed their arrogant and covetous attitude.

However, God responds by reminding them that He is present in the land. The phrase “whereas the Lord was there” emphasizes that God’s presence was with His people, and He would not allow Edom to take control over His land.

Spiritual Lessons:

• God’s Ownership:The verse highlights the principle of God’s ownership over the land. The land of Israel and Judah belonged to God, and He had given it to the Israelites as an inheritance. This reminds us that everything in the world ultimately belongs to God, and we are merely stewards of His blessings.
• Arrogance and Covetousness:Edom’s desire to possess Israel and Judah was driven by arrogance and covetousness. It serves as a cautionary example for us to avoid such attitudes in our own lives. Instead, we should cultivate contentment and humility, recognizing that all we have comes from God.
• God’s Presence:The phrase “whereas the Lord was there” is a powerful reminder of God’s constant presence with His people. Even in difficult times, when the Israelites were in exile, God assured them that He was still present in their midst. As believers, we can take comfort in the fact that God is always with us, guiding, protecting, and providing for us.
• God’s Protection:Despite Edom’s plans, God made it clear that He would not allow them to possess the land. This demonstrates God’s protective nature towards His people. We can trust in God’s sovereignty and His ability to defend and preserve us against any opposition or enemy that rises against us.

In summary, Ezekiel 35:10 is a reminder of God’s ownership over all things, the dangers of arrogance and covetousness, the assurance of God’s presence, and the promise of His protection.