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:

Ezekiel 35:10 (KJV)

Context

Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile in the sixth century BCE. In this chapter, he pronounces judgment against Mount Seir and Edom, longstanding enemies of Israel who exploited Judah’s vulnerability during the exile. The oracle against Edom in Ezekiel 35 addresses their perpetual enmity and violence toward God’s people.

Meaning

God confronts Edom’s arrogant claim: “These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it.” The “two nations” are Israel and Judah, the divided kingdoms of God’s people. Edom’s boast to seize their land was not merely a political ambition; it was a direct challenge to God’s sovereign ownership, for the Lord Himself was present in that land, especially in His temple in Jerusalem.

The phrase “whereas the Lord was there” underscores that God’s presence with His people made their inheritance secure. Edom’s presumption was not just against Israel but against God, who alone determines the boundaries of inheritance. The land belonged to the Lord, and no nation could claim it against His will.

Edom’s pride and presumption in claiming what God had given to His people reveals the deeper offense behind territorial greed. Human arrogance that ignores God’s authority is ultimately rebellion against Him. The verse teaches that God is the true owner of the land, and His presence with His people makes their inheritance secure.

Biblical connections

This verse is part of a larger oracle against Edom (Ezekiel 35), where God judges their perpetual enmity and violence. The principle that God owns the land and gives it as an inheritance to His people echoes the broader biblical theme of God’s sovereignty over nations and territories. God’s presence with His people is what distinguishes their inheritance from any other claim.

Application

Edom’s attitude warns against arrogance and covetousness. When we desire what belongs to others, especially with disregard for God’s purposes, we repeat Edom’s error. Instead, we are called to contentment and humility, recognizing that all we have comes from God and that He alone determines the boundaries of our inheritance.

God’s presence with His people is a source of comfort and protection. Even in difficult times, He is with us, guiding and defending us. We can trust in His sovereignty to preserve us against any opposition, knowing that no enemy can thwart His purposes for those He has claimed as His own.

Reflection

Ezekiel 35:10 reminds us that God is the true owner of all things. Human pride and territorial greed are ultimately offenses against Him. As believers, we can rest in the assurance that God’s presence makes our inheritance secure, and no enemy can thwart His purposes. This calls us to humility, acknowledging that all we have is from God and that He alone determines the boundaries of our inheritance.