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:
EZEKIEL 35:5KJVWhat does Ezekiel 35:5 mean?
Ezekiel 35:5 says that because Edom (the nation addressed here) has held onto a deep, ongoing hatred and attacked the people of Israel when they were most vulnerable, Edom is being judged for this violence. The verse points to Edom’s actions during Israel’s time of disaster, especially when Israel’s own wrongdoing was coming to an end.
The prophet Ezekiel is speaking God’s message to Edom, Israel’s neighbor and long-time rival. The situation is that Edom took advantage of Israel’s suffering, using violence (“the force of the sword”) when Israel was already facing calamity. The verse highlights not just the act of violence, but the lasting hostility and the timing—striking Israel at its weakest, rather than showing mercy.
The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 35:5
- "Perpetual" (עוֹלָם, ʿolam): This word often means something lasting or ancient. Here, it stresses that Edom’s hatred was not just a momentary anger but a deep-seated, ongoing hostility.
- "Hatred" (אֵיבָה, ʾeyvah): This word means enmity or deep hostility. The verse singles out Edom’s attitude as much as their actions.
- "Calamity" (אֵיד, ʾeyd): This word refers to disaster or ruin. The verse points out that Edom attacked when Israel was already experiencing great misfortune.
- "End" (קֵץ, qets): This word means an end or a limit. The verse notes that Edom struck when Israel’s iniquity was reaching its conclusion, suggesting a time when judgment was already falling on Israel, and Edom’s attack was an added blow.
Why Ezekiel 35:5 matters
- This verse clarifies that God notices not just what people do, but when and why they do it—Edom is judged for taking advantage of Israel’s lowest moment.
- The focus on “perpetual hatred” shows that long-standing grudges and attitudes are significant in God’s eyes, not just single acts.
- Ezekiel 35:5 ties into the wider passage where God is pronouncing judgment on Edom for their attitude and actions toward Israel, showing that God holds nations accountable for how they treat others, especially the vulnerable.