Ezekiel 35:5 Meaning and Explanation
“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:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Mount Seir's perpetual hatred and violence against Israel during their weakness is the reason for judgment.
The Context of Ezekiel 35:5
God identifies the cause of judgment: Edom's long-standing hatred and violence against Israel.
What Does Ezekiel 35:5 Mean?
Perpetual hatred indicates not a momentary quarrel but a deep, ongoing enmity rooted in history. The Edomites (Mount Seir) and Israelites shared ancestral conflict; Edom's bloodshed extended that conflict when Israel was most vulnerable.
The phrase 'in the time of their calamity' reveals the cruelty: Mount Seir struck Israel not in strength but when Israel was already weak and suffering judgment. This exploitation of vulnerability makes the offense especially grave.
Ezekiel 35:5 in the Original Language
perpetual (עוֹלָם, olam) — 'eternal' or 'perpetual,' suggesting an enmity that spans generations and seems endless.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 35:5
What does Ezekiel 35:5 mean?
Mount Seir's perpetual hatred and violence against Israel during their weakness is the reason for judgment.
What is the context of Ezekiel 35:5?
God identifies the cause of judgment: Edom's long-standing hatred and violence against Israel.