What is the meaning of Ezekiel 35:10?

Because you have said

- The LORD addresses Mount Seir (Edom) for its arrogant speech. He hears every word (Malachi 3:16) and holds nations accountable for boasting (Proverbs 16:18).

- Edom’s words spring from a heart hardened by longstanding hostility toward Jacob’s descendants (Genesis 25:23; Obadiah 1:10–12).

- By opening the verse with “Because,” God establishes a direct link between Edom’s speech and the coming judgment (Matthew 12:36).

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‘These two nations and countries will be ours, and we will possess them,’

- “These two nations” refers to Judah and Israel, the southern and northern kingdoms. Though Babylon had ravaged Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:1–10), Edom viewed the devastation as a chance to seize the land (Psalm 137:7; Ezekiel 25:12).

- Their ambition ignored covenant boundaries God had earlier set (Deuteronomy 2:4–5).

- Scripture consistently condemns nations that gloat over Israel’s distress or try to capitalize on it (Amos 1:11–12; Lamentations 4:21–22).

- The desire to “possess” what God promised to another people reveals covetousness (Exodus 20:17) and unbelief in God’s sovereign allocation of territory (Joshua 24:13).

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even though the LORD was there

- Edom’s plot failed to reckon with God’s abiding presence in the land He chose for His name (Psalm 132:13–14; 2 Chronicles 6:5–6).

- Ezekiel later affirms, “The name of the city from that day shall be, ‘The LORD Is There’ ” (Ezekiel 48:35), underscoring that divine presence makes Israel unique (Deuteronomy 12:5).

- To scheme against a land where God dwells is to challenge God Himself (Zechariah 2:8). Edom’s contempt invites sure retribution, which the chapter details (Ezekiel 35:11–15).

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summary

Ezekiel 35:10 exposes Edom’s arrogant assumption that it could annex Judah and Israel while ignoring the God who inhabits those lands. Their boastful words, covetous plans, and disregard for the LORD’s presence guaranteed divine judgment. The verse warns every generation that God hears proud schemes, remembers His covenant, and defends the place and people where He has chosen to dwell.