Ezekiel 25

Ezekiel 25 details a series of prophecies against Israel's neighboring nations—Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia—for their hostility and betrayal toward Judah. These nations rejoiced at Judah’s misfortunes and took advantage of Israel’s downfall. Through Ezekiel, God pronounces judgment on them, warning that their actions will not go unpunished. This chapter highlights the concept of divine justice, showing that God holds all nations accountable for their actions, especially when they revel in or exploit the suffering of His people.

Ezekiel 25:1-3 (NKJV)
1 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
2 “Son of man, set your face against the Ammonites, and prophesy against them.
3 Say to the Ammonites, ‘Hear the word of the Lord God! Thus says the Lord God: “Because you said, ‘Aha!’ against My sanctuary when it was profaned, and against the land of Israel when it was desolate, and against the house of Judah when they went into captivity,

God’s message through Ezekiel addresses the Ammonites’ response to the downfall of Israel. Instead of showing compassion, the Ammonites expressed joy over Israel’s suffering, particularly when God’s sanctuary was desecrated. This reaction reveals a deep-seated animosity, and God takes note of it, setting the stage for judgment due to their lack of sympathy and disregard for His people.

Ezekiel 25:4-5 (NKJV)
4 indeed, therefore, I will deliver you as a possession to the men of the East, and they shall set their encampments among you and make their dwellings among you; they shall eat your fruit, and they shall drink your milk.
5 And I will make Rabbah a stable for camels and Ammon a resting place for flocks. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”

God warns the Ammonites that they will face conquest by foreign powers, specifically those from the East. Their land, once prosperous, will be overrun and transformed into a desolate area for livestock. This prophecy emphasizes God’s control over nations and His ability to bring about justice in response to the Ammonites’ actions against Israel.

Ezekiel 25:6-7 (NKJV)
6 For thus says the Lord God: “Because you clapped your hands, stamped your feet, and rejoiced in heart with all your disdain for the land of Israel,
7 indeed, therefore, I will stretch out My hand against you, and give you as plunder to the nations. I will cut you off from the peoples, and I will cause you to perish from the countries; I will destroy you, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

The Ammonites’ outward expressions of celebration over Israel’s suffering are condemned by God. By clapping and stomping in mockery, they revealed their deep hatred, which God would repay by bringing judgment upon them. God’s justice will manifest as He removes them from their land, emphasizing that their actions were not unnoticed.

Ezekiel 25:8-11 (NKJV)
8 “Thus says the Lord God: ‘Because Moab and Seir say, “Look! The house of Judah is like all the nations,”
9 therefore, behold, I will clear the territory of Moab of cities, of the cities on its frontier, the glory of the country, Beth Jeshimoth, Baal Meon, and Kirjathaim.
10 To the men of the East I will give it as a possession, together with the Ammonites, that the Ammonites may not be remembered among the nations.
11 And I will execute judgments upon Moab, and they shall know that I am the Lord.’”

Moab and Seir (Edom) mocked Israel, viewing Judah as just another defeated nation. God, however, sees this as a slight against His people and His promises to them. The judgment pronounced against Moab will strip them of their pride, as their cities will be overtaken and given to foreign powers. This serves as a reminder that even prideful thoughts against God’s people can bring consequences.

Ezekiel 25:12-14 (NKJV)
12 “Thus says the Lord God: ‘Because of what Edom did against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended by avenging itself on them,’
13 therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘I will also stretch out My hand against Edom, cut off man and beast from it, and make it desolate from Teman; Dedan shall fall by the sword.
14 I will lay My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, that they may do in Edom according to My anger and according to My fury; and they shall know My vengeance,’ says the Lord God.

Edom’s vengeance against Judah led them to harsh actions that offended God. As a result, God will bring desolation upon Edom and use Israel as an instrument of His judgment. This passage highlights the cycle of vengeance and the inevitability of divine justice, showing that God’s anger will ultimately be poured out on those who mistreat His people.

Ezekiel 25:15-17 (NKJV)
15 “Thus says the Lord God: ‘Because the Philistines dealt vengefully and took vengeance with a spiteful heart, to destroy because of the old hatred,’
16 therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant of the seacoast.
17 I will execute great vengeance on them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I lay My vengeance upon them.’”

The Philistines’ historical enmity toward Israel motivated their vengeful actions. In response, God declares His intention to punish them severely, wiping out their influence along the coast. This judgment serves as a final warning, indicating that God’s vengeance is assured and absolute. Through this, the Philistines will come to recognize His sovereignty, underlining that no nation can escape divine retribution for persistent enmity.