Ezekiel 25-32: Oracles of Judgment Against the Nations

Introduction

1. Like other prophets, Ezekiel has a section devoted to the various prophecies he spoke against foreign nations.

2. Six nations are addressed all of whom are connected in some way to Israel and Judah.

3. Five were neighbors: Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, and Phoenicia; one was a political associate: Egypt.

4. The prophecies are collected in these pages but were delivered at various times during Ezekiel’s ministry.

5. While only a few words are spoken over the first four, Tyre and Egypt receive extended denunciations.

I.       The Oracle Against Ammon (25:1-7)

A.            Ammon and Israel

1.    Ammon was Israel’s neighbor to the east across the Jordan River.

2.    A historic enemy of Israel that was subjugated by David, Ammon was descended from Lot.

B.            Ammon’s Sin: Spiteful Joy and Gloating

1.    Ammon celebrated the Temple’s defilement, the land’s desolation, and Judah’s captivity. 25:3, 6

2.    This was not joy in God’s justice; they rejoiced at the disaster of those they disdained.

3.    While we rejoice in justice, God’s people do not gloat over a defeated enemy. Pr. 24:17-18

C.            Ammon’s Judgment

1.    Jehovah would give Ammon to eastern foreigners as a possession to plunder and destroy them.

2.    Their land would be occupied, their food consumed; their capital would become a stable.

3.    God would stretch out His hand against Ammon, and they would then know He is Jehovah.

II.    The Oracle Against Moab (25:8-11)

A.            Moab and Israel

1.    Moab was also on the eastern side of the Jordan, located south of Ammon next to the Dead Sea.

2.    Moab too was descended from Lot but was a sometime opponent of Israel during the kingdom.

B.            Moab’s Sin: Failure to Distinguish God’s People

1.    Moab failed to take note of the distinction of Israel as God’s nation. Jos. 2:8-11; 2Ch. 9:5-8

2.    This may in particular refer to a perverse satisfaction that Israel was judged like everyone else.

3.    Men would later dismiss the Messiah and view his death like any other man’s. Lk. 23:35-37

C.            Moab’s Judgment

1.    Moab would also be given to foreigners from the east, and its territory would be cleared of cities.

2.    God would execute judgments upon Moab, and they would then know He is Jehovah.

III. The Oracle Against Edom (25:12-14)

A.            Edom and Israel

1.    Edom was Israel’s neighbor to the southeast, located below Moab.

2.    Edom was descended from Esau; like Ammon and Moab, their land was given to them by God.

B.            Edom’s Sin: Vengeance Against Israel

1.    Edom took vengeance on Israel and became very guilty for their unjustified actions. Am. 1:11

2.    They exploited the opportunity created by Jerusalem’s fall to act violently against the Jews.

3.    Rather than taking personal revenge as Edom did, Christians leave vengeance to God. Ro. 12:19

C.            Edom’s Judgment

1.    Jehovah would stretch out His hand to cut off man and beast and desolate Edom north to south.

2.    God avenged thru Israel; the Maccabees circumcised the Edomites, ending national identity.

3.    The formula changes here: Edom would know God’s vengeance. Perhaps distinct w/o difference?

IV.  The Oracle Against Philistia (25:15-17)

A.            Philistia and Israel

1.    Philistia was Israel’s neighbor to the southwest; their territory ran along the Mediterranean coast.

2.    Philistia was one of the great, historic enemies of Israel from the day of the judges to David.

B.            Philistia’s Sin: Vengeance from Hatred

1.    Philistia had taken revenge on Israel with a spiteful heart because of their continuing hatred.

2.    Hatred held in the heart sickens us within; Christians love even their enemies. Mt. 5:43-48

C.            Philistia’s Judgment

1.    Jehovah would stretch out His hand against the Philistines to destroy their remnant.

2.    He would lay great vengeance on them with furious rebukes; they would know YHWH is God.

V.     The Oracles Against Tyre and Sidon (26-28)

A.            Tyre and Israel

1.    Tyre was the leading city of Phoenicia, Israel’s neighbor on the northwest along the sea coast.

2.    The Phoenicians were seafarers; Queen Jezebel was from Sidon, Phoenicia’s other leading city.

B.            Tyre’s Sin: Greed and Pride

1.    Nation judged (26), Nation lamented (27), Prince judged (28:1-10), Prince lamented (28:11-24)

2.    Chapters 27 and 28 use vivid illustrations of the nation and their ruler prior to and in their fall.

3.    Tyre selfishly celebrated Jerusalem’s fall as an opportunity to advance their interests. 26:2

4.    Success made them arrogant; they corrupted their wisdom for selfish ends. 27:3; 28:2-5, 16-19

5.    Opportunity, success, wisdom, and riches are gifts from God to be used for His glory. 1Pe. 4:10

C.            Tyre’s Judgment

1.    Tyre, which included an island fortress, would be defeated and eventually leveled. 26:3-6

2.    Many would fight Tyre, including Nebuchadnezzar; eventually her judgment would be complete.

3.    She would be plundered; she would be mourned; Phoenician Tyre would never be rebuilt. 26:14

VI.  The Oracles Against Egypt (29-32)

A.            Egypt and Israel

1.    Egypt was not a close neighbor but had a long history with Israel and was a present political ally.

2.    Egypt was Judah’s last hope, so they thought; many looked to an Egyptian alliance for salvation.

3.    Egypt is decried in seven oracles; six are dated; the second is the latest prophecy in the book.

B.            Egypt’s Sin: Pride

1.    Egypt had been a great power but was lifted up with pride and would be brought down. 30:6, 18

2.    They imagined themselves as strong, but God saw them as foolish and clumsy. 29:3-5; 32:2-5

3.    Pride is a precursor to destruction both individually and nationally. Pr. 16:18; 1Co. 10:12

C.            Egypt’s Judgment

1.    Egypt would be made desolate, but God would grant them a partial restoration. 29:8-16

2.    God would give the riches of Egypt to Babylon as payment for their hard work. 29:17-20

3.    Nine times God says, “They shall know I am YHWH.” 29:6, 9, 16, 21; 30:8, 19, 25, 26; 32:15

VII.                       Applications

A.            Jehovah Reigns over the Kingdoms of Men

1.    Jehovah was not only the God of Israel; He is the God who will bring every nation to judgment.

2.    How should the sovereignty of God influence our perspective on nations?

B.            God’s Judgments Testify to His Deity

19x. (25:5, 7, 11, 14, 17; 26:6, 22, 23, 24, 26; 29:6, 9, 16, 21; 30:8, 19, 25, 26; 32:15)

1.    Every nation would learn about Jehovah thru His judgments? What do we see in conflicts today?

2.    We should evaluate international conflict from a spiritual rather than purely political standpoint.

C.            God’s Holiness Will Be Displayed Among His People (28:25-26)

1.    God would be hallowed in His restored remnant; God’s people display His holiness.

2.    Is God hallowed (made holy) in my life? Is His holiness evident within me? 1Pe. 1:16

Conclusion

1. Oracles against foreign nations may seem a tedious part of the prophets, but their contents are fascinating.

2. God intended the nations to learn of Him thru these judgments. Will we learn from them as well?