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Book of Ezekiel
Chapter 25
Chapter 25 brings us to a new section (Ch.25 - 32), which shall be Ezekiel speaking prophecies against the nations around Israel. All of these ancient nations, have long ago disappeared from the face of the Earth, so the prophecies about them have been literally fulfilled.
Up to now, Ezekiel has been giving out prophecies about Jerusalem and the land of Israel because the final exile of the children of Israel had not yet come. Up to the very last moment, the people held on to a feeble, shaky hope, because they listened to the lies of their false prophets (Jer.14:13-16), that God would not destroy Jerusalem and the land of Israel would remain. But, when the destruction came to Jerusalem, as foretold, the people were shocked. False Prophets: (Deut.13:1-3; 18:20; 1 Ki.1318; Heh.6:12; Jer.14:13-16; 20:6; 23:25-27; 23:30-32; 28:16-17; 29:32; Lam.2:14; Zec.13:3). False prophets were everywhere back then and they are everywhere in today’s world! BEWARE!!! Do NOT be like the Jews who listened to these liars!
Ezekiel was proved accurate in all his prophecies about Jerusalem, but from here on, he will bring prophecies of the surroundings nations. What will be their fate? There is a fantastic message for us in this Chapter. GOD'S city now lies in ruins. I can see Jeremiah standing over that city, tears flowing, for he is a man with a broken heart. Jeremiah mirrors the One who will be coming to Earth in five hundred years or so. That Awesome One will sit over Jerusalem, on the Mount of Olives and will weep over the city (Mat.24:1-3), knowing full well that utter destruction is coming again because its people will have turned their backs on the Living and True GOD.
http://www.hisservants.org/is_jesus_god_h_s.htm
If we look, we can see another prophet, but he is NOT weeping; for at this same time, Ezekiel’s beloved wife died, and the Scriptures make it clear that he loved her, but he is told NOT to mourn. On the outside, he seems to be a really heartless, uncaring husband, but I feel certain that he was torn up inside. The LORD told him to act as he did, and Ezekiel obeyed. I wonder IF we would obey as Ezekiel did, if GOD told us to do this.
I think that Jeremiah and Ezekiel reveal the two sides of GOD. Many people never think of a GOD of wrath, only as a GOD of love. God is tenderhearted, like Jeremiah and the LORD Jesus Christ. GOD is merciful and kind. He was not willing that any should perish (2 Pet.3:9), so He died on the cross for us. BUT . . . dear one, read what the LORD Jesus said: Luke 10:13-15 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. 15 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. (KJV) . . . This is mighty powerful words coming from the Gentle Jesus! He also said: Luke 11:44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. (KJV) . . . The LORD Jesus condemned them in such a way that it gives me goose bumps! There are two sides to God: a GOD of love AND a GOD of wrath! He is the same today as He was in Ezekiel’s day! He hates SIN, and He punishes SIN! People are getting the wrong idea about GOD when they go to a church that only teaches GOD is love, GOD is love. YES!!! Absolutely GOD is love! BUT the Lord GOD has TWO sides!
GOD is also Holy and pure, and He cannot tolerate SIN. IF a person continues on, persisting in sin, when they know it is wrong, GOD’S wrath sets in, and judgment comes from Him. BEWARE!!!
Dear one, there is indeed a message here for us today! We must NOT keep on in sin. The longer you continue on in a sin, the more hardened you become. IF you refuse to repent, as these Jews did, GOD shall indeed punish YOU! If not in this lifetime, He shall punish you in an eternal Hell! YES!!! There really IS a Hell! http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_is_it_there.htm
Again, I warn you that ALL people are given enough ‘light’ for them to know right from wrong. BEWARE!! Do NOT forget that GOD does exist, and that He NEVER lies! Romans 1:18-21 For the wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven against all unGODliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of GOD is manifest in them; for GOD hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and GODhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew GOD, they glorified him not as GOD, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (KJV)
Many people say that they do not understand the Book of Ezekiel. I have also heard that said about the entire Bible. Dear one, you cannot understand it unless you study it.
Theme: Prophecies against the nations: the Ammonites, Moab, Edom and the Philistines.
Prophecy against the Ammon (25:1-7)
The Ammonites had a very bad beginning. They were a nomadic race descended from an incestuous relationship between Lot and his younger daughter (Gen.19:33-38). Their country lay along the Dead Sea. God said they would be made subject to Nebuchadnezzar, and they were.
Even though they were descendants of Abraham through Isaac, the people of Edom had demonstrated hatred toward the people of Israel throughout their history (Ps.137:7; Am.1:11). When King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and took the Jews captive, Edom seemingly was an ally of Babylon (Oba,1:1,7). But, about fifty years later, under the new Babylonian King Nabonidus, an army that included Jewish soldiers conquered Edom, thereby fulfilling this prophecy. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200001258Edom did not survive as a nation (Oba.1:10). To me, it is amazing to see the Lord GOD’S prophetic justice fulfilled.
Ezekiel 25:1 The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, (KJV)
The word of the Lord came unto me . . . after Ezekiel had finished prophesying to the Jews, he is now commanded to prophesy against the Gentiles, the nations that lay closest to the Jews, saying; as follows:
Ezekiel 25:2 Son of man, set thy face against the Ammonites, and prophesy against them; (KJV)
Son of man, set thy face against the Ammonites . . . set thy face (20:46), includes anger, threats and intention of mind.
The Ammonites (21:28)were the descendants of Lot by the younger daughter, close neighbors, but bitter enemies to the Jews. http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/1414-ammon-ammonites
And prophesy against them . . . deliver out the following prophecy concerning them.
Ezekiel 25:3 And say unto the Ammonites, Hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou saidst, 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; (KJV)
And say unto the Ammonites . . . either tell Ammonite merchants or travelers, who are in Babylon for trade or to see its state; or send a letter to them who may serve in Nebuchadnezzar’s camp as soldiers, that they may tell others . . . either to their ambassadors at Babylon, or merchants there; or by letters to them, the prophet being in Chaldea, quite a distance from them.
Hear the word of the Lord GOD . . . not the word of Chemosh their idol (Jer.48:7,13,46), not the lies of their false prophets.
Thus saith the Lord GOD, because thou saidst, Aha, against my sanctuary, when it was profaned . . . meaning they expressed joy at the destruction of the Temple, when it was burnt by Nebuchadnezzar . . . the LORD knew that they would do so, and are here threatened beforehand . . . for as yet the Temple was not destroyed; proof of GOD'S foresight of future things that would happen.
And against the land of when it was desolate . . . the land of the ten tribes, which had been desolate from the sixth year of Hezekiah, when the people of it were carried captive by Shalmaneser king of Assyria; this also was matter of joy to the Ammonites. Samaria, Aholah is the ten tribes of Israel; Jerusalem, Aholibah is the two tribes of Judah (23:4).
And against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity . . . the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin, who were carried captive by Nebuchadnezzar; part of which had already been carried captive under Jeconiah, and the rest would be, and were, under Zedekiah; which completed the destruction of Israel and Judah, and gave the utmost pleasure to their enemies the Ammonites; who were so irreverent as to rejoice at the destruction of their Temple, the place of their religious worship, which they hated; and were so callous as to express the delight and satisfaction they had in the ruin of their fellow creatures and neighbors, and who originally were related to them. This brutish and barbarous behavior of the Ammonites was greatly resented by the LORD.
Ezekiel 25:4 Behold, therefore I will deliver thee to the men of the east for a possession, and they shall set their palaces in thee, and make their dwellings in thee: they shall eat thy fruit, and they shall drink thy milk. (KJV)
Behold, therefore, I will deliver thee to the men of the east for a possession . . . men of the east is the Chaldeans and Syrians as one states, while another says the Medes and Persians, which lay more eastward; or it may be the Arabs, who are commonly called the men of the east; who were a part of Nebuchadnezzar's army, and whom he might reward with this country, when taken by him; for it seems this prophecy, according to Josephus was fulfilled five years after the destruction of Jerusalem.
And they shall set their palaces in thee, and make their dwellings in thee . . . or, their camps and their tents; and one version renders it, their armies and their tents; who would subdue them, and take possession of their cities and fields, and enjoy what they found there.
They shall eat thy fruit, and drink thy milk . . . the fruit of their land, of their vineyards and fields, and the milk of their flocks and herds, which was commonly done in those countries. The Targum is, they shall eat the good of thy land, and spoil thy substance.
Ezekiel 25:5 And I will make Rabbah a stable for camels, and the Ammonites a couchingplace for flocks: and ye shall know that I am the LORD. (KJV)
And I will make Rabbath a stable for camels . . . Rabbah means the Great, and was Ammon's metropolis. Under the Ptolemies it was rebuilt under the name Philadelphia; the ruins are called Amman now, but there are no dwellings inhabited. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptolemaic_dynasty A stable for camels, turn it from a royal palace to be a barn for camels and their drivers. Camels were used in traveling across wide stretches of desert, and treasures were packed upon the humps of camels (Isa. 30:6). King David had a special officer over his camels; named Obil (I Chron. 27:30). Camels were also used in war (Isa.21:7). http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/3948-camel
And the Ammonites a couching place for flocks . . . meaning that the land of the Ammonites would be made a place for flocks of sheep to lie down in, which the Arabs would bring and feed upon it.
And ye shall know that I am the LORD . . . (24:24; 25:8; 26:6; 30:8; 35:9; 38:23), the LORD is omniscient [all-knowing], He sees and detects all their insults upon the children of Israel and Judah; and the LORD is omnipotent [all powerful], He is able to perform all that He threatens, and He is also immutable [absolute, indisputable], being able to bring about all that is here prophesied. Ye shall know; then they shall know that the Lord GOD was as able to not only defend His own people, Temple and worship, just as He was able to destroy their gods, their cities, and their people.
Ezekiel 25:6 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast clapped thine hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel; (KJV)
For thus saith the Lord GOD . . . their sin and punishment are furthermore enlarged,
Because thou hast clapped thine hands, and stamped with thy feet . . . signs expressing joy and gladness (Isa.55:12), the Ammonites clapped their hands together and leaped for joy, when they heard of the disasters of the Jews. The Ammonites did not know yet, but they would soon have reason to be sorrowful, since it would soon be their turn for the king of Babylon to come against them, at the same time he came against Jerusalem, even though there was a question, which the king would attack first (21:19-22).
And rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel . . . the Ammonites had great joy in their heart, which they expressed in the most spiteful and scornful manner they were capable of; which showed the wretched meanness of their dispositions against the children of Israel; they hated them with perfect hatred.
Ezekiel 25:7 Behold, therefore I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and will deliver thee for a spoil to the heathen; and I will cut thee off from the people, and I will cause thee to perish out of the countries: I will destroy thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD. (KJV)
Behold, therefore, I will stretch out mine hand upon thee . . . because they were filled with joy at Israel’s disasters, GOD would stretch out His hand of judgment in joy against the Ammonites, in just revenge for their clapping hands in joy against GOD’S people; and when the LORD’S Hand would come down, they would find it to be a heavy one indeed, in which they would not be able to resist or bear it. The Targum is, I will lift up the stroke of my power upon thee.
And will deliver thee for a spoil to the Heathen . . . to the Chaldeans first, and then to the Arabians, to be spoiled and plundered by them of their wealth and substance; some render it, for meat unto them; to be devoured and consumed by them.
And I will cut thee off from the people, and I will cause thee to perish out of the countries . . . so as to be no more a people nor a country; nor be counted among the people and countries; nor have any association with them, or help from them.
I will destroy thee, and thou shalt know that I am the LORD . . . it was the LORD who has said and done all this; see (25:5). And ye shall know that I am the LORD . . . (24:24; 25:8; 26:6; 30:8; 35:9; 38:23).
Prophecy against Moab (25:8-11)
Ezekiel 25:8 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Moab and Seir do say, Behold, the house of Judah is like unto all the heathen; (KJV)
Thus saith the Lord GOD . . . . by His servant the prophet, to whom the Word of the LORD came, concerning the Ammonites, so too concerning the Moabites, as follows:
Because that Moab and Seir do say . . . Moab are the children of Lot by the elder daughter, the whole nation going under the name of the first father of them, near but evil neighbors to Israel and Judah. Seir is the seed of Esau, who are Edom, Idumeans or Seir, from the mountain where they first planted themselves; near of kin in blood, but bitter enemies to the Jews: although both are here joined, yet Moab is first doomed (25:9-11), and Seir next (25:12-14) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/10898-moab
Behold, the house of Judah is like unto all the heathen . . . the house of Judah is the peculiar people of God, who had His Law, His Temple and His worship of His own appointment, among them. Peculiar people: (Ex.19:5; Deut.14:2; 26:18; Ps.135:4; Tit.2:14; 1 Pet.2:9). Is like unto all the heathen . . . Moab and Seir said that the house of Judah is no more a select people than any others; their religion no better, nor is their GOD any better than the gods of their neighbors, and they are not more benefited by their worship of Him. The house of Judah is like atheists, dethroning GOD, and humiliating Him, bringing Him to the level with their own idols. More particularly Moab’s sin is set out in (Jer.48).
Ezekiel 25:9 Therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities which are on his frontiers, the glory of the country, Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim, (KJV)
Therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities . . . I will open; when the LORD open the gates of iron, the gates shall not be shut (Isa.451-2). Every attempt shall be easy, and Nebuchadnezzar's soldiers shall break through the defenses that they in vain boasted invulnerable. The side of Moab seems to mean that part of Moab which was most highly fortified for the safeguard of all Moab. The Targum is, the strength of Moab; where their principal cities were, their frontier towns, and fortified places, as appears by what follows.
From his cities which are on his frontiers . . . from the cities of strength, called here his, because he gloried and trusted in them, such as Ar (Num.21:28) and Aroer (Dut.2:36), seated on Arnon (Jer.48:20), which were very sturdy strongholds.
The glory of the country . . . refers to the wonderful pasture lands that belong to Reuben, lands north of the river Arnon, which the Moabites had conquered in the latter days of the existence of Judah, as the above cities were, and too, those that follow:
Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim . . . Bethjeshimoth was formerly in the tribe of Reuben, but now was possessed by the Moabites, which was one of their main cities (Num.33:39; Josh.12:3; 13:20). Baalmeon Baal-meon; also called Moon, and Baiith, and Beth-baal-meon, which was the mansion-house of Baal. (Num.32:38; Josh.13:17, Jer.48:23). Baalmeon was located on the north coast of Moab, while Bethjeshimoth was on the west. Kiriathaim wasa double city, which probably consisted of two cities, or two main parts; and was a very strong frontier town, but was not able to keep out those that God would lead in. It was built also by the Reubenites (Num.32:37), but was now in the hands of the Moabites, ten miles from Medeba (Isa.15:2), on this side of the country of Moab, and through these cities, the LORD threatens to open a way for their enemies to enter in and destroy them, as follows.
*****The ruins of these three cities are on the northeast border of the Dead Sea (Num.32:37-38; 33:49; Josh.12:3; 13:19-20; Jer. 48:22-25), was a region famous in ancient and modern times as a pasture land.
Ezekiel 25:10 Unto the men of the east with the Ammonites, and will give them in possession, that the Ammonites may not be remembered among the nations. (KJV)
Unto the men of the east with the Ammonites, and I will give them in possession . . . men of the East (25:4).
With the Ammonites, or against, as the Targum; that is, way should be made for the same people of the east, the Chaldeans or Arabians, that came against the Ammonites and destroyed them, to enter into the land of Moab and possess it, as they had done the land of Ammon.
That the Ammonites may not be remembered among the nations . . . the name of that people is entirely lost; and Moab as well, which underwent the same fate.
*****God will throw open Moab and Ammon, to the sons of the east, and will give both nations in possession to them, so that Ammon shall be no more remembered, and judgment shall be executed on Moab. They were to be conquered and desolated by Nebuchadnezzar, but possessed by the Bedouins. The Ammonites and Moabites were nations so closely connected together that nearly all which has been said of the one applies to the other.
Ezekiel 25:11 And I will execute judgments upon Moab; and they shall know that I am the LORD. (KJV)
I will execute judgments upon Moab . . . even though the Chaldeans and Arabs were the instruments of their ruin, their destruction was of the LORD; it was His Hand that was upon them, and it was His vengeance that was executed on them, because of their unforgivable sayings against His people. Even though the Lord GOD Himself had spoken against the Jews in His Holy wrath, and chastised them for their sins, He will NOT allow others to speak against them. Dear one, another lesson here for us today! Hatred and blasphemy of Jews is wrong in the Eyes of Almighty GOD! BEWARE!!! http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_israel.htm
And they shall know that I am the LORD . . . that takes part with Judah, and will avenge himself of all their enemies. Know that I am the LORD: (Ex.6:7; 7:5, 17; 8:22; 10:2; 14:4; 16:12; 29:46; 31:13; Deut.29:6; 1 Ki.20:13, 28; Isa.45:3; 49:26; 60:16; Jer.24:7; Eze.5:13; 6:7, 13; 7:4, 9, 27; 11:10, 12; 12:15-16, 20; 13:9, 14; 21; 14:8; 15:7; 16:62; 20:12, 20, 26, 38, 42, 44; 22:16; 23:49;24:24; 25:5,7,11;17; 26:6; 28:22-24,26; 29:6, 9,16,21; 30:8, 19, 25-26; 32:15; 33:29; 34:27, 30; 35:4,9,12,15; 36:11,23,38; 37:6,13; 38:23; 39:6-7, 22,28; Joel 2:27; 3:17)
*****The Lord GOD would judge Moab, and the Moabites would come to realize that He IS the Lord GOD. This nation also passed out of existence during the Exile. Yet the LORD promised to restore the fortunes of Moab in the distant future (Isa.19:18-23; 23:18; Jer.48:47; 49:6, 39). This happened in a small way after the Exile, but it will be fulfilled in the final event in the GOD’S divine plan; the end of this world as we know it.
Prophecy against Edom (25:12-14)
Ezekiel 25:12 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them; (KJV)
Thus saith the Lord GOD . . . concerning Seir or the Edomites (25:8), the prophecy concerning the Moabites being ended.
Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance . . . Edom . . . the Edomites were the children of Esau. The Edomites carried an old grudge against the Jews, not only because their father Jacob had purchased the birthright and blessing from their father Esau, but because they were made branches to them in David's time, and were afterwards severely punished by Amaziah (2 Chron.25:11); these things stayed in their minds, and vowed revenge whenever they had a chance for one; and now one is offered at the destruction of Jerusalem, which they took. The house of Judah . . . was the kingdom of David after the division of the tribes, when but two remained loyal to the house of David. http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/5846-esau
http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/5434-edox-idumea
And hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them. . . they not only by rejoiced at the destruction of the Jews, but encouraged the Babylonians in it; assisting them therein, joining with them in plundering the city, and in cutting off those with the sword who endeavored to make their escape (Ps.137:7).
*****Jacob obtains Esau's birthright for just one bowl of stew. Esau sold his birthright (Heb.12:16).
Genesis 25:29-34 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: 30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. 31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. 32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? 33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright. (KJV)
See Israel Divided in Special Comments at the end of this Chapter.
Ezekiel 25:13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword. (KJV)
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD . . . this phrase is found 227 times in the KJV of the Bible, and 127 times in the Book of Ezekiel.
I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; Stretch out mine hand . . . (16:27; 25:7), by the army of Nebuchadnezzar, by the sword of the Chaldeans, by famine and pestilence, and other similar painful judgments; in which the mighty Hand of GOD is clearly seen. Cut off man, by the sword of the Chaldeans, and by other destroying evils which accompany war, as famine, pestilence and other diseases. And beast; either their cattle would be driven away by the marauding soldier, or devoured by the great number in the army of Nebuchadnezzar, or they would be wasted with disease.
And I will make it desolate from Teman . . . a major city of Edom, named after Teman, the son of Eliphaz, the son of Esau (Gen.36:11), which lay in the south of the land of Idumea. The Targum renders it, from the south.
And they of Dedan shall fall by the sword . . . Dedan (27:15, 20; 38:13) was another city of Edom, it lay in the north of that country; so that it is indicated that destruction would go through it from the south on up to the north. Dedan, who was of Abraham by Keturah (Gen.25:3); the Dedanites were neighbors to Edom, on the side of Arabia, or possibly intermixed with the Edomites in habitation and commerce, so that it might be a city reckoned either to Edom or Arabia. From Teman to Dedan the Chaldean sword would waste all.
Ezekiel 25:14 And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD. (KJV)
And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by fie hand of my people Israel . . . I will lay my vengeance upon Edom, which since it is so great, so just, so sure and fitting, for their foot slideth in due time (Deut.32:35).
By the hand of my people Israel, the same hand by which judgment was inflicted upon Israel; suggesting that by the same hand vengeance would be inflicted on the Edomites, meaning the Babylonians.
And they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury. . . they shall execute all the punishment in anger and fury, which the LORD in righteous judgment has appointed to them, and has been determined . . . shall be performed upon them, by the children of Israel or the Babylonians, as His instruments.
And they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD . . . saith the Lord GOD; meaning that they shall feel to the depth of their souls what happens, and know that what they receive comes from the LORD Himself, because HE had great anger and resentment against Edom, and was extremely displeased at their behavior towards His people Israel.
Prophecy against Philistia (25:15-17)
Ezekiel 25:15 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred; (KJV)
Thus saith the Lord GOD . . . once more, the prophet hears these words from the LORD, concerning yet another enemy of the people of Israel, and who had been of old a relentless one.
Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge , . . for what they suffered in the times of Saul, when Goliath was slain by David (1 Sam.17:45-50), and their army was discomfited; and for the overthrow of them by David, when he came to throne; and for his burning their images, and subduing them (1 Sam.17:51), this revenge they took in the time of Ahaz (2 Chron.28:18), and most likely also showed their spite at the time of Jerusalem's destruction. http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/12107-philistines
And have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred . . . a hatred and contempt of the people of Israel, from when they first settled in Canaan; from the times of the judges, most of all Samson (Judg.16:21-31), and from the times of Saul and David. It was an old grudge they bore, with spite and malice in their hearts, and determined to take vengeance when they could, and utterly destroy them. It is very likely, that this perpetual hatred of Israel, is why they assisted the Chaldean army.
Ezekiel 25:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast. (KJV)
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD. . . therefore, because of their dreadful malice and despicable practice.
Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines . . . as is foretold (Jer.47:1) the Philistines. Stretch out mine hand or cut them off(25:7,13).
And I will cut off the Cherethims . . . the Cherethims were one of the tribes of the Philistines (1 Sam.30:14; Zep. 2:4-15), a major part of their country, which lay to the south. King David’s body-guard, was drawn partly from them (2 sam.15:18), and were King Solomon's escort at his coronation (1Ki.1:38).
And destroy the remnant of the seacoast . . . as that of Ashdod, Caphtor, and Ashkelon, formerly spoiled by other persons; what they left should now be utterly destroyed (Isa.20:1) Cherethims (1 Sam.30:14; 2 Sam.15:18; Zep.2:4-15). The remnant which had escaped the sword of Samuel, David, Hezekiah, and of Psammeticus king of Egypt. Of the sea-coast . . . the Mediterranean Sea. http://www.bible-history.com/maps/philistines.html
https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/fbd/c/cherethims.html
Ezekiel 25:17 And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them. (KJV)
And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes . . . great vengeance (6:7; 24:8; 25:5,8,11-12,14-15,17). The Lord GOD shall execute great vengeance . . . great in amount and size, and great in number. GOD would attack with furious rebukes and fierceness of wrath . . . with NO mercy. The Philistines, as other foolish nations, will not understand until they feel the pain and sorrow GOD would send their way. Only then will they finally admit and confess that it is indeed the mighty Hand of a just and righteous GOD, bringing justice on them for their sin. GOD’S great vengeance was retaliation for the Philistines fury, malice, vengeance and wrath against His people . . . this suggests that the judgments inflicted on them, for quantity and quality would indeed be very great.
And they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them . . . they shall then SEE the Hand of GOD in it, recognize and admit His justice, and confess that their gods were idols, and that the GOD of Israel is the only True GOD. They shall know that I am the LORD . . . the Philistines were led up from Caphtor to Palestine by the exact same ONE who led Israel out of Egypt (Am. 9:7), and they are now punished for the exact same reason . . . to bring them to a knowledge of the true GOD (6:7, 13; 7:4,9; 11:10,12.15; 13:9,14,21,23; 14:8; 15:7; 20:38,42,44; 23:49; 24:24,27; 25:17; 26:6; 28:23; 30:26; 35:15; 38:23).
But, sad to say, Philistia refused to learn the lesson to which Israel hearkened.
Special Comments
CONSIDER: I do hope and pray that you do not hurriedly pass through this most interesting Chapter. I hope you see how the LORD always takes special notice of His people, even in the times of their backsliding, for some might think that to fear the Lord had no part with them. Israel was at this time being chastised, and under heavy affliction. But . . . will their GOD allow their enemies to insult them in their misery? The answer is NO! Will GOD allow them to rejoice when Israel profanes the LORD's sanctuary? NO! Will GOD allow them to be happy when Israel's land lays desolate, and the house of Judah is gone into captivity? Again, the answer is NO!
Dear one, the LORD sees the enemies triumph, and He hears their criticisms, back in Ezekiel’s time and today!
It is a wonderful thing to find the LORD taking part with His redeemed against all their oppressors; and even though He corrects them Himself, He will NOT allow them to be corrected by others not commissioned by Him. Whoso toucheth them, toucheth the apple of his eye (Zec.2:8). Precious LORD Jesus, give Your TRUE people, both Jews and Gentiles, grace to see, the importance and value of their union with You; for even in their sorrows for sin, and under Your displeasure, You will NEVER allow the enemy to triumph over them; but will condemn every tongue that rises against them in judgment. Thank You Jesus!
Galatians 3:26-29 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.(KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm
http://www.godcannotlie.org/saving_faith.htm
http://www.godcannotlie.org/truth_about_salvation.htm
Dear one, there is indeed a message here for us today! We must NOT stupidly, keep on in sin. The longer you continue on in a sin, the more hardened you become. IF you refuse to repent, as these Jews did, GOD shall indeed punish YOU! If not in this lifetime, He shall punish you in an eternal Hell! YES!!! There really IS a Hell! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_is_it_there.htm
Again, I warn you that ALL people are given enough ‘light’ for them to know right from wrong. BEWARE!! Do NOT forget that GOD does exist, and that He NEVER lies! Romans 1:18-21 For the wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven against all unGODliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of GOD is manifest in them; for GOD hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and GODhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew GOD, they glorified him not as GOD, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (KJV)
Seven Gentile powers to be judged in the Book of Ezekiel:
1. Ammon (25:1-7)
2. Moab (25:8-11)
3. Edom (25:12-14)
4. Philistia (25:15-17)
5. Tyre (26:1- 28:19)
6. Zidon (28:20-26)
7. Egypt (29:1- 32:32)
CONSIDER: The Ammonites, were the cruel enemies of the Jewish people, are the first of the Gentile nations to be judged by Jehovah (Ex.6:3; Ps.83:18; Isa.12:2; 26:4), the GOD of Israel, declaring their incitements, and denouncing their doom. JEHOVAH is found 4 times in the Bible . . . JESUS is found 983 times.
(1). The Ammonites crime was, the malicious pleasure they took in seeing GOD'S Israel ruined. They were delighted in the profaning of the sanctuary, and gloated in the desolations and captivity of the people; expressing the malice of their hearts by their clapping their hands, leaping for joy because of their miseries, which the least of humanity would have taken pity. But, sad to say . . . the hatred of the natural heart (Jer.17:9) against those bringing the Truth of the Word of GOD is certain to express itself on their falls or misfortunes. But, dear one, GOD observes all that goes on, and shall righteously judge. Jeremiah 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. (KJV)
The Ammonites punishment for their brazen way of acting will be their utter destruction. The men of the east, the Chaldeans, or the Arabians who were in Nebuchadrezzar's army, and afterwards possessed the country; they shall seize their land for a possession, set up their palaces therein, and dwell there, feasting on their spoil, their fruits, and their milk. Rabbah, the metropolis, shall be turned into a stable for camels, and the land would feed the flocks of their conquerors. God's stretched-out arm shall make an end of them, cut them off from being any longer a people, and cause them to perish from the earth; and in this terrible destruction, GOD shall make His Name great to the avenger of His people's wrongs.
There are three other guilty nations are called to God's bar to hear their doom. Their crimes and their punishments are much the same. Next are the Moabites.
(2). The Moabites crime was that they delighted in the sins and sufferings of the Jews. They say, Behold, the house of Judah is like unto all the heathen (25:8); perfect deserters of their GOD, totally given to idolatry and, as the result, had fallen into the hands of the Babylonians; and there was no difference between them and others, of which they used to boast. Deserters from God's worship give the enemies great reason to blaspheme.
The Moabites punishment would be, for them to become a prey to the same invaders as had destroyed the country of Ammon: their defenses ruined; their country laid open; and their capital cities, their glory, demolished. As a result they would fall just as their neighbors, the Ammonites did, and their names would be lost among the nations. By these judgments, God executes His power, His wrath, and the TRUTH of His threats would be known unto them.
(3). The Edomites were not only neighbors of Moab and Ammon, but they saw and rejoiced in the fall of Judaea; but they remembered the old grudge between Jacob and Esau, their subjection by David, and their chastisement by Amaziah (2 Chron.25:11); and now embraced the moment to execute their cruel revenge upon the poor afflicted people; at which God is highly and justly offended.
God will punish the Edomites severely . . . from the north to the south, and the after-effects of the Chaldeans shall spread, and man and beast be cut off by the stretched out arm (25:13) of the LORD: and when they afterwards returned from their captivity, and began to recover themselves, God will lay vengeance upon them by the hand of His people Israel; which was fulfilled under the Maccabees. Thus the LORD will pour out His fury upon them, and make them know that what they feel, was because they had offended the Almighty Lord GOD. .
(4). The Philistines’ sin and punishment are just about the same. With a despiteful heart, they grabbed the chance of taking vengeance for the old grudge that they had for the Jews: but they too shall suffer for it. GOD'S Arm of vengeance shall embrace His people's quarrel; their mighty men shall perish, their maritime cities be destroyed, and with furious rebukes they shall be made to know, that Israel's God is above all gods; and be made to confess His righteous judgments.
ISRAEL DIVIDED
The Lord GOD said that He would split the tribes of Israel because of Solomon’s disobedience and unfaithfulness.
1 Kings 11:9-13 And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, 10 And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. 11 Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. 12 Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. 13 Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen. (KJV)
And He did just that!
1 Kings 12:16-20 So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents. 17 But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. 18 Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. 19 So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.
20 And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only. (KJV)
https://www.gotquestions.org/Israel-Northern-Southern-kingdoms.html
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-twelve-tribes-of-israel
Israel's Kingdoms
The United Kingdom of Israel lasted through the reigns of Saul, David and Solomon. After Solomon died, the kingdom split: the ten tribes (Reuben, Simeon, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) and Benjamin) of ISRAEL with their capital up in Samaria, and the tribes of Benjamin and Judah forming the kingdom of JUDAH with their capital at Jerusalem.
The Northern Kingdom of Israel lasted a little over 200 years before it was slowly conquered by the Assyrians, and by 721 B.C. they had nearly all been taken into exile to Assyria (2 Ki.17:1-23). The vast majority of them never returned, and have become known as the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel.
The Southern Kingdom of Judah, about 135 years later, in 586 B.C., was conquered by the Babylonians, and the Jews were taken into captivity to Babylon. The original Temple of God in Jerusalem was destroyed at that time. The people of the Southern Kingdom of Judah did return after Babylon fell to the Persians, and their descendants have become the Jewish people of today.
After the death of King Solomon of Israel, the 12 tribes of Israel divided into two kingdoms. Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, became king of the southern kingdom of Judah, which was made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin and much of the tribe of Levi, the tribe that served at the Temple. Jeroboam, a former servant of King Solomon, became king of the northern kingdom of Israel, which was made up the remaining 10 tribes (1 Kings 11 and 12). Even though all the tribes were descendants of Jacob, also called Israel, (Gen.32:28; 35:10) and were known as Israelites under the single nation with this name, these peoples were now separated into two nations.
WHAT HAPPENED TO ISRAEL AND JUDAH?
It is important for us to see the difference between the people of these two nations: Israel and Judah. While all Jews were Israelites because they were descendants of Jacob (Israel), not all Israelites were Jews. Some Israelites came from tribes other than Judah and Benjamin. As we consider this difference, we find that the first time the word Jew appears in the KJV of the Bible, the nations of Israel and Syria are at war with the “Jews” (2 Ki.16:5-6).
Because of disobedience to His laws, God allowed the northern kingdom of Israel to be taken into captivity by the Assyrians in the eighth century B.C. The Assyrians took these Israelites captive in successive deportations and settled them in the cities of the Medes (2 Ki.17:6; 18:11). Since this time, these people are known in history as the lost 10 tribes of Israel.
Less than 150 years later, during the sixth century B.C., God allowed the nation of Judah, which also continued to sin, to fall to Babylon. Many Jews, including the prophet Daniel and his three friends (Dan.1:6-7), were taken as captives to Babylon. After 70 years, the Jews were given their freedom and allowed to return to Judah and rebuild the city of Jerusalem and the Temple. They were still in their land when the Romans conquered Judea in 63 B.C.
Israel and Judah in the first century
Although there had been some mixing of the peoples of Israel and Judah during their specific captivities, during the first century it was still assumed that they remained separate groups of people. Since he was of the tribe of Benjamin, the apostle Paul said that he was both a Jew (Acts 21:39) and a Hebrew (Phil.3:5).
When James wrote his Letter, he addressed it to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad (Jam.1:1). Writing during this same time period, Josephus the Jewish historian said, The entire body of the people of Israel remained in that country; wherefore there are but two tribes [Judah and Benjamin] in Asia and Europe subject to the Romans, while the ten tribes are beyond Euphrates till now, and are an immense multitude, and not to be estimated by numbers. (Antiquities of the Jews, 11.5.2, Complete Works of Flavius Josephus).
The modern nation of Israel
When the modern nation of Israel was founded in 1948, it was established as a refuge or sanctuary for Jews. Some have incorrectly supposed that because its founders chose the name Israel, this nation is now home for all of the descendants of ancient Israel. Several passages in the Bible make it clear that the modern nation of Israel does NOT represent all of the ancient Israelites. The Bible states that Abraham’s descendants would be a very large number of people . . . as the sand of the sea (Gen.32:12). The modern nation of Israel’s population is approaching 8 million, compared to the earth’s current population of in the area of 7 billion, the belief that the modern nation of Israel represents all of Abraham’s descendants does not fully do justice to the Promise God made to Abraham. In addition, Abraham’s descendant Ephraim was prophesied to become a multitude of nations (Gen.48:19).
God tells us by His prophet Ezekiel, His plan to unite the two nations.
Ezekiel 37:16-22 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: 17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. 18 And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these? 19 Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand. 20 And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes. 21 And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land: 22 And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all: (KJV)
All the descendants of the ancient Israelites who had been part of the ancient nations of Israel and Judah shall be reunited. The Bible tells us that Israel and Judah will one day be reunited as ONE nation.
Book of Ezekiel
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