Ezekiel 25

Today’s passage is a good reminder that while judgment begins at the house of God (with His chosen people, 1 Peter 4:17) judgment will extend as well to those who do not know God.  These sermons are written to God’s people as much as to the nations.  God is comforting His people, letting them know that these nations that took advantage of the devastation brought by Babylon will be remembered.  In His faithfulness God shows no partiality, whether in reward or judgment.

In this chapter the judgment is on four smaller nations.  Each judgment ends with desired goal that “then they shall know …”; the Lord..  The basis for judgment is found in the Abrahamic Covenant where God promised Abraham that those who would curse him would be cursed by God (Gen. 12:1-3).

·        25:1-7: Judgment on Ammon.  Ammon was a descendant of Lot, Abraham’s nephew.  The Ammonites occupied the area east of the Jordon River, from the Jabbok Rover in the north to the border of Moab.  They were more of a “Bedouin” or nomadic people.  Their judgment was the result of holding Israel in disdain and laughing at her suffering.  In the end, after judgment, they would “know that I am the LORD.”

·        25:8-11: Judgment on Moab.  Moab was also a descendant of Lot.  They occupied the area east of the Jordon River, straddling either side (north and south) of the Arnon River.  They were judged because they said that Israel was like all the other nations.  It is not simply because of what they said but because what they said revealed their heart and the way they treated Israel.  There are people like that today who have the same attitude.  Gentiles today are being tested by their attitude toward Israel.  As the judgment described in Matt. 25:31-46 indicates, the way Gentiles treat Israel when she is under God’s judgment is the basis on which God will then judge those same Gentiles.  After judgment Moab will also know that “I am the LORD.”

·        25:12-14: Judgment on Edom.  These are Esau’s descendants, the brother of Jacob.  They occupied the land east of Judah and south of Moab.  Edom is severely judged for his treatment of Israel when she was made desolate.  It is repeated in Ezek. 35.  They will know God’s vengeance.

·        25:15-17: Judgment on Philistia.  They occupies the area similar to what is today Gaza.  They would be judged because out of her ancient hatred of Israel she took vengeance on Israel in the time of Israel’s judgment.  In the end Philistia would know the LORD when He laid His vengeance on them.

Let us consider and remember that God will be known by all, and that all will bow the knee to God Anointed One, His Son, our Savior.  God loves and is merciful to all men.  And, God will be glorified by all men.  How does that fit us today, our plans and hopes?