Ezekiel 28:22

And you are to declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Behold, I am against you, O Sidon, and I will be glorified within you. They will know that I am the LORD when I execute judgments against her and demonstrate My holiness through her.

Study Bible

And you are to declare
This phrase emphasizes the role of the prophet as a messenger of God. The Hebrew root for "declare" is "נָבָא" (naba), which means to prophesy or speak by divine inspiration. This highlights the authority and responsibility given to Ezekiel to convey God's message, underscoring the importance of obedience and faithfulness in delivering God's word.

this is what the Lord GOD says
The phrase asserts the divine origin of the message. "Lord GOD" in Hebrew is "אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה" (Adonai Yahweh), a title that combines God's sovereignty and covenantal relationship with His people. This emphasizes the seriousness and authority of the proclamation, reminding the audience of God's ultimate power and faithfulness.

Behold, I am against you
"Behold" (הִנֵּה, hinneh) is a call to attention, indicating the importance of what follows. "I am against you" is a direct statement of opposition from God, highlighting His active stance against Sidon. This reflects the seriousness of Sidon's actions and the certainty of divine judgment, serving as a warning to those who oppose God's will.

O Sidon
Sidon was an ancient Phoenician city known for its wealth and commerce. Historically, it was a center of idolatry and opposition to Israel. By addressing Sidon, God is targeting a specific nation known for its pride and rebellion, illustrating the broader theme of God's judgment against nations that defy Him.

and I will display My glory in your midst
The Hebrew word for "glory" is "כָּבוֹד" (kavod), which signifies weightiness, honor, and splendor. God's glory is His manifest presence and power. By displaying His glory in Sidon's midst, God intends to reveal His supremacy and righteousness, turning a place of rebellion into a stage for His divine majesty.

Then they will know that I am the LORD
This phrase is a recurring theme in Ezekiel, emphasizing the purpose of God's actions: to reveal His identity and sovereignty. The knowledge of the LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is not just intellectual but relational, calling people to recognize and submit to His authority.

when I execute judgments against her
The term "execute judgments" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) involves the administration of justice. God's judgments are righteous and serve to correct and restore order. This underscores God's role as the just judge who holds nations accountable for their actions.

and demonstrate My holiness through her
"Holiness" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) refers to God's set-apartness and moral perfection. By demonstrating His holiness through Sidon, God reveals His distinct nature and the moral standards He upholds. This serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the transformative power of God's holiness in the world.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and holy God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Ezekiel.

2. Sidon
An ancient Phoenician city, often associated with idolatry and opposition to Israel.

3. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, tasked with delivering God's messages of judgment and hope to Israel and surrounding nations.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations, and His judgments are just and righteous. We must recognize His authority and submit to His will.

The Display of God's Glory
God's actions, whether in judgment or blessing, are meant to reveal His glory. We should seek to glorify God in our lives, understanding that His purposes are ultimately for His glory.

Holiness and Judgment
God's holiness demands justice. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, reflecting God's character in a world that often opposes Him.

Recognition of the LORD
The ultimate goal of God's actions is that people will know He is the LORD. Our lives should be a testimony to His lordship, leading others to recognize and worship Him.

Repentance and Restoration
While God judges sin, He also offers restoration to those who repent. We should be quick to repent and seek God's mercy, trusting in His promise of restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the judgment of Sidon in Ezekiel 28:22 reflect God's sovereignty over all nations, and how can this understanding impact our view of current world events?

2. In what ways can we display God's glory in our daily lives, as God intended to display His glory through His actions against Sidon?

3. How does the theme of God's holiness in judgment challenge us to pursue holiness in our own lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can help others recognize that the LORD is God, as He intended through His judgments?

5. How can the promise of restoration for those who repent encourage us in our personal walk with God, and how does this connect with the broader biblical account of redemption?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 23
This chapter also speaks of judgment against Tyre and Sidon, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations.

Jeremiah 25:22
Jeremiah includes Sidon in the list of nations that will drink the cup of God's wrath, highlighting the theme of divine judgment.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon echoes the judgment themes found in Ezekiel, illustrating God's ultimate victory over sinful nations.