◄ Ezekiel 25 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
A Prophecy against Ammon 1Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2“Son of man, set your face against the Ammonites and prophesy against them. 3Tell the Ammonites to hear the word of the Lord GOD, for this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you exclaimed, “Aha!” when My sanctuary was profaned, when the land of Israel was laid waste, and when the house of Judah went into exile, 4therefore I will indeed give you as a possession to the people of the East. They will set up their camps and pitch their tents among you. They will eat your fruit and drink your milk. 5I will make Rabbah a pasture for camels, and Ammona a resting place for sheep. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’ 6For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you clapped your hands and stomped your feet and rejoiced over the land of Israel with a heart full of contempt, 7therefore I will indeed stretch out My hand against you and give you as plunder to the nations. I will cut you off from the peoples and exterminate you from the countries. I will destroy you, and you will know that I am the LORD.’ A Prophecy against Moab 8This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Moab and Seirb said, “Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,” 9therefore I will indeed expose the flank of Moab beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land. 10I will give it along with the Ammonites as a possession to the people of the East, so that the Ammonites will no longer be remembered among the nations. 11So I will execute judgments on Moab, and they will know that I am the LORD.’ A Prophecy against Edom 12This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah, and in so doing incurred grievous guilt, 13therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off from it both man and beast. I will make it a wasteland, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. 14I will take My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. Then they will know My vengeance, declares the Lord GOD.’ A Prophecy against the Philistines 15This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because the Philistines acted in vengeance, taking vengeance with malice of soul to destroy Judah with ancient hostility, 16therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant along the coast. 17I will execute great vengeance against them with furious reproof. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I lay My vengeance upon them.’” Footnotes: 5 a Hebrew and the Ammonites 8 b LXX does not include and Seir. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Ezekiel 25 Summary Prophecies against the Nations Verses 1–7 – Judgment on Ammon Ezekiel is told to face the Ammonites and announce disaster. Their loud “Aha!” when Jerusalem fell, their clapping and foot-stomping, earn God’s hand against them. Nomadic “people of the East” will camp in their land, eat their produce, turn Rabbah into pastureland, and wipe Ammon from the map. The result: “Then you will know that I am the LORD.” Verses 8–11 – Exposure of Moab and Seir Moab and its partner Seir (Edom’s hill-country) sneer, “Judah is like all the nations.” God responds by tearing open Moab’s beautiful frontier—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, Kiriathaim. The same eastern raiders who leveled Ammon will annex Moab. Memory of Moab’s greatness will vanish, and the nation will learn the identity of the true, sovereign LORD. Verses 12–14 – Vengeance on Edom Edom took cruel, vengeful advantage of Judah’s collapse. The LORD’s hand now turns against Edom from Teman to Dedan. Israel itself will one day be God’s instrument of payback, executing divine anger until Edom feels the full weight of the LORD’s vengeance. Verses 15–17 – Punishment of Philistia Philistia’s age-old hostility bursts out in malicious revenge. God promises to “cut off the Cherethites” (a clan within Philistia) and eradicate the remaining coastal population. Furious rebukes and great vengeance will fall, and the Philistines will finally know the LORD they despised. Ezekiel 25, situated within the prophetic book of Ezekiel, takes us on a journey through God's divine pronouncements of judgment against four nations: Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia. These nations, who once rejoiced over Israel's downfall, now find themselves at the receiving end of God’s righteous wrath, underscoring the timeless truth of divine justice. Historical Background • Date: About 587–586 BC, shortly after Jerusalem’s fall. • Context: Judah’s neighbors—often rivals—cheered Babylon’s victory. Their gloating broke ancient kinship ties (Ammon and Moab descend from Lot; Edom from Esau) and ignored past restraints (Deuteronomy 2:4–9 had limited Israel’s aggression against these relatives). • Political Climate: Nebuchadnezzar’s forces were sweeping the Levant. Babylonian records mention campaigns against Ammon, Moab, and the Philistine coast in the 580s BC, matching Ezekiel’s timeline. Archaeological Notes • Rabbah (modern Amman, Jordan): Excavations show 6th-century layers with destruction and a gap in occupation—evidence of the prophesied downturn. • Beth-jeshimoth & Baal-meon: Moabite plateau towns surveyed at Tell Mushash and Khirbet Ba‘al-Ma‘in reveal sudden abandonment in the Neo-Babylonian period. • Edom’s Teman & Dedan: Rock-cut structures and fortresses near modern-day Petra and Khirbet et-Tannur attest to an advanced culture that faded abruptly, aligning with regional upheavals. • Philistia’s Cherethites: Pottery of Aegean style and the famous Philistine bichrome ware underline their sea-peoples heritage hinted in the term “Cherethites” (Crete-ites). Recurring Biblical Themes 1. Gloating over Israel brings judgment (Proverbs 24:17-18; Obadiah 12-15). 2. God disciplines His own people first, then the surrounding nations (Jeremiah 25:15-29; 1 Peter 4:17). 3. “Then they will know that I am the LORD” appears four times in this chapter (vv. 5, 7, 11, 17), stressing divine self-revelation through acts of justice. Links to Earlier Prophets • Amos 1:13-15 foretold Ammon’s capital going up in fire—fulfilled here. • Isaiah 15–16 and Jeremiah 48 echoed Moab’s collapse. • Jeremiah 49:7-22 targeted Edom with similar imagery of total ruin. • Zephaniah 2:4-7 predicted Philistia’s cities becoming pastures for shepherds—paralleling Ezekiel 25:5 for Ammon and 25:16 for Philistia. The “People of the East” Likely desert tribes allied with Babylon—Arameans, Ishmaelites, or Kedarenes—who would overrun the territories, living in tents and exploiting the land rather than building cities, matching the prophecy’s pastoral language. Moral Lessons • Schadenfreude is serious sin. Celebrating someone else’s downfall invites God’s discipline (v. 6). • National pride can blind people to God’s patience and boundaries. • Divine retribution is measured: “according to My anger and wrath” (v. 14) rather than human excess. • God protects His covenant reputation. Even in Judah’s judgment He defends His name by addressing the mockers. Echoes in Later History • Edom was absorbed into Idumea and, after AD 70, disappears as a people—exactly what God foretold. • Philistia lost its identity after Alexander the Great; Gaza alone retained a name. • Ammon and Moab faded, their lands swallowed by Arab tribes—the “people of the East” fulfilled over centuries. Practical Applications • Guard the heart from vindictive joy when enemies stumble; God sees (Obadiah 12). • Expect God to address injustice in His timing—sometimes through surprising instruments. • Trust that no national power is beyond accountability; God’s rule extends over all borders, all eras. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 2:1-4 Highlights God's sovereignty over the nations and His response to their rebellion. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall, which echoes the downfall of the proud nations in Ezekiel 25. Romans 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath, reminding us to trust in God's justice. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over Nations Ezekiel 25 demonstrates that God is not only the God of Israel but the God of all nations. His authority extends beyond the borders of Israel, and He holds all nations accountable for their actions. Judgment on Ammon Verses 1-7 describe God's judgment on the Ammonites for their gloating over Israel's misfortune. Because you said, ‘Aha!’ against My sanctuary when it was profaned... therefore I will give you as a possession to the people of the East (Ezekiel 25:3-4). Judgment on Moab In verses 8-11, Moab is judged for its scorn and derision towards Judah. God declares, I will execute judgments upon Moab. Then they will know that I am the LORD (Ezekiel 25:11). Judgment on Edom Verses 12-14 focus on Edom's vengeance against Judah. God promises retribution: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off man and beast from it (Ezekiel 25:13). Judgment on Philistia The Philistines are judged for their longstanding hostility towards Israel. I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes (Ezekiel 25:17). Practical Applications Trust in God's Justice We can trust that God sees the injustices in the world and will act in His perfect timing. Guard Against Pride and Gloating Like the nations judged in Ezekiel 25, we must be careful not to take pleasure in the misfortunes of others. Intercede for Nations Pray for nations and leaders, asking God to guide them in righteousness and justice. Reflect on God's Sovereignty Recognize that God is in control of all nations and history, and find peace in His ultimate plan. People 1. The Ammonites This group is addressed in verses 1-7. The Ammonites are descendants of Ammon, the son of Lot, and are often in conflict with Israel. The prophecy condemns them for their rejoicing over the destruction of the temple and the land of Israel. 2. Moab Mentioned in verses 8-11, Moab is another nation descended from Lot, through his other son, Moab. The prophecy against Moab is due to their scorn and derision towards the house of Judah. 3. Edom In verses 12-14, Edom is addressed. The Edomites are descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. The prophecy condemns Edom for taking vengeance on the house of Judah and harboring perpetual enmity. 4. The Philistines Verses 15-17 speak against the Philistines, a group historically in conflict with Israel. The prophecy condemns them for their longstanding hostility and vengeance against Judah. Places 1. Ammon The Ammonites are addressed first in Ezekiel 25. The prophecy speaks against them for their rejoicing over the desecration of the sanctuary and the downfall of Judah. The Hebrew root for Ammon is "עַמּוֹן" (Ammon), referring to the descendants of Lot through his younger daughter. 2. Moab Moab is the second nation mentioned. The Moabites are condemned for their scorn and derision towards the house of Judah. The Hebrew root for Moab is "מוֹאָב" (Mo'av), which is also linked to Lot, being the descendants of his elder daughter. 3. Edom Edom is the third nation addressed. The Edomites are criticized for taking vengeance on the house of Judah. The Hebrew root for Edom is "אֱדוֹם" (Edom), which is related to Esau, the brother of Jacob, and means "red." 4. Philistia The Philistines are the final group mentioned in this chapter. They are rebuked for their longstanding hostility and vengeance against Judah. The Hebrew root for Philistia is "פְּלֶשֶׁת" (Peleshet), referring to the people who inhabited the coastal region of Canaan. Events 1. Prophecy Against Ammon The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel, instructing him to prophesy against the Ammonites. The Ammonites are condemned for their rejoicing over the desecration of the sanctuary and the fall of Judah. "Because you said, ‘Aha!’ against My sanctuary when it was profaned, against the land of Israel when it was desolate, and against the house of Judah when they went into exile," (Ezekiel 25:3). 2. Judgment on Ammon God declares that He will hand over the Ammonites to the people of the East as a possession. This judgment is a direct response to their actions against Israel. "Therefore I will indeed give you as a possession to the people of the East." (Ezekiel 25:4). 3. Prophecy Against Moab The LORD speaks against Moab and Seir, condemning them for saying that Judah is like all other nations. "Because Moab and Seir said, ‘Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,’" (Ezekiel 25:8). 4. Judgment on Moab God announces that He will expose the flank of Moab, stripping away its cities and giving them to the people of the East. "Therefore I will expose the flank of Moab, beginning with its frontier cities..." (Ezekiel 25:9). 5. Prophecy Against Edom The LORD condemns Edom for taking vengeance on the house of Judah and holding onto ancient hostility. "Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah and incurred grievous guilt by taking revenge on them," (Ezekiel 25:12). 6. Judgment on Edom God declares that He will stretch out His hand against Edom, cutting off man and beast, and making it desolate. "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will stretch out My hand against Edom..." (Ezekiel 25:13). 7. Prophecy Against Philistia The LORD speaks against the Philistines for their actions of revenge and malice against Judah. "Because the Philistines acted in vengeance and took revenge with malice in their hearts..." (Ezekiel 25:15). 8. Judgment on Philistia God announces that He will execute great vengeance on the Philistines with wrathful rebukes. "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines..." (Ezekiel 25:16). Lessons from Ezekiel 25 1. Divine Justice is Inevitable Ezekiel 25 reminds us that God's justice is unwavering and inevitable. The chapter opens with God's pronouncement against the Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites, and Philistines for their actions against Israel. This serves as a powerful reminder that God sees all and will hold nations accountable for their actions. As it is written, "Because you clapped your hands and stamped your feet and rejoiced with all the malice of your heart against the land of Israel" (Ezekiel 25:6), God’s justice will prevail. This encourages us to live righteously, knowing that God’s justice is both fair and certain. 2. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. He is the ultimate ruler, and His plans will come to fruition regardless of human intentions. "I will execute judgments upon Moab. Then they will know that I am the LORD" (Ezekiel 25:11). This reassures us that no matter the chaos in the world, God is in control, and His purposes will stand. 3. The Consequences of Pride Ezekiel 25 teaches us about the dangers of pride. The Moabites and Ammonites are judged for their arrogance and disdain towards Israel. "Because Moab and Seir said, ‘Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,’" (Ezekiel 25:8), they faced God’s wrath. This lesson encourages humility and reminds us to guard against pride, which can lead to downfall. 4. Compassion Over Schadenfreude The chapter warns against taking pleasure in the misfortunes of others. The Ammonites rejoiced over Israel’s downfall, and God’s response was swift and severe. "Because you said, ‘Aha!’ against My sanctuary when it was profaned" (Ezekiel 25:3), they faced judgment. This teaches us to cultivate compassion and empathy, rather than delighting in others' struggles. 5. The Importance of Repentance Ezekiel 25 underscores the importance of repentance. The nations mentioned had ample opportunity to turn from their ways but chose not to. This serves as a reminder that repentance is crucial for restoration and avoiding judgment. It’s a call to examine our hearts and seek God’s forgiveness earnestly. 6. God’s Faithfulness to His People Despite the judgments pronounced, God’s faithfulness to Israel is evident. He defends His people and promises to restore them. This reassures us of God’s unwavering commitment to His promises and His people. "I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes" (Ezekiel 25:17), showing His protective nature over His chosen ones. 7. The Power of God’s Word The declarations in Ezekiel 25 demonstrate the power and authority of God’s word. What He speaks will come to pass, and His promises are sure. This encourages us to trust in His word and rely on His promises, knowing they are steadfast and true. 8. The Role of Prophets Ezekiel’s role as a prophet is crucial in delivering God’s messages. This highlights the importance of being attentive to God’s voice and being willing to share His truth with others. It’s a call to be bold in our faith and to speak God’s truth with love and conviction. 9. God’s Desire for Recognition Throughout the chapter, God’s desire for recognition and acknowledgment is clear. "Then they will know that I am the LORD" (Ezekiel 25:11) is a recurring theme. This reminds us of the importance of recognizing God’s hand in our lives and giving Him the glory He deserves. 10. Hope in God’s Ultimate Plan Finally, Ezekiel 25 offers hope in God’s ultimate plan. Despite the judgments, there is an underlying assurance that God’s plan is for the ultimate good of His people. This encourages us to trust in His divine plan, even when circumstances seem dire, knowing that His purposes are always for our benefit and His glory. Topics 1. Prophecy Against Ammon (Ezekiel 25:1-7) The chapter begins with a prophecy against the Ammonites. God declares judgment on Ammon for their rejoicing over the desecration of the sanctuary and the fall of Judah. The Hebrew root for "rejoiced" (שָׂמַח, samach) indicates a malicious joy, highlighting the Ammonites' hostility towards Israel. The Lord promises to hand them over to the people of the East as a consequence. 2. Prophecy Against Moab (Ezekiel 25:8-11) Next, the prophecy turns to Moab. The Moabites are condemned for their scornful attitude, as they claimed that Judah was like all other nations. The Hebrew term for "scorn" (בָּזוּ, bazu) reflects their contempt. God declares that Moab will be exposed to the same fate as Ammon, with the people of the East taking possession of their land. 3. Prophecy Against Edom (Ezekiel 25:12-14) The Edomites are judged for their vengeful actions against the house of Judah. The Hebrew root for "vengeance" (נָקָם, naqam) underscores the Edomites' desire for retribution. God promises to stretch out His hand against Edom and make it desolate, using the people of Israel as His instrument of judgment. 4. Prophecy Against Philistia (Ezekiel 25:15-17) The final prophecy in this chapter is against the Philistines. They are condemned for their longstanding enmity and acts of revenge against Judah. The Hebrew word for "revenge" (נָקָם, naqam) is again used, emphasizing their persistent hostility. God vows to execute great vengeance upon them, demonstrating His power and justice. Themes 1. Judgment Against Ammon The chapter begins with a prophecy against the Ammonites for their rejoicing over the desecration of the sanctuary and the fall of Judah. The Hebrew root for "rejoice" (שָׂמַח, samach) indicates a malicious joy. Ezekiel 25:3 states, "Because you said, ‘Aha!’ against My sanctuary when it was profaned, against the land of Israel when it was desolate, and against the house of Judah when they went into exile." 2. Retribution for Moab Moab is judged for its scorn and derision towards Judah. The theme here is the divine retribution for pride and mockery. Ezekiel 25:8-9 says, "Because Moab and Seir said, ‘Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,’ therefore I will expose the flank of Moab." 3. Condemnation of Edom Edom is condemned for taking vengeance on the house of Judah. The Hebrew root for "vengeance" (נָקָם, naqam) reflects a theme of divine justice. Ezekiel 25:12-13 declares, "Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah and incurred grievous guilt by taking revenge on them, therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom." 4. Punishment of Philistia The Philistines are judged for their longstanding hostility and vengeance against Judah. The theme here is the consequence of perpetual enmity. Ezekiel 25:15-16 states, "Because the Philistines acted in vengeance and took revenge with malice in their hearts, seeking to destroy Judah with ancient hostility, therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines." Prayer Points Pray for Humility Ask God to help us remain humble and not gloat over others' misfortunes. Pray for Justice Seek God's justice in situations of national and international conflict. Pray for Nations Lift up the leaders and people of nations, asking for wisdom and guidance in their governance. Pray for Peace Request God's peace to reign in areas of conflict and strife. As we study Ezekiel 25, let us be reminded of God's righteous judgment and His call for us to live justly and humbly before Him. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Ezekiel 25:2–7, can any solid historical or archaeological evidence confirm the exact downfall of the Ammonites as predicted? 2. Does Ezekiel 25:8–11 align with known historical records of Moab’s fate, or is there any contradiction or lack of corroboration? 3. In Ezekiel 25:12–14, is there verifiable evidence that Edom suffered the precise judgment described, or might this be an unfulfilled prophecy? 4. How does Ezekiel 25:15–17’s pronouncement against the Philistines compare with other biblical and extra-biblical accounts of their demise? 5. Since these judgments were attributed to divine intervention, why is there no clear non-biblical record that attributes such destruction directly to a supernatural cause? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Ezekiel 25 emphasize the consequences of gloating over another's misfortune? 2. Analyze the role of divine justice in this chapter. 3. How does God’s response to the actions of these nations reflect His character and relationship with Israel? 4. How do the prophecies against these nations underline the concept of cause and effect? 5. How can we apply the lessons from the actions of Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia in our daily lives? 6. If you were in the position of the Israelites, how would you feel about these prophecies? 7. How does the fate of these nations reinforce the idea that "what you sow, so shall you reap"? 8. In what ways can we see similar patterns of behavior in today’s society as exhibited by these nations towards Israel? 9. How can we ensure that we do not take joy in the misfortunes of others? 10. What does this chapter teach about the danger of harboring resentment and seeking revenge? 11. How does this chapter challenge our understanding of justice? 12. In your daily life, how can you cultivate the same kind of protective love for others that God demonstrated for Israel in this chapter? 13. How can the concept of divine justice be reconciled with the modern understanding of forgiveness and tolerance? 14. How should this chapter influence our attitudes towards those who wrong us? 15. How do these judgments demonstrate the sovereignty of God? 16. In today’s context, what can the response of these nations to Israel teach us about dealing with international relations? 17. How does the inevitable downfall of these nations shape our understanding of the consequences of unrighteousness? 18. In what ways can we use the lessons from this chapter to promote peace and harmony in our communities? 19. How does God's judgment function as a form of love and protection for His chosen people? 20. How can the principles in Ezekiel 25 guide us in confronting and responding to injustice in our present world? 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