Ezekiel Chapter 25 — Judgments on Neighboring Nations
This chapter records God's pronouncements of judgment against the neighboring nations of Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia for their mistreatment of Judah.
1The LORD’s word came to me, saying,
2“Son of man, set your face toward the children of Ammon, and prophesy against them.
3Tell the children of Ammon, ‘Hear the word of the Lord GOD! The Lord GOD says, “Because you said, ‘Aha!’ against my sanctuary when it was profaned, and against the land of Israel when it was made desolate, and against the house of Judah when they went into captivity,
4therefore, behold, I will deliver you to the children of the east for a possession. They will set their encampments in you and make their dwellings in you. They will eat your fruit and they will drink your milk.
5I will make Rabbah a stable for camels and the children of Ammon a resting place for flocks. Then you will know that I am the LORD.”
6For the Lord GOD says: “Because you have clapped your hands, stamped with the feet, and rejoiced with all the contempt of your soul against the land of Israel,
7therefore, behold, I have stretched out my hand on you, and will deliver you for a plunder to the nations. I will cut you off from the peoples, and I will cause you to perish out of the countries. I will destroy you. Then you will know that I am the LORD.”
8“ ‘The Lord GOD says: “Because Moab and Seir say, ‘Behold, the house of Judah is like all the nations,’
9therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities which are on its frontiers, the glory of the country, Beth Jeshimoth, Baal Meon, and Kiriathaim,
10to the children of the east, to go against the children of Ammon; and I will give them for a possession, that the children of Ammon may not be remembered among the nations.
11I will execute judgments on Moab. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”
12“ ‘The Lord GOD says: “Because Edom has dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended, and taken revenge on them,”
13therefore the Lord GOD says, “I will stretch out my hand on Edom, and will cut off man and animal from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman. They will fall by the sword even to Dedan.
14I will lay my vengeance on Edom by the hand of my people Israel. They will do in Edom according to my anger and according to my wrath. Then they will know my vengeance,” says the Lord GOD.
15“ ‘The Lord GOD says: “Because the Philistines have taken revenge, and have taken vengeance with contempt of soul to destroy with perpetual hostility,”
16therefore the Lord GOD says, “Behold, I will stretch out my hand on the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast.
17I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I lay my vengeance on them.” ’ ”
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Ezekiel 25:3
“Tell the children of Ammon, ‘Hear the word of the Lord GOD! The Lord GOD says, “Because you said, ‘Aha!’ against my sanctuary when it was profaned, and against the land of Israel when it was made desolate, and against the house of Judah when they went into captivity,"”
This verse explains the specific reason for Ammon's judgment: their joy over the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple.
Ezekiel 25:17
“I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I lay my vengeance on them.”
This concludes the chapter by emphasizing that God's actions are intended to reveal His identity and power to the nations through the execution of justice.
Chapter Summary
Ezekiel 25 marks a transition from prophecies against Jerusalem to judgments against the surrounding nations. The chapter addresses four specific groups: the Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites, and Philistines. The Ammonites are condemned for gloating over the profanation of the sanctuary and the desolation of Judah. Consequently, God promises to deliver their land to the 'children of the east.' Moab and Seir are judged for treating Judah like any other nation, leading to the loss of their frontier cities and their eventual disappearance from memory. Edom and Philistia face judgment for seeking revenge and harboring perpetual hostility toward the house of Judah. Throughout these prophecies, a recurring theme is the assertion of divine sovereignty; each judgment concludes with the declaration that these nations will finally recognize that 'I am the LORD' through the execution of His justice. This chapter emphasizes that God observes the actions of all nations and holds them accountable for their treatment of His people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ammon was judged because they rejoiced and mocked Judah when the sanctuary was profaned and the people were taken into captivity. God declared that they would be given as a possession to 'children of the east' as a consequence of their contempt.
The chapter specifically names Ammon, Moab (including Seir), Edom, and Philistia. Each nation receives a specific prophecy of judgment for their actions, ranging from mockery to seeking revenge against the house of Judah.
This recurring phrase signifies that God's judgments serve a revelatory purpose. By executing justice upon these nations, God demonstrates His power and sovereignty, proving His identity to those who previously ignored or mocked Him.
Study Note
Ezekiel 25 begins a major section of the book (chapters 25-32) known as the 'Oracles Against Foreign Nations,' which demonstrates that God is the judge of all the earth, not just Israel.
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