Messages of Judgment Against the Nations, Part 1

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1. Though God deals with his people with strict discipline, others will know his wrath for their blatant disregard. Some quick notes on this section:

   • Ammon. “Because you said ‘Aha!’ over my sanctuary when it was desecrated and over the land of Israel when it was laid waste and over the people of Judah when they went into exile” (25:3) and “Because you have clapped your hands and stamped your feet, rejoicing with all the malice of your heart against the land of Israel” (25:6).
   • Moab. “Because Moab and Seir said, ‘Look, Judah has become like all the other nations'” (25:8).
   • Edom. Because Edom took revenge on Judah and became very guilty by doing so (25:12).
   • Philistia. “Because the Philistines acted in vengeance and took revenge with malice in their hearts, and with ancient hostility sought to destroy Judah” (25:15).
   • Tyre. “Because Tyre has said of Jerusalem, ‘Aha! The gate to the nations is broken, and its doors have swung open to me; now that she lies in ruins I will prosper'” (26:3). Further details are added, “I will put an end to your noisy songs, and the music of your harps will be heard no more” (26:13). Tyre is about to be completely destroyed for is flagrant disrespect of the Lord’s chosen people.

   Lament Over Tyre. Tyre was a thriving center of commerce, doing business with all many nations and every kind of material good. As a result they became wealthy and proud of their accomplishments. “Your wealth, merchandise and wares, your mariners, sailors and shipwrights, your merchants and all your soldiers, and everyone else on board will sink into the heart of the sea on the day of your shipwreck” (27:27).

   The King Of Tyre. “Because you think you are wise, as wise as a god, I am going to bring foreigners against you, the most ruthless of nations; they will draw their swords against your beauty and wisdom and pierce your shining splendor” (28:6-7).

   Here’s a very interesting article about Tyre and Sidon, additional historical accounts that report what Ezekiel prophesied. Link  This reminds me that Tyre provided logistical support to Solomon for the construction of the temple, thus their arrogance is compounded by capitalizing on their financial interests in Jerusalem. They should have known better!

   Ezekiel 28:25–26 puts a bookend on this section for Israel: Restoration will be accompanied by peace since its neighbors have been vanquished.

   When I first read through these accounts, especially Tyre, I thought about our country, our wealth and global trade industry. Perhaps this is a warning we should consider as a nation. Then I thought about China, its growth, its core disrespect for Christianity and a Sovereign Lord. Perhaps its both for anyone who puts themselves above God stands in the crosshairs of a destiny that is not good. Lord, let us not be a people who say “Aha!” at anyone when they fall, teach us to act with honor and love and to think beyond our own little world and lifespan.

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