Ezekiel 25-26
Dear RTB’ers,
Today, oracles against Ammon, Moab, Edom (Seir), Philistia, and Tyre. We’ll also see God railing against Sidon and Egypt in the next six chapters. The essence of God’s judgment is that these nations cheered when they saw destruction fall upon Jerusalem and Judah. Here are two samplings of His justification: Thus says the Lord God, Because you [Ammon] said, ‘Aha!’ over my sanctuary when it was profaned, and over the land of Israel when it was made desolate, and over the house of Judah when they went into exile, therefore behold, I am handing you over to the people of the East for a possession, and they shall set their encampments among you and make their dwellings in your midst. They shall eat your fruit, and they shall drink your milk. Because Edom acted revengefully against the house of Judah and has grievously offended in taking vengeance on them, therefore thus says the Lord God, I will stretch out my hand against Edom and cut off from it man and beast. (vv. 25:3b-4, 12b-13)
The second quote above also mentions Edom’s revenge against Judah, followed a few verses later by the same charge against Philistia. The Lord does not want anyone but Himself acting with vengeance: Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord. (Romans 12:19, Paul citing Deuteronomy 32:35). We saw God’s call for compassion a few chapters back: ”For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord God. “Therefore, repent and live!” (18:32) We need to be people of compassion; leave judgment to God.
Three more days of oracles against Judah’s neighbors.
Blessings.
Fred