Ezekiel 25:8–17

content/bible_journal/ezekiel_25:8-17.md

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+title = "Ezekiel 25:8–17"
+date = "2023-05-09"
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+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ezekiel25.8-17)
+
+Moab was descended from Lot, the nephew of Abraham. As nations, Moab and Israel
+were often in conflict, though Ruth famously immigrated from Moab to Israel in
+the time of the judges. In this oracle, Moab shares Ammon's fate, though the
+cause appears to be not so much malice as unbelief. The Moabites declared Judah
+to be like all the other nations, that is, not being the Lord's chosen people.
+They thought Judah's troubles were a sign that their God was not powerful
+enough to save them, just like other nations' gods were not powerful enough to
+save them from conquering armies. They had surely heard stories of Assyria's
+miraculous defeat at Jerusalem in Hezekiah's day, but since that was about two
+generations ago, they probably sounded embellished by this point. Whatever the
+case, the Lord defends His fame and honor among the nations and brings an end
+to the ones who have blasphemed against Him.
+
+Edom was descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob who was named Israel. Again
+there was animosity between these two nations for much of their history, but in
+this case Edom is condemned for taking vengeance while Israel was vulnerable.
+While the judgement is the same as what befell Ammon and Moab, it is
+interesting that the Lord specifies Israel as the one to carry out the
+sentence. Israel and Judah have been totally defeated at this point; they have
+all been scattered abroad and there is no one to tend to the land, much less
+form an army. Therefore there is hope already, even amidst these judgements,
+that Israel will be restored and the Lord's promises will be made complete.
+
+The Philistines were a thorn in Israel's side during the time of the judges and
+through David's reign. Their lineage can probably be traced back to the island
+of Crete, and scholarship currently identifies them as the "Sea Peoples" whose
+migration into the region disrupted all of the centers of civilization during
+the Bronze Age. The Lord's charge against them is their "never-ending enmity"
+(_v. 15_) against His people. Many other prophets spoke oracles against them as
+well.
+
+* * *
+
+Your name is holy and You defend it against all slander.