Ezekiel Chapter 25 Commentary and Explanation
Well now, Ezekiel 25—it’s a chapter that takes quite a sharp turn. It’s no longer focused on Israel or Judah directly, but instead shifts to their neighbors. Specifically, God’s judgment is aimed right at four nations: Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia. These weren’t random groups either. These were longtime neighbors and enemies—each with their own long, complicated, often bloody history with Israel. And here, in this chapter, God pulls no punches. He lays out exactly why each of them is going to be judged and what’s coming their way.
What’s really wild is that even though Israel is in exile, even though they’re suffering the consequences of their own sin, God still defends them. Like a parent scolding a child, but the second someone else tries to bully that child—He steps in. That’s what’s happening here. These nations rejoiced when Israel fell. They mocked and celebrated. But God? He didn’t forget. And this chapter is a solid reminder that God sees. God remembers. And God repays.
1. The Word of the Lord Against Ammon (Verses 1–7)
Let’s start with Ammon.
“Because you said, ‘Aha!’ over My sanctuary when it was desecrated and over the land of Israel when it was laid waste…”
That “Aha!” might seem small, but it says a lot. It was a gleeful, mocking laugh. The Ammonites weren’t just observing Israel’s downfall; they were celebrating it. You gotta remember—Ammon was actually related to Israel. They descended from Lot, Abraham’s nephew. So there’s some family history here. And yet, when Judah fell, they didn’t offer help or sympathy. They rejoiced.
And God? He didn’t let that pass. He says:
“Therefore I will give you as a possession to the people of the East.”
The “people of the East” probably refers to nomadic tribes like the Babylonians or other desert dwellers—possibly the same ones who were already invading Judah. Ammon would be taken, plundered, and forgotten.
God even says, “I will cut you off from the peoples and I will cause you to perish out of the countries.” Harsh? Maybe. But just. These weren’t innocent bystanders. They were instigators. They added insult to injury and made the pain deeper.
Sometimes we think mocking doesn’t matter much. That words are just words. But in God’s eyes? Mockery against His people, especially when they’re suffering for their sins—well, that kind of thing gets remembered.
2. Judgment on Moab (Verses 8–11)
Next up is Moab, another close neighbor. Moab was also descended from Lot—so they’re kin too. But they had their fair share of conflicts with Israel.
In verse 8, God quotes them:
“Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations!”
Now on the surface, that might seem... almost neutral. Like a simple observation. But this is deep disrespect. Basically, Moab was saying, “There’s nothing special about Israel. Their God is no different than ours. They’re just another nation.”
That right there? That’s a theological insult. It’s not just about Israel—it’s about God Himself. Moab’s problem wasn’t just political or personal; it was spiritual arrogance.
So God says:
“Therefore, I will lay open the flank of Moab... to the people of the East.”
Just like Ammon, Moab would be handed over. Their cities—glorious ones like Beth Jeshimoth, Baal Meon, and Kiriathaim—would be exposed and handed to invaders.
Verse 11 is key:
“And I will execute judgments upon Moab, and they shall know that I am the Lord.”
That’s a phrase you’ll hear a lot in Ezekiel—"they shall know that I am the Lord." God’s judgments aren't just punishments. They’re revelations. He’s showing the world who He is—His power, His justice, His holiness.
3. Judgment on Edom (Verses 12–14)
Now this one’s personal—Edom.
Edom is Israel’s brother nation, descended from Esau, Jacob’s twin. But their history was full of strife. Remember when Israel was wandering in the wilderness and asked Edom to pass through? Edom said no. And over the years, Edom stayed hostile.
By the time Judah fell, Edom wasn’t just watching—they were participating. They were violent, cruel, and vengeful.
So God says:
“Because Edom acted revengefully against the house of Judah and has grievously offended in taking vengeance on them…”
God takes revenge very seriously. It’s not just a personal flaw. It’s a spiritual offense. God says vengeance belongs to Him. So when Edom took it upon themselves to “settle the score,” they crossed a line.
Here’s what God promises:
“I will stretch out my hand against Edom and cut off from it man and beast…”
And this time? Israel gets involved. God says He’ll use His own people to carry out vengeance on Edom. That’s powerful. After all the suffering Israel’s been through, God is saying He’ll raise them up as a tool of justice. That’s not just about punishment—it’s restoration.
Edom’s pride and grudge were deep. But God’s justice digs deeper. Nobody gets away with evil—not even "brothers."
4. Judgment on the Philistines (Verses 15–17)
And last but not least—Philistia.
If you've read the Bible much, you know the Philistines. They were a thorn in Israel’s side from the very beginning. From Samson to Saul to David and Goliath, the Philistines were relentless enemies.
And when Judah fell? They jumped on the opportunity.
Verse 15 says:
“Because the Philistines acted in vengeance and took vengeance with malice of soul to destroy with everlasting enmity…”
There it is again—vengeance. But not just any kind. This was "with malice of soul"—deep, consuming hatred. They didn’t just want to win. They wanted to erase.
So God says:
“I will destroy the remnant of the seacoast.”
That’s a reference to their coastal cities like Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ashdod. They were proud, fortified places—but they would fall.
And then comes the classic Ezekiel phrase again:
“Then they will know that I am the Lord.”
It’s not about petty revenge. It’s about divine justice.
So What Does It All Mean?
Ezekiel 25 might seem like a list of God’s enemies and what’s coming for them. But dig a little deeper, and there’s a bigger message at play.
This chapter teaches us that God doesn’t just deal with His people—He deals with the whole world. No one escapes His gaze. Nations rise and fall at His command. And when people rejoice at the downfall of others, when they mock, when they take vengeance that doesn't belong to them—God steps in.
It’s also a chapter about God defending His people, even when they’re in exile. That’s huge. Judah had sinned. They were being judged. But that didn’t give the neighbors a license to attack. That didn’t give them a pass to hate.
It reminds me of how a parent might discipline a child—but the moment someone else tries to harm that child? Oh no. That’s a whole different problem. That’s exactly what we see here.
A Few Reflections
Let’s slow down a minute and ask—why do we need this chapter today?
After all, Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia aren’t around anymore. These kingdoms are long gone. So what’s the takeaway for us?
Well, here’s a few thoughts.
1. Be careful how you respond to someone else’s downfall.
That “Aha!” from Ammon? That might seem small. But how often do we smile a little when someone we don’t like stumbles? Or whisper, “They had it coming”? It’s subtle, but dangerous. God sees how we respond to other people’s pain. Even when they brought it on themselves.
2. Pride in our strength, theology, or position can blind us.
Moab said, “Israel’s just like everyone else.” And that one statement revealed their heart. We can fall into that trap too—thinking we’ve got the full picture, that we’re secure, that we’re better. But God sees through all of that.
3. Vengeance belongs to God.
This is repeated over and over. Edom and Philistia were judged for taking vengeance. Even if someone hurts us—we don’t get to retaliate. Not in God’s economy. Let Him handle it. He’s way better at justice than we are.
4. God’s justice includes the whole world.
Sometimes we think God’s only concerned with “church stuff” or “believers.” But Ezekiel 25 shows us—He’s watching every nation, every group, every person. Justice isn’t limited to God's people. His eye is on the whole earth.
A Closing Thought
Ezekiel 25 might feel like a heavy chapter. It’s all judgment, all doom. But beneath the surface? There’s a fierce love.
God defends His people.
Even when they’re scattered. Even when they’re under judgment. Even when they’re broken.
He doesn’t forget them. He doesn’t let the world trample them forever.
So if you’re feeling forgotten, or like the enemies around you are laughing a little too loud—remember this:
God sees. He hears. He remembers. And one day, He will make it all right.
It might take time. It might not look how we expect. But in the end?
“They will know that I am the Lord.”
And so will we.
Let that sink in today. God isn’t just the God of our blessings—He’s the God who defends us, who fights for us, who keeps track of every injustice. Even in exile. Even when it feels like He’s silent.
He's still there. And justice? It’s on the way.
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