What role does divine justice play in Ezekiel 26:11's message? The Verse Under Focus “He will trample all your streets with the hooves of his horses; he will kill your people with the sword, and your mighty pillars will fall to the ground.” Divine Justice Defined • Justice is the righteous character of God applied to human conduct. • Scripture repeatedly affirms that the LORD “does no wrong; righteous and just is He” (Deuteronomy 32:4). • Unlike human vengeance, God’s justice is perfect, proportionate, and rooted in holiness (Psalm 9:16; Romans 12:19). How Justice Operates in Ezekiel 26:11 • Instrumental agency – God employs Nebuchadnezzar’s army as the tool of judgment. – This mirrors Jeremiah 25:9, where the Babylonian king is called “My servant” for executing God’s purposes. • Public, visible retribution – Hooves trampling streets and swords filling them with slain bodies reveal that judgment is unmistakable, not hidden. – “Your mighty pillars will fall” shows even cultural symbols of strength cannot resist divine reckoning (Isaiah 40:23). • Proportional payment for pride – Tyre boasted over Jerusalem’s fall (Ezekiel 26:2). Justice reverses their gloating: what they celebrated now strikes them. – “He will kill your people” answers their earlier profiteering at others’ expense, fulfilling Proverbs 11:21: “Be assured, the wicked will not go unpunished.” • Covenant witness to other nations – The judgment on Tyre underscores God’s universal rule, signaling to every nation that accountability extends beyond Israel (Nahum 1:2). – By judging a powerful trading hub, God proves no economic or military power exempts from His standards. Why This Matters Today • God still governs nations; historical events unfold under His sovereign oversight (Acts 17:26). • Personal and corporate sin invites real consequences; divine patience is not divine indifference (2 Peter 3:9–10). • Justice and mercy coexist; the same God who judges offers salvation to any who repent (Ezekiel 33:11; John 3:16). Key Takeaways • Divine justice in Ezekiel 26:11 is comprehensive, visible, and exact. • God uses human instruments to carry out righteous judgments. • Pride and exploitation eventually meet God’s perfect recompense. • Recognizing His justice calls believers to humility, repentance, and trust in His ultimate righteousness. |
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