What does Ezekiel 28:20 teach about the consequences of opposing God's people? The Setting of Ezekiel 28:20 - “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” (Ezekiel 28:20) - This verse launches God’s oracle against Sidon—one of Israel’s hostile neighbors—revealing that any nation that harms God’s covenant people ultimately faces His direct response. God’s Verdict Against Sidon (vv. 22–23) - “Behold, I am against you, O Sidon, and I will be glorified within you.” - “They will know that I am the LORD when I execute judgments upon her and show Myself holy in her.” - “I will send a plague upon her and bloodshed in her streets…” • God personally takes the role of Defender. • Judgment comes in unmistakable, public ways—disease, warfare, terror—so that everyone recognizes His hand. Key Takeaways - Opposition to God’s people provokes God’s own opposition. - The adversary’s downfall becomes a stage for God’s glory. - God’s judgments are not random; they are covenant-based responses to hostility against those He has chosen and redeemed (cf. Deuteronomy 32:10, Psalm 17:8). Supporting Scriptures - Genesis 12:3 — “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” - Zechariah 2:8 — “For whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye.” - Psalm 105:14-15 — God “rebuked kings on their behalf: ‘Do not touch My anointed ones; do no harm to My prophets.’” - Isaiah 54:17 — “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” These passages echo Ezekiel 28:20’s lesson: standing against God’s people means standing against God Himself, and that always brings certain, decisive consequences. |