How does Ezekiel 28:20 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations and cities? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 25–32 records a series of prophecies against foreign nations surrounding Judah. Each oracle begins the same way: “the word of the LORD came to me.” Ezekiel 28:20 is the pivot that introduces the judgment of Sidon, a prominent Phoenician city neighboring Tyre: “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” The Simple Phrase That Says So Much Although only a single sentence, Ezekiel 28:20 brims with meaning: • “The word of the LORD” underscores that every forthcoming pronouncement originates with God, not Ezekiel. • “Came to me” shows divine initiative—God approaches the prophet, not the reverse. • “Saying” signals that God articulates clear, understandable speech, exercising authority over earthly affairs. What This Reveals About God’s Sovereignty • Authority to Speak: God alone sets the agenda for world events (Isaiah 46:9-10). • Freedom to Choose His Targets: He singles out one city (Sidon) among many, demonstrating limitless jurisdiction (Jeremiah 18:7-10). • Power to Fulfill His Decrees: Every prophecy that follows (Ezekiel 28:21-23) is treated as certain because the Speaker rules history (Numbers 23:19). • Consistency in Method: Repeated oracles “came” to Ezekiel about Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, and Egypt; each introduction reinforces a pattern—God reigns over all nations, great and small. Sidon as Exhibit A Immediately after verse 20, God directs Ezekiel: “Son of man, set your face toward Sidon and prophesy against her” (28:21). The content of verses 22-23 (plague, sword, and judgment) displays God’s right to: 1. Define sin (“She will know that I am the LORD”). 2. Determine consequences (“I will send plague…and bloodshed”). 3. Protect His people (“When I execute judgment on her”). Sidon’s fate is not random—God orchestrates it, highlighting His sovereign control over a bustling port city renowned for wealth and influence. Unified Witness of Scripture Other passages echo the same theme: • Isaiah 40:15 – “Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket…” • Daniel 4:35 – “He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth.” • Amos 3:7 – “The Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.” • Acts 17:26 – “He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.” Takeaway for Today Whenever we read “the word of the LORD came,” we encounter the God who: • Initiates communication. • Directs human history. • Holds every nation and city accountable. Ezekiel 28:20, though brief, stands as a signature beneath every unfolding event, quietly yet firmly proclaiming: God rules—not merely over Israel, but over Sidon, Tyre, and every modern city on the globe. |
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