How does Ezekiel 28:22 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations and individuals? The Text at a Glance “and you are to say that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am against you, O Sidon, and I will be glorified within you. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I execute judgments upon her and show Myself holy in her.’ ” (Ezekiel 28:22) Divine Initiative: God Speaks First • The pronouncement begins with “this is what the Lord GOD says,” underscoring that all that follows originates with Him, not human rulers or prophets (cf. Isaiah 46:9-10). • “I am against you” shows God freely chooses whom He opposes or favors—no nation directs His agenda (Proverbs 21:1). Absolute Authority Over Nations • Sidon, a powerful Phoenician city-state, is addressed as a single entity; yet its military strength, trade networks, and alliances cannot block God’s resolve (Psalm 33:10-11). • “I will be glorified within you” means God will use Sidon’s history—peaceful or painful—for His own renown. Nations become stage settings for divine glory (Daniel 4:35). Judgment as a Tool of Sovereignty • “Then they will know that I am the LORD” reveals purpose: judgment is never random; it drives people to recognize the true God (Exodus 7:5). • God times, shapes, and limits judgment; nothing proceeds beyond what He decrees (Nahum 1:3). Holiness Displayed in Real Time • “Show Myself holy in her” points to moral sovereignty. God’s actions are not merely displays of power but revelations of perfect character (Leviticus 10:3). • Holiness demands sin be addressed; sovereignty ensures it will be (Romans 1:18). Individual Impact Hidden in a National Oracle • Though spoken to a city, the phrase “they will know” targets every heart within Sidon. National events become personal encounters with the living God (Acts 17:26-27). • His sovereignty therefore extends from thrones to street vendors, from generals to children (Psalm 139:7-10). Supporting Snapshots of Sovereignty • Psalm 115:3 — “Our God is in the heavens; He does as He pleases.” • Proverbs 16:33 — “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” • Colossians 1:16-17 — All rulers and authorities “have been created through Him and for Him… in Him all things hold together.” Takeaway for Today • God still raises up and brings down nations; headlines unfold beneath His throne. • Every individual is invited to see His holiness and yield in faith before judgment falls. • Recognizing His sovereignty now leads to worship; ignoring it courts the Sidonian outcome. |
    |