In what ways can Ezekiel 26:14 encourage us to trust God's justice today? Setting the Scene • Ezekiel 26:14: “I will make you a bare rock, and you will become a place for the spreading of nets. You will never be rebuilt, for I the LORD have spoken, declares the Lord GOD.” • God addressed ancient Tyre, a proud seaport that trusted its wealth and defenses. • Within a few centuries, Alexander the Great scraped the city down to literal “bare rock,” turning its site into a fishermen’s drying-place—exactly as foretold. How the Prophecy Was Fulfilled • 586 BC: Babylon crushed mainland Tyre, beginning its downfall. • 332 BC: Alexander built a causeway with Tyre’s own rubble, leveled the island fortress, and left exposed stone where nets were later spread. • To this day, the original site remains an uninhabited promontory—a visible testimony that God’s word stands. Reasons This Builds Our Trust in God’s Justice • Accuracy that endures – Centuries passed between prophecy and fulfillment, yet every detail came true. – If God’s justice was precise then, it will be just as precise now (Isaiah 46:9–10). • God’s verdicts cannot be overturned – “You will never be rebuilt” still holds, showing that no human power can reverse His judgment (Job 42:2). • God judges pride and oppression – Tyre’s arrogance and profit from others’ suffering (Ezekiel 27:3–4; Amos 1:9–10) drew righteous judgment. – This assures us He sees and will address modern injustice as well (Psalm 9:7–8). • Justice may be delayed, never denied – Roughly 250 years spanned Ezekiel’s word and Alexander’s conquest. – 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that God’s timetable is purposeful, not slackness. • Fulfilled prophecy validates future hope – Christ promised final judgment and renewal (Matthew 25:31–34; Revelation 21:1–5). – The literal fall of Tyre underlines that His future promises are equally certain. Practical Encouragement for Today • Take heart when wickedness seems unchecked. God’s “scoreboard” is not broken; He is storing up just recompense (Romans 12:19). • Anchor personal integrity in the certainty that the Lord rewards righteousness and confronts evil (Galatians 6:7–9). • Pray and act for justice confidently, knowing you align with the unchanging character of God (Micah 6:8). • When God’s justice feels slow, revisit fulfilled prophecies like Ezekiel 26:14 to steady your faith and perspective. Living It Out 1. Read Ezekiel 26 aloud, noting phrases God repeats (“I will,” “declares the Lord GOD”). 2. List current situations where injustice troubles you. Pair each with a matching promise—from Psalms, Prophets, or Epistles—affirming God’s ultimate righting of wrongs. 3. Celebrate God’s track record. Share with others how fulfilled prophecy reassures you that the Lord is both Judge and Redeemer. |
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