What lessons can we learn from God's response to Ammon's actions in Ezekiel? The Historical Setting • The Ammonites, descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:36–38), lived east of the Jordan. • When Judah was invaded and Jerusalem fell, Ammon rejoiced at their brother-nation’s calamity (Ezekiel 25:3). • Their capital, Rabbah, sat on fertile trade routes. It symbolized security and prosperity. • God’s verdict: “I will make Rabbah a pasture for camels, and Ammon a resting place for flocks. Then you will know that I am the LORD.” (Ezekiel 25:5) God’s Charge Against Ammon • Gloating over the fall of God’s sanctuary (Ezekiel 25:3). • Deriding Israel instead of showing compassion (Proverbs 17:5). • Stealing territory that belonged to God’s covenant people (Jeremiah 49:1). Lesson 1 – God Will Not Tolerate Mockery of His People • “Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 17:5) • Ammon’s delight in Judah’s pain provoked divine action. • Our takeaway: siding with ridicule or schadenfreude places us against the Lord who defends His children. Lesson 2 – Actions Have Consequences, Even for Nations • “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” (Galatians 6:7) • Prosperous Rabbah became grazing land—an unmistakable reversal. • Personal and national choices still invite God’s answer today. Lesson 3 – Divine Justice Balances Mercy • God later promised, “Yet afterward I will restore the fortunes of the Ammonites.” (Jeremiah 49:6) • Judgment is real, but so is God’s willingness to restore when repentance appears. • The Lord’s discipline always carries a redemptive purpose. Lesson 4 – God’s Sovereignty Over Geography, Economy, and History • Camels and flocks in former palaces underline His control over land use (Psalm 24:1). • What looks immovable (cities, economies, regimes) can be overturned in a moment by the word of the Lord. • This fuels trust: He holds every modern “Rabbah” in His hand. Lesson 5 – Judgment Aims to Reveal the LORD • Repeated refrain: “Then you will know that I am the LORD.” (Ezekiel 25:5, 7, 11) • God’s ultimate goal is revelation, not annihilation. • Recognizing Him as LORD brings life; ignoring Him invites loss. Connecting Passages • Zephaniah 2:8-9 – Similar prophecy against Moab and Ammon. • Psalm 2:4-6 – God laughs at nations that oppose His plans. • Psalm 83:4-12 – A coalition, including Ammon, seeks Israel’s destruction; the psalmist pleads for God to act. • Romans 11:22 – “Consider therefore the kindness and severity of God…” Living It Today • Guard the tongue and heart from gloating over anyone’s downfall. • Intercede rather than ridicule when others stumble. • Remember that God can overturn any earthly security; hold resources loosely. • Let every display of His justice deepen awe and obedience, drawing us closer to the One who alone is LORD. |
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