What lessons can we learn about God's justice from Ezekiel 25:6? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 25 begins a series of oracles against nations that gloated over Judah’s fall. Verse 6 focuses on Ammon: “‘For this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you clapped your hands and stamped your feet and rejoiced over the land of Israel with all the contempt of your soul,’”. What Happened—and Why It Matters • Ammon celebrated Judah’s calamity, expressing open contempt. • The gesture—clapping, stomping, rejoicing—was public, deliberate, and heart-level (“with all the contempt of your soul”). • God immediately announced judgment (v. 7) to match the offense. Key Lessons About God’s Justice • Justice Responds to Heart Attitudes – God weighs motives, not just actions (1 Samuel 16:7; Hebrews 4:12-13). – Mockery born of contempt draws His righteous response. • No Sin Escapes His Notice – A seemingly small gesture—handclaps—becomes evidence in God’s court (Proverbs 15:3). – Hidden scorn is as accountable as overt violence. • God Defends His Covenant People – Genesis 12:3: “I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you.” – The Lord treats hostility toward Israel as hostility toward Himself (Zechariah 2:8). • Retribution Matches the Crime – Ammon rejoiced at Judah’s desolation; God promises their own desolation (Ezekiel 25:10-11). – Principle echoed in Obadiah 15: “As you have done, it will be done to you.” • Justice Is Impartial and International – Judgment falls on a neighboring nation, showing God’s sovereignty over all peoples (Jeremiah 18:7-10). – Moral accountability crosses borders. • Timing May Seem Delayed but Is Certain – Judah’s fall looked final, yet God still ruled. – Likewise, apparent delay today never negates His settled verdict (2 Peter 3:9-10). How This Shapes Us Today • Guard Against Secret Gloating – Celebrating another’s misfortune, even inwardly, invites discipline (Proverbs 24:17-18). • Cultivate Compassion, Not Contempt – “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). • Trust God to Right Wrongs – Personal vengeance is unnecessary; His justice is sure (Romans 12:19). • Remember National Accountability – Nations are blessed or judged by their stance toward God’s truth and people (Psalm 33:12). • Stand in Awe of His Holiness – The God who notices handclaps of scorn deserves wholehearted reverence (Hebrews 12:28-29). |
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