What connections exist between Ezekiel 25:7 and God's promises to Israel? Setting the Scene “Therefore I will stretch out My hand against you and deliver you as plunder to the nations. I will cut you off from the peoples and eliminate you from the countries. I will destroy you, and you will know that I am the LORD.” — Ezekiel 25:7 Linking Judgment on Ammon to God’s Covenant with Israel • Genesis 12:3 first laid down God’s covenant principle: “I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you.” • Ammon rejoiced when Judah fell (Ezekiel 25:6), positioning itself as an enemy of God’s chosen people. • By stretching out His hand against Ammon (25:7), God proves His promise still stands; those who curse Israel face divine retribution. Divine Retribution: A Consistent Biblical Pattern • Deuteronomy 32:35 — “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay.” • Obadiah 1:15 — “As you have done, it will be done to you.” • Zechariah 2:8–9 — “He who touches you touches the apple of My eye… I will shake My hand against them.” Ezekiel 25:7 echoes this thread: God’s actions against hostile nations demonstrate His unwavering justice. Protection and Preservation of Israel • God’s judgment on surrounding nations often occurs alongside promises to regather and restore Israel (Ezekiel 36:24–28). • The removal of hostile powers clears the way for Israel’s future security (Isaiah 54:14–17). • Thus, 25:7 foreshadows the broader promise that Israel will dwell in safety under God’s hand (Jeremiah 30:10–11). Assurance of Covenant Faithfulness • God’s willingness to judge Ammon validates His ongoing commitment to Israel even while disciplining her (Ezekiel 39:25). • This two-sided covenant dynamic—discipline for Israel yet destruction of her enemies—reveals a consistent, faithful character (Leviticus 26:44–45). • Israel can trust that every promise of blessing, land, and future glory stands firm because the same God who punishes Ammon keeps covenant without fail. Practical Takeaways • God’s promises to His people are irrevocable; adversaries cannot overthrow them. • Divine justice may be delayed, but it is never denied—He will act at the right time. • The events of Ezekiel 25:7 give believers confidence in every other promise God has spoken, from past covenants to the ultimate restoration still ahead (Romans 11:29). |
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