What other scriptures highlight God's judgment against nations opposing Israel? A Starting Point: Ezekiel 25 and the Pattern of Judgment Ezekiel 25 opens a section where the LORD addresses Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia—nations that mocked, harmed, or rejoiced over Israel’s distress. God’s response is swift and sobering: judgment falls on those who oppose His covenant people. The Core Principle: Blessing or Curse • Genesis 12:3 — “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” • Numbers 24:9 — “Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you.” From Abraham onward, God binds Himself to a clear standard: treatment of Israel invites either divine favor or divine judgment. Historical Snapshots of National Accountability • Exodus 17:8-16 — Amalek attacks Israel; God vows perpetual war against Amalek. • 1 Samuel 15 — Saul’s commission to strike Amalek fulfills that vow, underscoring God’s long-term memory of national sin. Major Prophetic Oracles Against Israel’s Enemies Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, and others devote entire sections to foreign nations. Notice how consistently the prophets echo the same theme first heard in Genesis 12:3. • Isaiah 13–23 — “Burdens” against Babylon, Assyria, Philistia, Moab, Damascus, Cush, Egypt, Tyre. • Jeremiah 46–51 — Detailed judgments on Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Elam, Babylon. • Amos 1–2 — Fire is promised on Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab. • Zephaniah 2:4-15 — Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Cush, and Assyria fall under the same verdict. • Obadiah 1:10-15 — Edom’s violence against Jacob brings “the day of the LORD” against Edom. Selected Key Passages and Direct Quotes • Obadiah 1:15 — “For the Day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your recompense will return upon your own head.” • Joel 3:1-2 — “I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment with them concerning My inheritance, My people Israel, whom they scattered among the nations.” • Zechariah 2:8-9 — “For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘After His glory has sent Me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye—… I will surely raise My hand against them.’ ” • Zechariah 12:2-3 — “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of reeling to all the surrounding peoples… all the nations of the earth will gather against her. On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who try to lift it will injure themselves.” • Psalm 83:2-4 — “See how Your enemies rage, how Your foes have reared their heads. With cunning they conspire against Your people and plot against those You treasure.” • Psalm 2:1-6 — Nations rage; God answers with the enthronement of His Son on Zion. • Revelation 16:14-16; 19:11-21 — Final worldwide opposition to Israel’s Messiah ends in catastrophic defeat. Patterns to Notice 1. Same Standard, Different Centuries – Whether Egypt in Moses’ day or Edom in Obadiah’s, the criterion is identical: did the nation bless or curse Israel? 2. Degrees of Judgment – Some receive total destruction (Edom, Amalek); others suffer temporary subjugation (Moab, Philistia). God weighs motives, actions, and timing. 3. Future Fulfillment – Later prophets (Zechariah, Joel, Revelation) project the principle all the way to the last days, showing that God’s policy has not changed. Why Ezekiel 25 Still Matters Ezekiel 25 stands as one tile in a mosaic that stretches from Genesis to Revelation. Each citation reinforces the unbreakable link between God’s covenant with Israel and His dealings with surrounding nations. The message remains unmistakable: opposition to God’s chosen people invites His judgment; blessing invites His favor. Quick Reference List of Judgment Passages • Amos 1-2 • Joel 3 • Zechariah 2; 12; 14 • Psalm 2; 83 • Revelation 16; 19 Each of these references underscores the same unchanging principle God voices at the very beginning: bless Israel and be blessed; oppose Israel and face His righteous judgment. |
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