What is the meaning of Ezekiel 25:17? I will execute great vengeance against them - God personally announces His action; He is not delegating vengeance but taking it upon Himself (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19). - “Great” underscores the scale. This is not a mild correction but a decisive intervention, comparable to the plagues on Egypt (Exodus 7–12). - Because He is holy and just, His vengeance is never excessive or arbitrary; it perfectly matches the gravity of the offense (Psalm 97:2; Revelation 15:3–4). with furious reproof - “Furious” points to righteous anger, not loss of control. The LORD’s wrath is pure and purposeful (Nahum 1:2–3). - “Reproof” shows the corrective aim: exposing sin and bringing the offender face-to-face with divine justice (Proverbs 3:11–12; Hebrews 12:5–6). - Together, these words reveal both intensity and moral clarity—sin is confronted, and the guilty are unmistakably disciplined (Isaiah 13:11). Then they will know that I am the LORD - Recognition of God’s identity is the result God seeks. Judgment that does not lead to revelation would miss the mark (Exodus 14:4; Ezekiel 6:7). - This knowledge is experiential; the nations learn God’s character by what He does, not merely by what He says (Psalm 9:16). - Even hostile peoples are brought to acknowledge His sovereignty, fulfilling His larger redemptive plan that every knee will bow (Isaiah 45:22–23; Philippians 2:10–11). when I lay My vengeance upon them - The repetition seals certainty: God’s promise moves from declaration to execution (Isaiah 46:10–11). - “My vengeance” stresses ownership. Human retaliation is forbidden because vengeance belongs to God alone (Leviticus 19:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:15). - By acting, He vindicates His name, protects His people, and sets a standard for all time that evil will not ultimately prevail (Psalm 94:1–3; Revelation 19:1–2). summary Ezekiel 25:17 portrays the LORD’s personal, measured, and righteous vengeance. His intervention is powerful (“great vengeance”), passionate yet controlled (“furious reproof”), purposeful (“then they will know”), and certain (“when I lay My vengeance”). Every element underscores His holiness, justice, and desire that all recognize Him as the sovereign LORD. |
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