What other scriptures emphasize God's judgment against nations opposing His people? A Sobering Word: Ezekiel 35:14 “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘While the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate.’” Edom rejoiced when Judah fell, so the Lord promised literal devastation for Edom. Scripture repeats this principle: when nations lift a hand against God’s covenant people, God Himself steps in with sure and final judgment. Foundational Promise and Pattern • Genesis 12:3 — “I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you; and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” – Every later act of national judgment flows from this original covenant word to Abram. • Deuteronomy 32:35, 43 — “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense… He will avenge the blood of His servants.” – Moses closes the Torah by reminding Israel that the LORD personally settles accounts with hostile powers. Psalms: Songs That Warn the Nations • Psalm 2:1–5, 9 — “The nations rage… He who sits in the heavens laughs… ‘You will break them with an iron scepter.’” • Psalm 83:2–4, 17 — “Your enemies make an uproar… Cover their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name, O LORD.” – The psalmist prays in agreement with the covenant promise: may God overthrow every coalition formed against Israel. Major Prophets: Expansive Oracles of Retribution • Isaiah 34:2 — “The LORD is angry with all the nations and furious with all their armies; He will devote them to destruction.” • Jeremiah 50:29 — “Repay her [Babylon] for what she has done; do to her as she has done.” • Ezekiel 25–32; 35 — a series of judgments on Ammon, Moab, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, Egypt, and Edom, each echoing the pattern seen in 35:14. • Isaiah 10:12 — Assyria, God’s “rod,” is broken when it exalts itself against the Holy One. Minor Prophets: Sharp, Focused Declarations • Obadiah 15 — “The Day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you.” • Joel 3:2 — “I will gather all the nations… and I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of My people Israel.” • Zephaniah 2:8–11 — Moab and Ammon become “a possession for the remnant of My people.” • Zechariah 12:9 — “On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.” New Testament Continuity • Matthew 25:31–46 — The Son of Man separates “all the nations”; treatment of “the least of these My brothers” becomes the test that brings blessing or “eternal punishment.” • Acts 17:31 — “He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed.” • Revelation 16–19 — – 16:19 — “Great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath.” – 18:8 — “Her plagues will come in a single day—death and mourning and famine.” – 19:15 — “He will tread the winepress of the furious wrath of God the Almighty.” These scenes show the climactic, literal fulfillment of God’s promise to avenge His people on a global scale. Key Themes to Notice • The LORD’s vengeance is never random; it is a measured response to violence or contempt aimed at His covenant community. • Judgment often mirrors the sin (“as you have done, it will be done to you”). • God’s faithfulness to Israel showcases His unchanging character; therefore every prophetic warning stands sure. • The same righteous Judge still presides over history; future prophecy (Zechariah, Revelation) guarantees a final reckoning for nations that persist in hostility. Living Implications • Trust the plain words of Scripture: God literally keeps His promises of protection and retribution. • Recognize that national policies toward God’s people carry real spiritual consequences. • Find strong encouragement—the Lord who judged Edom will ultimately secure His people’s future, and no opposing power can overturn His decree. |
    |