Topical Encyclopedia
The Bible contains numerous prophecies directed against various nations surrounding Israel. These prophecies serve as divine judgments pronounced by God through His prophets, addressing the sins and transgressions of these nations. They are found primarily in the Old Testament and are integral to understanding God's sovereignty and justice over all the earth.
1. EgyptThe prophecies against Egypt are found in several books, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. In
Isaiah 19, the Lord declares, "I will stir up Egyptian against Egyptian; brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom" (
Isaiah 19:2).
Ezekiel 29-32 contains a series of oracles against Egypt, predicting its downfall and desolation. The Lord says, "I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great monster lying in the midst of his rivers" (
Ezekiel 29:3).
2. BabylonBabylon, a symbol of pride and idolatry, is the subject of extensive prophetic judgment.
Isaiah 13-14 and
Jeremiah 50-51 detail the impending doom of Babylon.
Isaiah 13:19 states, "And Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah" . These prophecies were fulfilled with the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians.
3. EdomEdom, the descendants of Esau, is frequently condemned for its hostility towards Israel. The book of Obadiah is entirely dedicated to the judgment of Edom.
Obadiah 1:4 declares, "Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down," declares the LORD" .
Ezekiel 25:12-14 and
Isaiah 34 also pronounce judgment on Edom.
4. Moab and AmmonThe Moabites and Ammonites, descendants of Lot, are subjects of prophetic rebuke for their arrogance and enmity against Israel.
Isaiah 15-16 and
Jeremiah 48 address Moab, while
Jeremiah 49:1-6 speaks against Ammon. In
Zephaniah 2:9, the Lord declares, "Therefore, as surely as I live, declares the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, Moab will become like Sodom, and the Ammonites like Gomorrah" .
5. PhilistiaThe Philistines, perennial enemies of Israel, are also recipients of divine judgment. In
Ezekiel 25:15-17, the Lord says, "I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Kerethites and destroy the remnant along the coast" .
Amos 1:6-8 and
Zephaniah 2:4-7 further pronounce judgment on Philistia.
6. Tyre and SidonThe cities of Tyre and Sidon, known for their wealth and commerce, are condemned for their pride and idolatry.
Ezekiel 26-28 contains a detailed prophecy against Tyre, including the famous lament over the king of Tyre. In
Isaiah 23:1, the oracle against Tyre begins, "Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is destroyed, without house or harbor" .
7. AssyriaAssyria, a dominant empire known for its cruelty, is also subject to prophetic judgment. Nahum prophesies the fall of Nineveh, the Assyrian capital, stating, "The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him" (
Nahum 1:7).
Isaiah 10:5-19 and
Zephaniah 2:13-15 also speak against Assyria.
These prophecies against the nations highlight God's righteous judgment and His ultimate authority over all kingdoms. They serve as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the certainty of divine justice.