Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezekiel 25:15
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy [it] for the old hatred;
15 17. Prophecy against the Philistines
15. with a despiteful heart ] Lit. with despite in soul, as Eze 25:6, i.e. the deepest despite of heart, chaps. Eze 16:57, Eze 36:5.
destroy it for the old hatred ] Rather: to destroy with perpetual hatred, cf. Eze 35:5; Amo 1:11. The power of the Philistines was conclusively broken by David, but references to their rancour and injuriousness when opportunity occurred run through all the literature of Israel, Amo 1:6 seq.; Isa 9:12; Zep 2:5; Oba 1:19; Joe 3:4; Zec 9:5.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The Philistines occupying lands to the south of Judah were a Hamite race Gen 10:14, but of a different branch from the Canaanites. They were a powerful people never dispossessed by the Israelites Jos 13:3. They were a thorn in the side of the chosen people throughout, and joined in attacking Jerusalem in the day of her trouble. They were much reduced by the Assyrians Isa 14:31, and Egyptians Jer 47:1-7, before the time of this prophecy, but further destruction came upon them in the general ruin of the inhabitants of Canaan, which commenced with the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar.
Eze 25:16
Cherethims – The inhabitants of the southern portion of Philistia Zep 2:5.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 15. Because the Philistines] They were as inimical to the Jews as the Ammonites, c., were. Nebuchadnezzar punished them because they had assisted the Tyrians during the time he was besieging their city.
I will cut off the Cherethims] 2Sa 8:18.
The remnant of the sea coasts.] The different seignories of the Philistines inhabited the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, from Judea to Egypt. For other matters relative to these prophecies, see the passages in the margin.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The Philistines; next neighbours to the Jews, between whom many quarrels, wars, and mutual spoil, slaughter, and injuries happened, as ever among borderers, who make all their own they can catch.
Have dealt by revenge; took the opportunity to revenge themselves when the Jews were weak and low.
With a despiteful heart; with hatred to them, and contempt of them.
To destroy it for the old hatred: this tells us what their hatred appeared in, it was a hatred to the name and being of Israel, they would cut them off, as Psa 83:7, with a perpetuated, endless enmity pursuing them.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
15. (1Sa 13:1-14;2Ch 28:18). The “old hatred”refers to their continual enmity to the covenant-people. They layalong Judea on the seacoast at the opposite side from Ammon and Moab.They were overthrown by Uzziah (2Ch26:6), and by Hezekiah (2Ki18:8). Nebuchadnezzar overran the cities on the seacoast on hisway to Egypt after besieging Tyre (Jer47:1-7). God will take vengeance on those who take the avengingof themselves out of His hands into their own (Rom 12:19-21;Jas 2:13).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Thus saith the Lord God,…. Once more, and concerning another enemy of the people of Israel, and who had been of old an implacable one:
because the Philistines have dealt by revenge: for what they suffered in the times of Saul, when Goliath was slain by David, and their army was discomfited; and for the overthrow of them by David, when he came to throne; and for his burning their images, and subduing them,
1Sa 17:51, this revenge they took in the time of Ahaz, 2Ch 28:18, and very probably also showed their spite at the time of Jerusalem’s destruction:
and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred; which they bore to the people of Israel, from their first settlement in Canaan; from the times of the judges, particularly Samson; and from the times of Saul and David: it was an old grudge they bore, they had spite and malice in their hearts, and wanted an opportunity to vent it; having determined to take vengeance when they could, and utterly destroy them from being a people; very likely, through despite, they assisted the Chaldean army: or, this they did “with a perpetual hatred” z; they did everything they could, in a spiteful and malicious way, to perpetuate the hatred between them and Israel.
z “inimictias perpetuas”, Pagninus; “iuimietia perpetua”, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Against the Philistines
Eze 25:15. Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Because the Philistines act with revenge, and avenge themselves with contempt in the soul to destroy in everlasting enmity, Eze 25:16. Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I will stretch out my hand over the Philistines, and cut off the Cretans, and destroy the remnant by the seashore. Eze 25:17. And I will execute great vengeance upon them through chastisements of wrath, and they shall know that I am Jehovah, when I bring my vengeance upon them. – The Philistines resembled the Edomites and Ammonites in their disposition towards the covenant nation, the former in their thirst for revenge, the latter in their malicious rejoicing at Israel’s fall. For this reason they had already been classed by Isaiah (Isa 11:14) with Edom, Moab, and Ammon as enemies, who would be successfully attacked and overcome by Israel, when the Lord had gathered it again from its dispersion. In the description of its sin towards Israel we have a combination of elements taken from the conduct of Edom and Ammon (vv. 12 and 6). They execute revenge with contempt in the soul ( , as in v. 6), with the intention to destroy ( ) Israel; and this revenge springs from eternal, never-ending hostility. The Lord will cut off the whole of the people of the Philistines for this. , Cretans, originally a branch of the Philistian people, settled in the south-west of Canaan. The name is used by Ezekiel for the people, as it had already been by Zephaniah (Zep 2:5), for the sake of the paronomasia with . The origin of the name is involved in obscurity, as the current derivation from Creta rests upon a very doubtful combination (cf. Stark, Gaza, pp. 66 and 99ff.). By the “remnant of the sea-coast,” i.e., the remnant of the inhabitants of the coast of the Mediterranean, in other words, of the Philistines, the destruction of which had already been predicted by Amos (Amo 1:8), Isaiah (Isa 14:30), and Jeremiah (Jer 42:4), we are to understand the whole nation to the very last man, all that was still left of the Philistines (see the comm. on Amo 1:8). – The execution of the vengeance threatened by God began in the Chaldean period, in which Gaza was attacked by Pharaoh, and, judging from Jer 47:1-7, the whole of Philistia was laid waste by the Chaldeans (see the fuller comments on this in the exposition of Jer 47:1-7). But the ultimate fulfilment will take place in the case of Philistia also, through the Messianic judgment, in the manner described in the commentary on Zep 2:10.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
PENDING JUDGMENT ON PHILISTIA
Verses 15-17:
Verse 15 reasserts that this judgment prophecy is from the Lord, not just the rantings of a self-willed Ezekiel, 2Pe 1:20-21. God set forth the just ground on which He would send judgment upon the Philistines, Isa 14:29; Jer 25:10; Joe 3:4; Zep 2:4; Zep 2:7; Amo 1:6. It was because they had dealt by vengeance, showed vengeance, and held a spiteful heart toward His people of Judah, Gen 12:3; 2Ch 28:18-19. They had a long-held hostility against Judah, just as the Ammonites, Moabites, and Edomites had.
Verses 16, 17 set forth that because of their continuing spirit and vengeance against His chosen people Israel, God had irrevocably set Himself against the Philistines, to cut off the Cherethims, by the seacoast, to cause them to be extinct, even as the Philistines are today. This execution of vengeance was prophesied as coming from the Lord, who is both holy in character and just in His doings, in punishing wrong as well as rewarding the right, Zep 2:4; 1Sa 30:14; Exo 20:1-5; Gal 6:7-8; Ecc 12:13-14. See also Psa 9:16; Isa 26:11.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
IV. THE WORD AGAINST PHILISTIA 25:1517
TRANSLATION
(15) Thus says the Lord GOD: Because the Philistine have acted in revenge, and have taken vengeance with contempt in (their) soul to destroy with eternal enmity, (16) therefore, thus says the LORD: Behold, I am about to stretch out My hand against the Philistine, and I shall cut off the Cherethites, and destroy the remnant of the seacoast. (17) And I will execute great vengeance on them by acts of furious chastisement;[376] and they shall know that I am the LORD when I execute My vengeance on them.
[376] Rendering of the Berkeley Version; NASB, with wrathful rebukes.
COMMENTS
The Philistine invaded Palestine about 1200 B.C. in the days of the Judges. They hailed from the island of Caphtor (Amo. 9:7). Knowing the secret of smelting iron, they immediately gained the advantage over the Israelites who still fought and farmed with bronze weapons and implements. Samson fought valiantly against them, and Samuel inflicted upon them a stinging defeat (1Sa. 7:13). It was David, however, who broke their power. From that point on, in periods of strength Israel dominated Philistia, and in periods of Israelite weakness the Philistine broke free. During these periods of independence the Philistine did all they could to harass the Jews.
Ezekiel condemned the Philistine for their constant enmity against Judah. Filled with ruthless vengeance, they were determined to utterly destroy the people of God (Eze. 25:15).
Gods mighty hand, which so recently had been stretched out against Jerusalem, would now be turned against these neighbors who had aided and abetted the Babylonians. The Philistine and the Cherethites[377] who lived among them would be destroyed. In fact all the remnant of the seacoast was to be destroyed (Eze. 25:16). Gods vengeance against these people would take place in the form of wrathful rebukes (NASB) or acts of furious chastisement (BV). This suggests that the demise of the seacoast peoples would be the result of repeated blows (Eze. 25:17).
[377] It is thought that the Cherethites were a band of Cretan mercenaries brought to the south coast of Palestine by the Egyptians. David hired them for his personal bodyguards, and they proved intensely loyal to him. In this passage as well as Zep. 2:5, Cherethities are condemned along with Philistine. It is not clear whether these terms are synonymous, or whether separate peoples are intended.
The fulfillment of this prediction began in the sixth century B.C. during the lifetime of Ezekiel. Gaza was attacked and destroyed by Pharaoh Hophra. Later the Babylonians devastated the land. During the intertestamental period the Jewish armies made several campaigns into the area[378] doing substantial damage.
[378] 1Ma. 5:68; 1Ma. 10:84; 1Ma. 13:47-48.
As one reads the four short oracles of chapter 25, one cannot help but recall the promise made to Abraham: I will bless them that bless you, and curse them that curse you (Gen. 12:3 a). God always has been concerned about worldly attitudes and actions toward His people. People of the world are not in sympathy with Gods program and plan. Ammonites who gloat over the misfortune of Gods people are still in abundance. Modern day Moabites would secularize the people of God by refusing to acknowledge that He indeed has called out of the world a chosen people. The Edomites are illustrative of those who are vindictive and openly hostile toward Gods people. The Philistine are those who act out their hatred and brutality toward Gods people. The abiding message of this chapter is that God defends the honor of His people, and ultimately overthrows all who oppose His people.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(15) The Philistines.The historical books of the Old Testament are almost a continuous record of the hostility of the Philistines. At times they held the greater part of the land of Israel in subjection, and at times were subdued in their turn. Although belonging to another branch of the Hamitic family, their land was included with that of the Canaanites in the territory to be given to the Israelites (Jos. 13:2-3). It was never, however, occupied by them, although the cities were fortified and garrisoned by some of the kings. The land lay along the coast of the Mediterranean, on the highway between Egypt and Assyria and Chalda, and consequently, in the struggles of those nations with each other the Philistines were gradually more and more reduced, until they disappeared entirely. Among the many prophecies against them, the following may be especially referred to: Isa. 14:29-32; Jeremiah 47; Amo. 1:6-8; Zep. 2:4-7.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
15, 16. The Philistines, the Cherethim Whether the Philistines were Aryans or Semites is not settled. George Adam Smith describes them as a Semitic people with non-Semitic habits, language, and institutions. An Egyptian traveler, 1000 B.C., declared that he found a colony of Philistines at the foot of Mount Carmel which traced its descent from the Zuk(k)ara, a warlike tribe of Asia Minor (Pap. Golenischeff). The original home of the Philistines, however, was not Asia Minor nor the Egyptian Delta (Sayce) nor Phoenicia (Muller), but almost certainly Crete. The features of the inhabitants of Philistia, as portrayed on the Egyptian monuments by Ramses II (1350 B.C.), have a Hittite cast and differ very greatly from those pictured by later Pharaohs, which probably indicates that this warlike people had entered the country and seized the “seacoast cities” Gaza, Askelon, Ashdod, Ekron, Gath which they ever afterward held, though it may possibly only point to an abnormal admixture of racial types in the nation. The Cretes were a mixed race, and the writer has noticed that the modern inhabitants of Philistia show this same peculiarity in a marked degree. Certain it is that only a little previous to the Exodus the Philistines began to figure prominently in the war records of Egypt (Egyptian, Purasati; Assyrian, Pulista or Pilista). In the latter part of the fifteenth century B.C., as is proved by the Tel-el-Amarna letters, the Philistine cities were in complete subjection to Egypt. They had rather a high degree of civilization. Clear cases of commerce with Cyprus were found at Tel-el-Hesy (Lachish). After the Exodus the Philistines (allying themselves with the Anakim) had many severe struggles with the Hebrews, with varying fortunes, as is proved by the story of David and Goliath, Shamgar, Samson, etc. Sometimes it seemed as if the Hebrews were destined to be nothing more than the abject slaves of this people. (See Jdg 5:8; 1Sa 13:19.) After Israel had successfully revolted, Philistia, no doubt, allied herself with her enemies for revenge (Eze 25:15). So great did the Philistines become that the land of Canaan and Israel is known by their name even to this day (Palestine). Philistia was always a stronghold of idolatry, and Gaza continued to boast of idol temples long after Christianity had dominated the rest of Palestine. The writer still saw indications of the survival of the old heathen worship as late as 1890. The Cherethims or Cherethites was probably another name of the Philistines, referring to their Cretan origin (Zep 2:5). Arthur J. Evans has proved that the Philistines on the Egyptian monuments wear Cretan dress and carry Cretan vases.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
The Oracle Against Philistia ( Eze 25:15-17 ).
As against Ammon, Moab and Edom the Philistines, who inhabited the coastal plain, were a foreign nation with no ties of kinship with Israel. Since arriving in Palestine (to which they gave their name) from the Aegean in strength they had continually been at enmity with them, having been first weakened by David after an initial period of strength. This is, however, the only record that we have of their hostility towards Israel during the final downfall of Jerusalem. It was probable. Each of these nations regularly took any opportunity that arose to seize land and obtain booty, and to remain neutral while Nebuchadnezzar was advancing would have been decidedly unwise. But they did not have to be so intensely delighted at the fact.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
‘Thus says the Lord Yahweh, “Because the Philistine have dealt by revenge, and have taken revenge with heartfelt malice to destroy it with perpetual enmity, therefore, thus says the Lord Yahweh, Behold I will stretch out my hand on the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast. And I will execute vengeance on them with severe rebukes, and they will know that I am Yahweh when I will lay my vengeance on them.” ’
The oracle is short and to the point. ‘Because — therefore –.’ Those who are at enmity with God’s people are at enmity with God, especially as by their attitude they are declaring their attitude towards Yahweh Himself (for here they were to be made to know that He is Yahweh). Here the enmity of Philistia is depicted as permanent and perpetual. There was no pity, only malice. That I why they were to be punished (compare Zep 2:5). Those who show malice will reap what they sow.
The Cherethites were regularly linked with the Philistines as one. The name probably connects with ‘Cretans’. They had come over together from Crete and the Aegean. They are last mentioned in the Old Testament in Zec 9:6. After Maccabaean times the Philistines ceased as a people although the names of their cities were perpetuated. The alliteration ‘the cutting off of the Cherethites’ is more prominent in the Hebrew.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Ver.15. Because the Philistines hath dealt, &c. Because the Philistines have burned with hatred, and have revenged themselves through contempt, and their ancient malice, in order to destroy; Houbigant. See Jer 25:20; Jer 48:1; Jer 48:47. Amo 1:6. 2Ch 28:18.
REFLECTIONS.1st, The Ammonites, the implacable enemies of the Jewish people, are the first of the Gentile nations to be reckoned with. The Lord Jehovah, the God of Israel, declares their provocations, and denounces their doom.
1. Their crime was, the malicious pleasure they took in seeing God’s Israel ruined. They beheld with delight the profanations of the sanctuary, and exulted in the desolations and captivity of the people; expressing the rancour and despite of their hearts by their outward gestures, clapping their hands, leaping, for those miseries, which the least humanity would have taught them to pity. Note; (1.) The enmity of the natural heart against the professors of religion, is sure to express itself on their falls or misfortunes. (2.) God observes and will severely visit the malice and rancour shewn by the enemies of his believing people.
2. Their punishment for this insolent carriage will be their utter destruction. The men of the east, the Chaldeans, or the Arabians who were in Nebuchadrezzar’s army, and afterwards possessed the country; they shall seize their land for a possession, set up their palaces therein, and dwell there, feasting on their spoil, their fruits, and their milk. Rabbah, the metropolis, shall be turned into a stable for camels, and the country feed the flocks of their conquerors. God’s stretched-out arm shall make an end of them, cut them off from being any longer a people, and cause them to perish from the earth; and in this terrible destruction make his own great name known as the avenger of his people’s wrongs.
2nd, Three other guilty nations are called to God’s bar to hear their doom. Their crimes and their punishments are nearly similar.
1. The Moabites.
[1.] Their crime was, delight in the sins and sufferings of the Jews. They say, Behold, the house of Judah is like unto all the heathen; perfect apostates from their God, and wholly given to idolatry, and, as the consequence thereof, fallen into the hands of the Babylonians; and no distinction subsisting between them and others, of which they used to boast. Note; (1.) Apostates from God’s worship give the adversaries great occasion to blaspheme. (2.) Though the same event happen to the righteous and the wicked, yet God knows how to put a vast difference between them.
[2.] The punishment of Moab would be, to become a prey to the same invaders as had destroyed the country of Ammon: their defences ruined; their country laid open; and their capital cities, their glory, demolished. Thus should they fall as the Ammonites their neighbours, whose names would be lost among the nations; and by these judgments which God executes, his power, his wrath, and the truth of his threatenings, would be known unto them.
2. The Edomites.
[1.] They not only, as their neighbours of Moab and Ammon, beheld and rejoiced in the fall of Judaea; but they remembered the old grudge between Jacob and Esau, their subjection by David, and their chastisement by Amaziah; and now embraced the favourable moment to execute their cruel revenge upon the poor afflicted people; at which God is highly and justly offended. Note; Whatever provocations we have received, it is highly criminal to entertain malice, or to revenge ourselves: this is God’s prerogative; Vengeance is mine.
[2.] God will punish them severely: from north to south the ravages of the Chaldeans shall spread, and man and beast be cut off by the out-stretched arm of the Lord: and when afterwards they returned from their captivity, and began to recover themselves, God will lay vengeance upon them by the hand of his people Israel; which was fulfilled under the Maccabees, 1Ma 5:3, and Hircanus, as Josephus relates, subdued and made them tributaries. Thus will the Lord pour out his anger and fury upon them, and make them know by what they feel, against what a God of omnipotence and justice they have offended.
3. The Philistines. Their sin and punishment are nearly similar. With a despiteful heart they seized this opportunity of taking vengeance for the old grudge that they bore the Jews: but they shall suffer for it: God’s arm of vengeance shall espouse his people’s quarrel; their mighty men shall perish, their maritime cities be destroyed, and with furious rebukes they shall be made to know, that Israel’s God is above all gods; and be made to confess his righteous judgments.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Philistia makes up the last brought to judgment in this Chapter, for hatred to God’s people; and not the least in the soreness of it. Reader! do not overlook the sweet consolations such reviews hold forth to the Lord’s people, in that, while the Lord corrects his children as a father corrects them; and as proofs of his love, his displeasure is called forth to any, and to every enemy of his people as judgments, who take pleasure in the sorrows of his redeemed, and thwart them with reproaches while smarting under them. Heb 12:5-11 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Eze 25:15 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy [it] for the old hatred;
Ver. 15. Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge. ] See on Eze 25:12-13 . Heathens thought revenge lawful, and tallying of injuries to be but justice. But Christianity teacheth us that non minus mali est referre iniuriam, quam inferre, a
For the old hatred.
a Lactant.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Eze 25:15-17
15’Thus says the Lord GOD, Because the Philistines have acted in revenge and have taken vengeance with scorn of soul to destroy with everlasting enmity, 16therefore thus says the Lord GOD, Behold, I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, even cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant of the seacoast. 17I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes; and they will know that I am the LORD when I lay My vengeance on them.’
Eze 25:15 Philistines See Special Topic: Pre-Israelite Inhabitants of Palestine . The name Palestine comes from the Philistines. They were enemies of the Israelites throughout their history.
have acted This verse describes Philistia’s actions against God’s people.
1. acted in revenge
2. took vengeance
3. displayed scorn of soul
4. destroyed with everlasting enmity (cf. Eze 35:5)
Wow! What strong language!
Eze 25:16 Cherethites This name is of uncertain origin (BDB 504). Two principles of hermeneutics can help here.
1. In context they are parallel to Philistines. They could be a synonymous name or a specific group who were assimilated. The Philistines were Aegean people. The Cherethites were possibly from Crete (because of [1] Amo 9:7; [2] the similarity of the root consonants; and [3] the LXX translation).
2. Parallel passages link them to the Philistines (i.e., Pelethites, cf. 2Sa 8:18; 2Sa 15:18; 2Sa 20:7; 2Sa 20:23; 1Ki 1:38; 1Ki 1:44; 1Ch 18:17; Zep 2:5).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. What is the theological significance of the literary unit of Ezekiel 25-32?
2. Why does Ezekiel mention the small surrounding nations first?
3. Why is Babylon not included in the list of nations to be judged?
4. Who are the Cherethites of Eze 25:16?
5. What is the significance of the phrase they will know that I am the LORD, Eze 25:17?
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
Eze 25:15-17
Eze 25:15-17
“Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with despite of soul to destroy with perpetual enmity; therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I will stretch out my hand upon the Philistine, and I will cut off the Cherothites, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast. And I will execute great vengeance upon them with wrathful rebukes; and they shall know that I am Jehovah, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.”
PROPHECY AGAINST THE PHILISTINES
It is amazing that these ancient enemies of Israel finally gave their name to the Holy Land itself, Palestine!
“I will cut off the Cherothites …” (Eze 25:16). These are supposed to be the Cretans, ancient ancestors of the Philistines.
The teaching of the series of oracles here is that God will judge and destroy wicked mankind, a sentence that has been hanging over the head of the human race, like the sword of Damocles, since the sentence in Eden, “In the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die.” The tragic judgments prophesied here were far earlier than the Final Judgment, of course, but they were necessitated by the situation in which the pagan nations were deceived into believing that Jehovah was not God of all gods. It is repeated throughout these passages that the reason for God’s actions was primarily this: “And thou shalt know that I am Jehovah, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.”
Prophecies against the Nations – Eze 25:1 to Eze 26:21
Open It
1. When have you experienced a setback and known that someone who disliked you was glad to see it?
2. What violent people of whom youre aware have met a violent end in recent years?
Explore It
3. What was the first foreign nation against which Ezekiel was instructed to prophesy? (Eze 25:1-2)
4. What attitude did God hold against the people of Ammon? (Eze 25:3)
5. To what group did Ezekiel prophesy that Ammon would fall victim? (Eze 25:4-5)
6. How did Ezekiel describe the reaction of the Ammonites to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple of God? (Eze 25:6)
7. What point did God desire to make by the destruction of Ammon? (Eze 25:7)
8. What blasphemy was uttered by Moab and Seir? (Eze 25:8)
9. Who was Gods instrument to punish Moab? (Eze 25:9-11)
10. What was the source of Edoms guilt before God? (Eze 25:12)
11. What people did God intend to use to express His vengeance against Edom? (Eze 25:14)
12. How did God feel about the long-standing hostility of the Philistines against Judah? (Eze 25:15-17)
13. What bad news about Jerusalem did the people of Tyre assume to be good news for them? (Eze 26:1-2)
14. What sorts of destruction did God decree for Tyre? (Eze 26:3-6)
15. What king is named as the final destroyer of Tyre? (Eze 26:7-11)
16. What specific components of the wealth of Tyre were slated for destruction? (Eze 26:12-13)
17. How lasting was the judgment against Tyre? (Eze 26:14)
18. What reaction of foreign princes would underline the extent of the destruction in Tyre? (Eze 26:15-18)
19. In what way was the end of the kingdom of Tyre going to be the worst of those described? (Eze 26:19-21)
Get It
20. How did God defend His name and the distinctiveness of His people even as He punished Israel?
21. Ultimately, which of the peoples of the earth are uniquely accountable to the Lord?
22. Why are violent people more likely than peace-loving people to meet a violent end?
23. How would you describe the ways in which God is expressing His wrath toward His enemies in modern society?
24. Why does it matter to God what conclusions unbelievers draw about His nature from His interactions with His people?
25. What do you think is Gods opinion of human arrogance?
26. Why do you suppose we can be “horrified” by extreme human misfortune, even if the sufferers deserve punishment?
27. What would be a godly reaction to the downfall of a wicked person?
Apply It
28. How can you ask God to prepare your heart for the next time you hear of the downfall of a fellow Christian?
29. What can be your response if you feel that the name of God is being maligned?
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Because: Eze 25:6, Eze 25:12, Isa 14:29-31, Jer 25:20, Jer 47:1-7, Joe 3:4-21, Zep 2:4-7, Amo 1:6-8, Zec 9:5-8
dealt: 2Ch 28:18, Psa 83:7, Isa 9:12
to destroy: Jdg 14:1 – Jdg 16:31, 1Sa 4:1 – 1Sa 6:21, 1Sa 13:1 – 1Sa 14:52, 1Sa 17:1-58, 1Sa 21:1-15, 2Sa 8:1-18, 1Ch 7:21
for the old hatred: or, with perpetual hatred
Reciprocal: Deu 30:7 – General Isa 14:30 – and I Jer 50:11 – ye were Lam 1:21 – they are Lam 2:16 – We have swallowed Eze 35:5 – perpetual hatred Eze 36:5 – with despiteful Zec 2:8 – the nations Luk 6:28 – despitefully
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Eze 25:15. The Philistines were a People who lived near the Mediterranean Sea, With a despiteful heart means to do something for spite, and these people were charged with that in their dealings with Gods People. Old hatred. According to the lexicon the first word may be defined either by old” or “perpetual, The history shows that either definition may apply, Tor the hatred of the Philistines against the Israelites was con-tinually manifested from the beginning of their residence in Palestine and that would make it old,-
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Section 3 (Eze 25:15-17).
The Philistines under ban.
The Philistines next come before us, as partakers of this inherent and perpetual enmity of Edom. They were intruders into a land promised to Israel, though with a conviction of their own prior right. They have given their name to the whole land (Palestine, from Phtlistia), which they claim, though they have never been able to take possession of more than its mere lowest border. We have seen them abundantly elsewhere, as typically natural men intruding into spiritual things. As Philistines they are “immigrants,” but never Hebrews -that is, “passengers” or “pilgrims.” They figure largely in the earlier historical books as far as Samuel, and must have a corresponding importance in their signification for us. As Christians, we should know these Philistines very well. They are seen today in what claims to be the Catholic, the Univer_ sal Church, but which spiritual judgment recognizes as but Judaism with a thin veil of Christianity drawn over its face, and with the full inheritance of Jewish enmity to the children of the free woman apparent through it. Into this also we cannot enter now, and need not, as any that will can find it fully where the interpretation naturally belongs. (See Notes on Gen 20:1-18; Gen 26:12; Jos 13:2-3; 1Sa 17:1-58, etc.)
We have but one class of these Philistines specially noticed here, the Cherethites, the “cutters off,” which have been also elsewhere considered. (See Act 27:1-44, Notes.) “Cutting off” naturally characterizes asceticism in its every shape, a remnant merely of the old heathenism, whatever its Christian dress. Externalism is manifest here, even in the most zealous forms of devotion. The Cherethites are taken by many, in certain passages at least, to mean “executioners,” and in this form of cutting off, Philistinism has ever distinguished itself; and, doubtless, many who sacrificed in this way the deepest feelings of their nature have thought they were doing God service. But all through, the enmity against Israel (the literal as well as the typical enmity) is apparent in what is here, and God threatens the Cherethites in a special manner: “Behold, I will stretch out my hands upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites, and destroy the remnant of the seacoast.” Thus Philistia will perish in the day of God, and all that are with God will only rejoice over the judgment.
Fuente: Grant’s Numerical Bible Notes and Commentary
Eze 25:15-17. Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge The Philistines being borderers upon the Jews, were their ancient enemies, from the very time of the judges downward, more particularly in the time of Ahaz: see 2Ch 28:18. Therefore I will stretch out my hand upon the Philistines I will bring calamities upon them, and enemies who shall subdue them. They were accordingly subdued by Nebuchadnezzar: see Jer 25:20; Jer 47:1. The Cherethims, or Cherethites, are the same with the Philistines, or a tribe of that people: see the margin. And destroy the remnant of the sea-coast The same who are called the remnant of the Philistines, Amo 1:8; the remnant of Ashdod, Jer 25:20; and the remnant of the country of Caphthor, chap. Eze 47:4 : on which two places see the notes. It is called the remnant, or remains, because the sea-coast of the Philistines, namely, about Ashdod, had been before much wasted and spoiled by the invasion of Psammetichus, king of Egypt.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
4. Judgment on Philistia 25:15-17
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
The Philistines to Judah’s west had also scorned the Israelites and had sought to destroy them (cf. Judges 13-16; 1 Samuel 4; 1 Samuel 13; 1 Samuel 31; 2Sa 5:17-25; 2Ki 18:8; 2Ch 21:16-17; 2Ch 28:18). Therefore the Lord would stretch out His strong hand in judgment against them and cut off the Cherethites, a group of Philistines who originated in Crete (ancient Caphtor; cf. 1Sa 30:14; Zep 2:5), and the rest of the Philistines who lived by the Mediterranean seacoast. This is a play on words in Hebrew. The Lord said He would cut off the cutters off (i.e., the Cherethites).