Daniel 7
KingCommentsDaniel 7:1
Meaning of the Death of Ezekiel’s Wife
The people will have heard of the disaster that struck Ezekiel. They know what is customary in such circumstances. However, Ezekiel does not act according to those customs. That raises questions among the people (Ezekiel 24:19). In fact, they understand that Ezekiel’s behavior – his refraining from mourning openly – must have some significance for them. Of any sympathy for the great loss Ezekiel has suffered, they give no evidence. Could they be so preoccupied with themselves that they do not think of expressing sympathy (cf. Job 2:11)? We read only that they ask what it means “for us” (Ezekiel 37:18). In a serious speech, Ezekiel tells them what the LORD means by it (Ezekiel 24:20).
The message is that the LORD is going to profane His sanctuary (Ezekiel 24:21). It is that sanctuary of which they are so proud and to which they look with admiration. It is the most precious thing their soul possesses. Just as Ezekiel’s wife has been the desire of his eyes to him, so the temple is to them. Just as the wife, at whom Ezekiel looked with admiration, was taken from him by Divine intervention, so the temple, which they admire so much, will be taken from them by Divine judgment. The sons and daughters left behind in Jerusalem will also fall by judgment.
Just as Ezekiel did after the death of his wife, they will do when they have lost everything they have looked at with admiration (Ezekiel 24:22-23). Nor will they be able to help and comfort one another, for the grief is the same for all. No one is excluded. They will languish in their iniquity because they have not been willing to break with it. Therefore, they also cannot seek comfort from the LORD and must be content with complaining of their distress to one another. They have no reason to complain loudly, because they have always known what will happen to Jerusalem, but they have not believed it. Their knowledge of Jerusalem’s fate has not led them to repentance.
The question of Eze 24:19 is clearly answered: Ezekiel is a sign for them (Ezekiel 24:24). When the temple is destroyed, they will do as Ezekiel did. When that event occurs, they will know that God is the Lord GOD. They will then be forced into that recognition. They will not be able to do otherwise.
Daniel 7:2
The Day of the Destruction of the Temple
The LORD now addresses the word to Ezekiel personally (Ezekiel 24:25). Ezekiel, on the day of the destruction of the temple, “the desire of their eyes”, and the death of their sons and daughters, will receive word from an eyewitness who will confirm what he has just presented to the people (Ezekiel 24:26). That eyewitness comes to him after the fall of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 33:21-22).
The message he receives and that encounter will become a turning point in his ministry. The people will be dumbfounded, but the prophet will again be able to speak openly and freely (Ezekiel 24:27; Ezekiel 3:22-27). The fall of Jerusalem will impressively justify the prophet. He will be a sign to his people both in his silence and in his speaking.
Daniel 7:3
The Day of the Destruction of the Temple
The LORD now addresses the word to Ezekiel personally (Ezekiel 24:25). Ezekiel, on the day of the destruction of the temple, “the desire of their eyes”, and the death of their sons and daughters, will receive word from an eyewitness who will confirm what he has just presented to the people (Ezekiel 24:26). That eyewitness comes to him after the fall of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 33:21-22).
The message he receives and that encounter will become a turning point in his ministry. The people will be dumbfounded, but the prophet will again be able to speak openly and freely (Ezekiel 24:27; Ezekiel 3:22-27). The fall of Jerusalem will impressively justify the prophet. He will be a sign to his people both in his silence and in his speaking.
Daniel 7:4
The Day of the Destruction of the Temple
The LORD now addresses the word to Ezekiel personally (Ezekiel 24:25). Ezekiel, on the day of the destruction of the temple, “the desire of their eyes”, and the death of their sons and daughters, will receive word from an eyewitness who will confirm what he has just presented to the people (Ezekiel 24:26). That eyewitness comes to him after the fall of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 33:21-22).
The message he receives and that encounter will become a turning point in his ministry. The people will be dumbfounded, but the prophet will again be able to speak openly and freely (Ezekiel 24:27; Ezekiel 3:22-27). The fall of Jerusalem will impressively justify the prophet. He will be a sign to his people both in his silence and in his speaking.
Daniel 7:6
Introduction
With this chapter begins a new section containing announcements of judgments on seven nations. This section, which covers Ezekiel 25-32, contains the prophecies about: 1. Ammon (Ezekiel 25:1-7) 2. Moab (Ezekiel 25:8-11) 3. Edom (Ezekiel 25:12-14) 4. Philistines (Ezekiel 25:15-17) 5. Tyre (Ezekiel 26:1-28:19) 6. Sidon (Ezekiel 28:20-26) 7. Egypt (Ezekiel 29-32)
These chapters are a contrast to the previous chapters. In the previous chapters the LORD has sharply denounced the sins of Jerusalem. Now He is going to speak to other nations, nations that have watched the downfall of Jerusalem with great gloating. These nations are judged according to the LORD’s promise to Abraham: “The one who curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3a; cf. Matthew 25:41-45). These nations are not only full of gloating about Jerusalem, but also about the LORD. The LORD is most closely associated with His people. Among the nations, the connection with their gods is also present.
In Ezekiel 25 there are four short prophecies concerning three brother nations of Israel (Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites) and a people claiming the land of Israel (Philistines). Each time, the LORD gives the reason for His judgment with the words “because” and “therefore” (Ezekiel 25:3-4; 6-7; 8-9; 12-13; 15-16). The conclusion is always the same: they will know that He is the LORD (Ezekiel 25:5; 7; 11; 17). Also, it is a consolation to the faithful remnant among the exiles, for they see in the judgment of their enemies that the LORD does not forget His people.
Judgment on Ammon
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 25:1). He is to set his face toward the Ammonites and prophesy against them (Ezekiel 25:2). The phrase “son of man, set your face” occurs only in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 6:2; Ezekiel 13:17; Ezekiel 20:46; Ezekiel 21:2; Ezekiel 25:2; Ezekiel 28:21; Ezekiel 29:2; Ezekiel 35:2; Ezekiel 38:2). By setting his face toward them, he sees sharply who it is about. The Ammonites are related to Israel through their descent from Lot, Abraham’s nephew (Genesis 19:36-38). They live on the east side of the Jordan and have always had a hostile attitude toward Israel.
Ezekiel is to call on the Ammonites to listen to the word of the Lord GOD (Ezekiel 25:3). The LORD is also the God of the Ammonites, even though they do not acknowledge Him and serve Milcom and Chemosh (Judges 11:24; 1 Kings 11:5; 7; 33). The LORD is the God of the nations, even though they want nothing to do with Him (Romans 3:29). But God never gives up His rights. Every nation will have to give an account before Him one day.
The Ammonites loudly rejoiced over the destruction of the temple and over the destruction of the land of Judah and over the taking away of the inhabitants of Judah into exile. In their foolish, idolatrous mindset, they assumed that with the removal of the inhabitants of Judah, the power of the God of Israel was broken.
The LORD will make them feel that they are dealing with a God Who does discipline His people, but also disciplines those who rejoice about that (Ezekiel 25:4). The Ammonites will be delivered as prey to “the sons of the east”, which are Arab and Syrian Bedouin tribes. These will rule over them, eat their fruit and drink their milk.
Their capital Rabbah will be destroyed (Ezekiel 25:5). Instead of people, animals will find a resting place there. Rabbah will become a grazing place for camels and a resting place for small livestock. When the Ammonites will see this, they will be forced to acknowledge that He, the God of Israel, is the LORD.
The LORD mentions another reason for the judgment. That is their gloating over all that has come upon the land of Israel (Ezekiel 25:6). Gloating is an extremely sad and reprehensible form of entertainment. The Ammonites expressed it in an exuberant way, with clapping their hands and stamping their feet. The LORD sees that it comes from deep within them. He sees their hearts and what dwells therein.
Therefore He will stretch out His hand in judgment against them and give them for spoil to the nations (Ezekiel 25:7). He will Himself “cut” them “off”, “make them perish” and “destroy” them so that they will have no place among the nations and lands. It is an additional underscore of the undeniable fact that He is the LORD.
Daniel 7:7
Introduction
With this chapter begins a new section containing announcements of judgments on seven nations. This section, which covers Ezekiel 25-32, contains the prophecies about: 1. Ammon (Ezekiel 25:1-7) 2. Moab (Ezekiel 25:8-11) 3. Edom (Ezekiel 25:12-14) 4. Philistines (Ezekiel 25:15-17) 5. Tyre (Ezekiel 26:1-28:19) 6. Sidon (Ezekiel 28:20-26) 7. Egypt (Ezekiel 29-32)
These chapters are a contrast to the previous chapters. In the previous chapters the LORD has sharply denounced the sins of Jerusalem. Now He is going to speak to other nations, nations that have watched the downfall of Jerusalem with great gloating. These nations are judged according to the LORD’s promise to Abraham: “The one who curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3a; cf. Matthew 25:41-45). These nations are not only full of gloating about Jerusalem, but also about the LORD. The LORD is most closely associated with His people. Among the nations, the connection with their gods is also present.
In Ezekiel 25 there are four short prophecies concerning three brother nations of Israel (Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites) and a people claiming the land of Israel (Philistines). Each time, the LORD gives the reason for His judgment with the words “because” and “therefore” (Ezekiel 25:3-4; 6-7; 8-9; 12-13; 15-16). The conclusion is always the same: they will know that He is the LORD (Ezekiel 25:5; 7; 11; 17). Also, it is a consolation to the faithful remnant among the exiles, for they see in the judgment of their enemies that the LORD does not forget His people.
Judgment on Ammon
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 25:1). He is to set his face toward the Ammonites and prophesy against them (Ezekiel 25:2). The phrase “son of man, set your face” occurs only in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 6:2; Ezekiel 13:17; Ezekiel 20:46; Ezekiel 21:2; Ezekiel 25:2; Ezekiel 28:21; Ezekiel 29:2; Ezekiel 35:2; Ezekiel 38:2). By setting his face toward them, he sees sharply who it is about. The Ammonites are related to Israel through their descent from Lot, Abraham’s nephew (Genesis 19:36-38). They live on the east side of the Jordan and have always had a hostile attitude toward Israel.
Ezekiel is to call on the Ammonites to listen to the word of the Lord GOD (Ezekiel 25:3). The LORD is also the God of the Ammonites, even though they do not acknowledge Him and serve Milcom and Chemosh (Judges 11:24; 1 Kings 11:5; 7; 33). The LORD is the God of the nations, even though they want nothing to do with Him (Romans 3:29). But God never gives up His rights. Every nation will have to give an account before Him one day.
The Ammonites loudly rejoiced over the destruction of the temple and over the destruction of the land of Judah and over the taking away of the inhabitants of Judah into exile. In their foolish, idolatrous mindset, they assumed that with the removal of the inhabitants of Judah, the power of the God of Israel was broken.
The LORD will make them feel that they are dealing with a God Who does discipline His people, but also disciplines those who rejoice about that (Ezekiel 25:4). The Ammonites will be delivered as prey to “the sons of the east”, which are Arab and Syrian Bedouin tribes. These will rule over them, eat their fruit and drink their milk.
Their capital Rabbah will be destroyed (Ezekiel 25:5). Instead of people, animals will find a resting place there. Rabbah will become a grazing place for camels and a resting place for small livestock. When the Ammonites will see this, they will be forced to acknowledge that He, the God of Israel, is the LORD.
The LORD mentions another reason for the judgment. That is their gloating over all that has come upon the land of Israel (Ezekiel 25:6). Gloating is an extremely sad and reprehensible form of entertainment. The Ammonites expressed it in an exuberant way, with clapping their hands and stamping their feet. The LORD sees that it comes from deep within them. He sees their hearts and what dwells therein.
Therefore He will stretch out His hand in judgment against them and give them for spoil to the nations (Ezekiel 25:7). He will Himself “cut” them “off”, “make them perish” and “destroy” them so that they will have no place among the nations and lands. It is an additional underscore of the undeniable fact that He is the LORD.
Daniel 7:8
Introduction
With this chapter begins a new section containing announcements of judgments on seven nations. This section, which covers Ezekiel 25-32, contains the prophecies about: 1. Ammon (Ezekiel 25:1-7) 2. Moab (Ezekiel 25:8-11) 3. Edom (Ezekiel 25:12-14) 4. Philistines (Ezekiel 25:15-17) 5. Tyre (Ezekiel 26:1-28:19) 6. Sidon (Ezekiel 28:20-26) 7. Egypt (Ezekiel 29-32)
These chapters are a contrast to the previous chapters. In the previous chapters the LORD has sharply denounced the sins of Jerusalem. Now He is going to speak to other nations, nations that have watched the downfall of Jerusalem with great gloating. These nations are judged according to the LORD’s promise to Abraham: “The one who curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3a; cf. Matthew 25:41-45). These nations are not only full of gloating about Jerusalem, but also about the LORD. The LORD is most closely associated with His people. Among the nations, the connection with their gods is also present.
In Ezekiel 25 there are four short prophecies concerning three brother nations of Israel (Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites) and a people claiming the land of Israel (Philistines). Each time, the LORD gives the reason for His judgment with the words “because” and “therefore” (Ezekiel 25:3-4; 6-7; 8-9; 12-13; 15-16). The conclusion is always the same: they will know that He is the LORD (Ezekiel 25:5; 7; 11; 17). Also, it is a consolation to the faithful remnant among the exiles, for they see in the judgment of their enemies that the LORD does not forget His people.
Judgment on Ammon
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 25:1). He is to set his face toward the Ammonites and prophesy against them (Ezekiel 25:2). The phrase “son of man, set your face” occurs only in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 6:2; Ezekiel 13:17; Ezekiel 20:46; Ezekiel 21:2; Ezekiel 25:2; Ezekiel 28:21; Ezekiel 29:2; Ezekiel 35:2; Ezekiel 38:2). By setting his face toward them, he sees sharply who it is about. The Ammonites are related to Israel through their descent from Lot, Abraham’s nephew (Genesis 19:36-38). They live on the east side of the Jordan and have always had a hostile attitude toward Israel.
Ezekiel is to call on the Ammonites to listen to the word of the Lord GOD (Ezekiel 25:3). The LORD is also the God of the Ammonites, even though they do not acknowledge Him and serve Milcom and Chemosh (Judges 11:24; 1 Kings 11:5; 7; 33). The LORD is the God of the nations, even though they want nothing to do with Him (Romans 3:29). But God never gives up His rights. Every nation will have to give an account before Him one day.
The Ammonites loudly rejoiced over the destruction of the temple and over the destruction of the land of Judah and over the taking away of the inhabitants of Judah into exile. In their foolish, idolatrous mindset, they assumed that with the removal of the inhabitants of Judah, the power of the God of Israel was broken.
The LORD will make them feel that they are dealing with a God Who does discipline His people, but also disciplines those who rejoice about that (Ezekiel 25:4). The Ammonites will be delivered as prey to “the sons of the east”, which are Arab and Syrian Bedouin tribes. These will rule over them, eat their fruit and drink their milk.
Their capital Rabbah will be destroyed (Ezekiel 25:5). Instead of people, animals will find a resting place there. Rabbah will become a grazing place for camels and a resting place for small livestock. When the Ammonites will see this, they will be forced to acknowledge that He, the God of Israel, is the LORD.
The LORD mentions another reason for the judgment. That is their gloating over all that has come upon the land of Israel (Ezekiel 25:6). Gloating is an extremely sad and reprehensible form of entertainment. The Ammonites expressed it in an exuberant way, with clapping their hands and stamping their feet. The LORD sees that it comes from deep within them. He sees their hearts and what dwells therein.
Therefore He will stretch out His hand in judgment against them and give them for spoil to the nations (Ezekiel 25:7). He will Himself “cut” them “off”, “make them perish” and “destroy” them so that they will have no place among the nations and lands. It is an additional underscore of the undeniable fact that He is the LORD.
Daniel 7:9
Introduction
With this chapter begins a new section containing announcements of judgments on seven nations. This section, which covers Ezekiel 25-32, contains the prophecies about: 1. Ammon (Ezekiel 25:1-7) 2. Moab (Ezekiel 25:8-11) 3. Edom (Ezekiel 25:12-14) 4. Philistines (Ezekiel 25:15-17) 5. Tyre (Ezekiel 26:1-28:19) 6. Sidon (Ezekiel 28:20-26) 7. Egypt (Ezekiel 29-32)
These chapters are a contrast to the previous chapters. In the previous chapters the LORD has sharply denounced the sins of Jerusalem. Now He is going to speak to other nations, nations that have watched the downfall of Jerusalem with great gloating. These nations are judged according to the LORD’s promise to Abraham: “The one who curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3a; cf. Matthew 25:41-45). These nations are not only full of gloating about Jerusalem, but also about the LORD. The LORD is most closely associated with His people. Among the nations, the connection with their gods is also present.
In Ezekiel 25 there are four short prophecies concerning three brother nations of Israel (Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites) and a people claiming the land of Israel (Philistines). Each time, the LORD gives the reason for His judgment with the words “because” and “therefore” (Ezekiel 25:3-4; 6-7; 8-9; 12-13; 15-16). The conclusion is always the same: they will know that He is the LORD (Ezekiel 25:5; 7; 11; 17). Also, it is a consolation to the faithful remnant among the exiles, for they see in the judgment of their enemies that the LORD does not forget His people.
Judgment on Ammon
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 25:1). He is to set his face toward the Ammonites and prophesy against them (Ezekiel 25:2). The phrase “son of man, set your face” occurs only in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 6:2; Ezekiel 13:17; Ezekiel 20:46; Ezekiel 21:2; Ezekiel 25:2; Ezekiel 28:21; Ezekiel 29:2; Ezekiel 35:2; Ezekiel 38:2). By setting his face toward them, he sees sharply who it is about. The Ammonites are related to Israel through their descent from Lot, Abraham’s nephew (Genesis 19:36-38). They live on the east side of the Jordan and have always had a hostile attitude toward Israel.
Ezekiel is to call on the Ammonites to listen to the word of the Lord GOD (Ezekiel 25:3). The LORD is also the God of the Ammonites, even though they do not acknowledge Him and serve Milcom and Chemosh (Judges 11:24; 1 Kings 11:5; 7; 33). The LORD is the God of the nations, even though they want nothing to do with Him (Romans 3:29). But God never gives up His rights. Every nation will have to give an account before Him one day.
The Ammonites loudly rejoiced over the destruction of the temple and over the destruction of the land of Judah and over the taking away of the inhabitants of Judah into exile. In their foolish, idolatrous mindset, they assumed that with the removal of the inhabitants of Judah, the power of the God of Israel was broken.
The LORD will make them feel that they are dealing with a God Who does discipline His people, but also disciplines those who rejoice about that (Ezekiel 25:4). The Ammonites will be delivered as prey to “the sons of the east”, which are Arab and Syrian Bedouin tribes. These will rule over them, eat their fruit and drink their milk.
Their capital Rabbah will be destroyed (Ezekiel 25:5). Instead of people, animals will find a resting place there. Rabbah will become a grazing place for camels and a resting place for small livestock. When the Ammonites will see this, they will be forced to acknowledge that He, the God of Israel, is the LORD.
The LORD mentions another reason for the judgment. That is their gloating over all that has come upon the land of Israel (Ezekiel 25:6). Gloating is an extremely sad and reprehensible form of entertainment. The Ammonites expressed it in an exuberant way, with clapping their hands and stamping their feet. The LORD sees that it comes from deep within them. He sees their hearts and what dwells therein.
Therefore He will stretch out His hand in judgment against them and give them for spoil to the nations (Ezekiel 25:7). He will Himself “cut” them “off”, “make them perish” and “destroy” them so that they will have no place among the nations and lands. It is an additional underscore of the undeniable fact that He is the LORD.
Daniel 7:10
Introduction
With this chapter begins a new section containing announcements of judgments on seven nations. This section, which covers Ezekiel 25-32, contains the prophecies about: 1. Ammon (Ezekiel 25:1-7) 2. Moab (Ezekiel 25:8-11) 3. Edom (Ezekiel 25:12-14) 4. Philistines (Ezekiel 25:15-17) 5. Tyre (Ezekiel 26:1-28:19) 6. Sidon (Ezekiel 28:20-26) 7. Egypt (Ezekiel 29-32)
These chapters are a contrast to the previous chapters. In the previous chapters the LORD has sharply denounced the sins of Jerusalem. Now He is going to speak to other nations, nations that have watched the downfall of Jerusalem with great gloating. These nations are judged according to the LORD’s promise to Abraham: “The one who curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3a; cf. Matthew 25:41-45). These nations are not only full of gloating about Jerusalem, but also about the LORD. The LORD is most closely associated with His people. Among the nations, the connection with their gods is also present.
In Ezekiel 25 there are four short prophecies concerning three brother nations of Israel (Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites) and a people claiming the land of Israel (Philistines). Each time, the LORD gives the reason for His judgment with the words “because” and “therefore” (Ezekiel 25:3-4; 6-7; 8-9; 12-13; 15-16). The conclusion is always the same: they will know that He is the LORD (Ezekiel 25:5; 7; 11; 17). Also, it is a consolation to the faithful remnant among the exiles, for they see in the judgment of their enemies that the LORD does not forget His people.
Judgment on Ammon
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 25:1). He is to set his face toward the Ammonites and prophesy against them (Ezekiel 25:2). The phrase “son of man, set your face” occurs only in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 6:2; Ezekiel 13:17; Ezekiel 20:46; Ezekiel 21:2; Ezekiel 25:2; Ezekiel 28:21; Ezekiel 29:2; Ezekiel 35:2; Ezekiel 38:2). By setting his face toward them, he sees sharply who it is about. The Ammonites are related to Israel through their descent from Lot, Abraham’s nephew (Genesis 19:36-38). They live on the east side of the Jordan and have always had a hostile attitude toward Israel.
Ezekiel is to call on the Ammonites to listen to the word of the Lord GOD (Ezekiel 25:3). The LORD is also the God of the Ammonites, even though they do not acknowledge Him and serve Milcom and Chemosh (Judges 11:24; 1 Kings 11:5; 7; 33). The LORD is the God of the nations, even though they want nothing to do with Him (Romans 3:29). But God never gives up His rights. Every nation will have to give an account before Him one day.
The Ammonites loudly rejoiced over the destruction of the temple and over the destruction of the land of Judah and over the taking away of the inhabitants of Judah into exile. In their foolish, idolatrous mindset, they assumed that with the removal of the inhabitants of Judah, the power of the God of Israel was broken.
The LORD will make them feel that they are dealing with a God Who does discipline His people, but also disciplines those who rejoice about that (Ezekiel 25:4). The Ammonites will be delivered as prey to “the sons of the east”, which are Arab and Syrian Bedouin tribes. These will rule over them, eat their fruit and drink their milk.
Their capital Rabbah will be destroyed (Ezekiel 25:5). Instead of people, animals will find a resting place there. Rabbah will become a grazing place for camels and a resting place for small livestock. When the Ammonites will see this, they will be forced to acknowledge that He, the God of Israel, is the LORD.
The LORD mentions another reason for the judgment. That is their gloating over all that has come upon the land of Israel (Ezekiel 25:6). Gloating is an extremely sad and reprehensible form of entertainment. The Ammonites expressed it in an exuberant way, with clapping their hands and stamping their feet. The LORD sees that it comes from deep within them. He sees their hearts and what dwells therein.
Therefore He will stretch out His hand in judgment against them and give them for spoil to the nations (Ezekiel 25:7). He will Himself “cut” them “off”, “make them perish” and “destroy” them so that they will have no place among the nations and lands. It is an additional underscore of the undeniable fact that He is the LORD.
Daniel 7:11
Introduction
With this chapter begins a new section containing announcements of judgments on seven nations. This section, which covers Ezekiel 25-32, contains the prophecies about: 1. Ammon (Ezekiel 25:1-7) 2. Moab (Ezekiel 25:8-11) 3. Edom (Ezekiel 25:12-14) 4. Philistines (Ezekiel 25:15-17) 5. Tyre (Ezekiel 26:1-28:19) 6. Sidon (Ezekiel 28:20-26) 7. Egypt (Ezekiel 29-32)
These chapters are a contrast to the previous chapters. In the previous chapters the LORD has sharply denounced the sins of Jerusalem. Now He is going to speak to other nations, nations that have watched the downfall of Jerusalem with great gloating. These nations are judged according to the LORD’s promise to Abraham: “The one who curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3a; cf. Matthew 25:41-45). These nations are not only full of gloating about Jerusalem, but also about the LORD. The LORD is most closely associated with His people. Among the nations, the connection with their gods is also present.
In Ezekiel 25 there are four short prophecies concerning three brother nations of Israel (Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites) and a people claiming the land of Israel (Philistines). Each time, the LORD gives the reason for His judgment with the words “because” and “therefore” (Ezekiel 25:3-4; 6-7; 8-9; 12-13; 15-16). The conclusion is always the same: they will know that He is the LORD (Ezekiel 25:5; 7; 11; 17). Also, it is a consolation to the faithful remnant among the exiles, for they see in the judgment of their enemies that the LORD does not forget His people.
Judgment on Ammon
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 25:1). He is to set his face toward the Ammonites and prophesy against them (Ezekiel 25:2). The phrase “son of man, set your face” occurs only in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 6:2; Ezekiel 13:17; Ezekiel 20:46; Ezekiel 21:2; Ezekiel 25:2; Ezekiel 28:21; Ezekiel 29:2; Ezekiel 35:2; Ezekiel 38:2). By setting his face toward them, he sees sharply who it is about. The Ammonites are related to Israel through their descent from Lot, Abraham’s nephew (Genesis 19:36-38). They live on the east side of the Jordan and have always had a hostile attitude toward Israel.
Ezekiel is to call on the Ammonites to listen to the word of the Lord GOD (Ezekiel 25:3). The LORD is also the God of the Ammonites, even though they do not acknowledge Him and serve Milcom and Chemosh (Judges 11:24; 1 Kings 11:5; 7; 33). The LORD is the God of the nations, even though they want nothing to do with Him (Romans 3:29). But God never gives up His rights. Every nation will have to give an account before Him one day.
The Ammonites loudly rejoiced over the destruction of the temple and over the destruction of the land of Judah and over the taking away of the inhabitants of Judah into exile. In their foolish, idolatrous mindset, they assumed that with the removal of the inhabitants of Judah, the power of the God of Israel was broken.
The LORD will make them feel that they are dealing with a God Who does discipline His people, but also disciplines those who rejoice about that (Ezekiel 25:4). The Ammonites will be delivered as prey to “the sons of the east”, which are Arab and Syrian Bedouin tribes. These will rule over them, eat their fruit and drink their milk.
Their capital Rabbah will be destroyed (Ezekiel 25:5). Instead of people, animals will find a resting place there. Rabbah will become a grazing place for camels and a resting place for small livestock. When the Ammonites will see this, they will be forced to acknowledge that He, the God of Israel, is the LORD.
The LORD mentions another reason for the judgment. That is their gloating over all that has come upon the land of Israel (Ezekiel 25:6). Gloating is an extremely sad and reprehensible form of entertainment. The Ammonites expressed it in an exuberant way, with clapping their hands and stamping their feet. The LORD sees that it comes from deep within them. He sees their hearts and what dwells therein.
Therefore He will stretch out His hand in judgment against them and give them for spoil to the nations (Ezekiel 25:7). He will Himself “cut” them “off”, “make them perish” and “destroy” them so that they will have no place among the nations and lands. It is an additional underscore of the undeniable fact that He is the LORD.
Daniel 7:12
Introduction
With this chapter begins a new section containing announcements of judgments on seven nations. This section, which covers Ezekiel 25-32, contains the prophecies about: 1. Ammon (Ezekiel 25:1-7) 2. Moab (Ezekiel 25:8-11) 3. Edom (Ezekiel 25:12-14) 4. Philistines (Ezekiel 25:15-17) 5. Tyre (Ezekiel 26:1-28:19) 6. Sidon (Ezekiel 28:20-26) 7. Egypt (Ezekiel 29-32)
These chapters are a contrast to the previous chapters. In the previous chapters the LORD has sharply denounced the sins of Jerusalem. Now He is going to speak to other nations, nations that have watched the downfall of Jerusalem with great gloating. These nations are judged according to the LORD’s promise to Abraham: “The one who curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3a; cf. Matthew 25:41-45). These nations are not only full of gloating about Jerusalem, but also about the LORD. The LORD is most closely associated with His people. Among the nations, the connection with their gods is also present.
In Ezekiel 25 there are four short prophecies concerning three brother nations of Israel (Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites) and a people claiming the land of Israel (Philistines). Each time, the LORD gives the reason for His judgment with the words “because” and “therefore” (Ezekiel 25:3-4; 6-7; 8-9; 12-13; 15-16). The conclusion is always the same: they will know that He is the LORD (Ezekiel 25:5; 7; 11; 17). Also, it is a consolation to the faithful remnant among the exiles, for they see in the judgment of their enemies that the LORD does not forget His people.
Judgment on Ammon
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 25:1). He is to set his face toward the Ammonites and prophesy against them (Ezekiel 25:2). The phrase “son of man, set your face” occurs only in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 6:2; Ezekiel 13:17; Ezekiel 20:46; Ezekiel 21:2; Ezekiel 25:2; Ezekiel 28:21; Ezekiel 29:2; Ezekiel 35:2; Ezekiel 38:2). By setting his face toward them, he sees sharply who it is about. The Ammonites are related to Israel through their descent from Lot, Abraham’s nephew (Genesis 19:36-38). They live on the east side of the Jordan and have always had a hostile attitude toward Israel.
Ezekiel is to call on the Ammonites to listen to the word of the Lord GOD (Ezekiel 25:3). The LORD is also the God of the Ammonites, even though they do not acknowledge Him and serve Milcom and Chemosh (Judges 11:24; 1 Kings 11:5; 7; 33). The LORD is the God of the nations, even though they want nothing to do with Him (Romans 3:29). But God never gives up His rights. Every nation will have to give an account before Him one day.
The Ammonites loudly rejoiced over the destruction of the temple and over the destruction of the land of Judah and over the taking away of the inhabitants of Judah into exile. In their foolish, idolatrous mindset, they assumed that with the removal of the inhabitants of Judah, the power of the God of Israel was broken.
The LORD will make them feel that they are dealing with a God Who does discipline His people, but also disciplines those who rejoice about that (Ezekiel 25:4). The Ammonites will be delivered as prey to “the sons of the east”, which are Arab and Syrian Bedouin tribes. These will rule over them, eat their fruit and drink their milk.
Their capital Rabbah will be destroyed (Ezekiel 25:5). Instead of people, animals will find a resting place there. Rabbah will become a grazing place for camels and a resting place for small livestock. When the Ammonites will see this, they will be forced to acknowledge that He, the God of Israel, is the LORD.
The LORD mentions another reason for the judgment. That is their gloating over all that has come upon the land of Israel (Ezekiel 25:6). Gloating is an extremely sad and reprehensible form of entertainment. The Ammonites expressed it in an exuberant way, with clapping their hands and stamping their feet. The LORD sees that it comes from deep within them. He sees their hearts and what dwells therein.
Therefore He will stretch out His hand in judgment against them and give them for spoil to the nations (Ezekiel 25:7). He will Himself “cut” them “off”, “make them perish” and “destroy” them so that they will have no place among the nations and lands. It is an additional underscore of the undeniable fact that He is the LORD.
Daniel 7:13
Judgment on Moab
The next word from the LORD concerns Moab with whom Seir – that is, the territory of Edom – is mentioned in the same breath (Ezekiel 25:8). The Moabites, like the Ammonites, are related to Israel through Lot (Genesis 19:36-38). Moab despises Israel as a special people chosen by the LORD. To them, the house of Judah is like all the other nations. In doing so, they despise the LORD Himself, Who has chosen that people to be His people. Judah is certainly also to blame for this contempt, but the LORD blames Moab for its arrogant, condemning attitude. Someone who acts this way is completely blind to his own sins and brings judgment on himself.
Therefore the LORD will judge Moab (Ezekiel 25:9). His border guards will be unable to do anything against advancing enemies. The cities of which they are proud, with which they flaunt like an ornament, will be destroyed. They will be taken possession of by people from the east, the Arab and Syrian Bedouin tribes (Ezekiel 25:10; Ezekiel 25:4). The memory of them among the nations will disappear. While this too is a severe judgment, it seems to be less severe and radical than that on the Ammonites (Ezekiel 25:7). The judgments will force the Moabites to acknowledge that He is the LORD (Ezekiel 25:11).
Daniel 7:14
Judgment on Moab
The next word from the LORD concerns Moab with whom Seir – that is, the territory of Edom – is mentioned in the same breath (Ezekiel 25:8). The Moabites, like the Ammonites, are related to Israel through Lot (Genesis 19:36-38). Moab despises Israel as a special people chosen by the LORD. To them, the house of Judah is like all the other nations. In doing so, they despise the LORD Himself, Who has chosen that people to be His people. Judah is certainly also to blame for this contempt, but the LORD blames Moab for its arrogant, condemning attitude. Someone who acts this way is completely blind to his own sins and brings judgment on himself.
Therefore the LORD will judge Moab (Ezekiel 25:9). His border guards will be unable to do anything against advancing enemies. The cities of which they are proud, with which they flaunt like an ornament, will be destroyed. They will be taken possession of by people from the east, the Arab and Syrian Bedouin tribes (Ezekiel 25:10; Ezekiel 25:4). The memory of them among the nations will disappear. While this too is a severe judgment, it seems to be less severe and radical than that on the Ammonites (Ezekiel 25:7). The judgments will force the Moabites to acknowledge that He is the LORD (Ezekiel 25:11).
Daniel 7:15
Judgment on Moab
The next word from the LORD concerns Moab with whom Seir – that is, the territory of Edom – is mentioned in the same breath (Ezekiel 25:8). The Moabites, like the Ammonites, are related to Israel through Lot (Genesis 19:36-38). Moab despises Israel as a special people chosen by the LORD. To them, the house of Judah is like all the other nations. In doing so, they despise the LORD Himself, Who has chosen that people to be His people. Judah is certainly also to blame for this contempt, but the LORD blames Moab for its arrogant, condemning attitude. Someone who acts this way is completely blind to his own sins and brings judgment on himself.
Therefore the LORD will judge Moab (Ezekiel 25:9). His border guards will be unable to do anything against advancing enemies. The cities of which they are proud, with which they flaunt like an ornament, will be destroyed. They will be taken possession of by people from the east, the Arab and Syrian Bedouin tribes (Ezekiel 25:10; Ezekiel 25:4). The memory of them among the nations will disappear. While this too is a severe judgment, it seems to be less severe and radical than that on the Ammonites (Ezekiel 25:7). The judgments will force the Moabites to acknowledge that He is the LORD (Ezekiel 25:11).
Daniel 7:16
Judgment on Moab
The next word from the LORD concerns Moab with whom Seir – that is, the territory of Edom – is mentioned in the same breath (Ezekiel 25:8). The Moabites, like the Ammonites, are related to Israel through Lot (Genesis 19:36-38). Moab despises Israel as a special people chosen by the LORD. To them, the house of Judah is like all the other nations. In doing so, they despise the LORD Himself, Who has chosen that people to be His people. Judah is certainly also to blame for this contempt, but the LORD blames Moab for its arrogant, condemning attitude. Someone who acts this way is completely blind to his own sins and brings judgment on himself.
Therefore the LORD will judge Moab (Ezekiel 25:9). His border guards will be unable to do anything against advancing enemies. The cities of which they are proud, with which they flaunt like an ornament, will be destroyed. They will be taken possession of by people from the east, the Arab and Syrian Bedouin tribes (Ezekiel 25:10; Ezekiel 25:4). The memory of them among the nations will disappear. While this too is a severe judgment, it seems to be less severe and radical than that on the Ammonites (Ezekiel 25:7). The judgments will force the Moabites to acknowledge that He is the LORD (Ezekiel 25:11).
Daniel 7:17
Judgment on Edom
The third judgment is pronounced by the LORD on Edom (Ezekiel 25:12), which is Esau. Edom is much more closely related to Israel than Ammon and Moab. Esau is the brother of Jacob. So Edom is in a literal sense a brother people. With Edom, however, there has never been any brotherly affection. He has acted against Judah more than any other hostile people out of vindictiveness. Edom has incurred a heavy debt by taking revenge on Judah out of sheer vindictiveness. The vindictiveness toward Judah is in Esau’s blood.
God will stretch out His hand in judgment against Edom (Ezekiel 25:13). This will be a radical judgment. Man and beast will be cut off. In other cases, cities are destroyed and people cut off, but a dwelling place for animals remains. This is not even the case with Edom. The whole land, from Teman in the extreme north to Dedan in the extreme south, will be given up to destruction.
For the destruction of Edom, God will use His people Israel (Ezekiel 25:14; Obadiah 1:18). His people will cause His anger and wrath to come upon that nation. Edom was first invaded by the Babylonians and later destroyed by the Arabs. In the time of the Maccabees, Edom was completely conquered by the Jews. In the end time the final judgment will come on Edom. There seems to be no recognition with Edom that He is the LORD, as we find with the other nations in this chapter. They will only know the vengeance of the Lord GOD.
Daniel 7:18
Judgment on Edom
The third judgment is pronounced by the LORD on Edom (Ezekiel 25:12), which is Esau. Edom is much more closely related to Israel than Ammon and Moab. Esau is the brother of Jacob. So Edom is in a literal sense a brother people. With Edom, however, there has never been any brotherly affection. He has acted against Judah more than any other hostile people out of vindictiveness. Edom has incurred a heavy debt by taking revenge on Judah out of sheer vindictiveness. The vindictiveness toward Judah is in Esau’s blood.
God will stretch out His hand in judgment against Edom (Ezekiel 25:13). This will be a radical judgment. Man and beast will be cut off. In other cases, cities are destroyed and people cut off, but a dwelling place for animals remains. This is not even the case with Edom. The whole land, from Teman in the extreme north to Dedan in the extreme south, will be given up to destruction.
For the destruction of Edom, God will use His people Israel (Ezekiel 25:14; Obadiah 1:18). His people will cause His anger and wrath to come upon that nation. Edom was first invaded by the Babylonians and later destroyed by the Arabs. In the time of the Maccabees, Edom was completely conquered by the Jews. In the end time the final judgment will come on Edom. There seems to be no recognition with Edom that He is the LORD, as we find with the other nations in this chapter. They will only know the vengeance of the Lord GOD.
Daniel 7:19
Judgment on Edom
The third judgment is pronounced by the LORD on Edom (Ezekiel 25:12), which is Esau. Edom is much more closely related to Israel than Ammon and Moab. Esau is the brother of Jacob. So Edom is in a literal sense a brother people. With Edom, however, there has never been any brotherly affection. He has acted against Judah more than any other hostile people out of vindictiveness. Edom has incurred a heavy debt by taking revenge on Judah out of sheer vindictiveness. The vindictiveness toward Judah is in Esau’s blood.
God will stretch out His hand in judgment against Edom (Ezekiel 25:13). This will be a radical judgment. Man and beast will be cut off. In other cases, cities are destroyed and people cut off, but a dwelling place for animals remains. This is not even the case with Edom. The whole land, from Teman in the extreme north to Dedan in the extreme south, will be given up to destruction.
For the destruction of Edom, God will use His people Israel (Ezekiel 25:14; Obadiah 1:18). His people will cause His anger and wrath to come upon that nation. Edom was first invaded by the Babylonians and later destroyed by the Arabs. In the time of the Maccabees, Edom was completely conquered by the Jews. In the end time the final judgment will come on Edom. There seems to be no recognition with Edom that He is the LORD, as we find with the other nations in this chapter. They will only know the vengeance of the Lord GOD.
Daniel 7:20
Judgment on the Philistines
The fourth announcement of judgment concerns the Philistines (Ezekiel 25:15). These enemies also receive the charge that they acted in vengeance (as did Edom) and have been raging with heartfelt gloating (as did Ammon). Their motivation is “an everlasting enmity” (cf. Ezekiel 35:5). They have observed the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem with devilish delight.
Therefore the LORD will stretch out His hand also against them and other groups from Crete who have joined the Philistines (“the Cherethites”) in judgment (Ezekiel 25:16). If, after an initial judgment, some remain, a remnant hiding on the seashore, He will kill them there.
The LORD will punish their vengeance with His “great vengeance” and “wrathful rebukes” (Ezekiel 25:17). There is a tremendous threat in these expressions. Through them the LORD makes Himself known as a righteous Judge from Whom there is no escape. The righteous punishment cannot be escaped by anyone, neither can the forced recognition that He is the LORD. Every knee will bow to Him, even those who are under the earth (Philippians 2:10).
Daniel 7:21
Judgment on the Philistines
The fourth announcement of judgment concerns the Philistines (Ezekiel 25:15). These enemies also receive the charge that they acted in vengeance (as did Edom) and have been raging with heartfelt gloating (as did Ammon). Their motivation is “an everlasting enmity” (cf. Ezekiel 35:5). They have observed the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem with devilish delight.
Therefore the LORD will stretch out His hand also against them and other groups from Crete who have joined the Philistines (“the Cherethites”) in judgment (Ezekiel 25:16). If, after an initial judgment, some remain, a remnant hiding on the seashore, He will kill them there.
The LORD will punish their vengeance with His “great vengeance” and “wrathful rebukes” (Ezekiel 25:17). There is a tremendous threat in these expressions. Through them the LORD makes Himself known as a righteous Judge from Whom there is no escape. The righteous punishment cannot be escaped by anyone, neither can the forced recognition that He is the LORD. Every knee will bow to Him, even those who are under the earth (Philippians 2:10).
Daniel 7:22
Judgment on the Philistines
The fourth announcement of judgment concerns the Philistines (Ezekiel 25:15). These enemies also receive the charge that they acted in vengeance (as did Edom) and have been raging with heartfelt gloating (as did Ammon). Their motivation is “an everlasting enmity” (cf. Ezekiel 35:5). They have observed the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem with devilish delight.
Therefore the LORD will stretch out His hand also against them and other groups from Crete who have joined the Philistines (“the Cherethites”) in judgment (Ezekiel 25:16). If, after an initial judgment, some remain, a remnant hiding on the seashore, He will kill them there.
The LORD will punish their vengeance with His “great vengeance” and “wrathful rebukes” (Ezekiel 25:17). There is a tremendous threat in these expressions. Through them the LORD makes Himself known as a righteous Judge from Whom there is no escape. The righteous punishment cannot be escaped by anyone, neither can the forced recognition that He is the LORD. Every knee will bow to Him, even those who are under the earth (Philippians 2:10).
Daniel 7:24
Introduction
After the LORD has pronounced His judgments on the enemies east and south of Israel, He now turns to the north. There lies Tyre, in present-day Lebanon. The prophecy about Tyre is divided into three chapters. Each chapter shows a particular feature of the megalomania and pride of Tyre. The judgment deals with: 1. her joy at the breaking of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 26); 2. her haughtiness and self-indulgence (Ezekiel 27); 3. her wisdom and insight (Ezekiel 28).
We may wonder why Tyre is getting so much attention. The reason is that Tyre bears a great resemblance to the great Babylon, the great spiritual power (Ezekiel 27:1-36; Revelation 17:1-18; Revelation 18:1-24). Tyre refers to that great power. Following on from Babylon is Rome, also a trading city. Rome is the great successor to Tyre. Behind the king of Tyre we see the person of satan himself (Ezekiel 28). We also see that person with the restored Roman Empire. With Tyre, prophetically, we are dealing with the great power of satan in the end time, both religiously and politically and economically.
Judgment on Tyre
The prophecy about Tyre is dated (Ezekiel 26:1). This eleventh year is the year Jerusalem is taken by the Chaldeans, the year of the destruction of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:2-3). About that destruction Tyre rejoices greatly (Ezekiel 26:2). She calls Jerusalem “the gateway of the peoples”. Jerusalem is a formidable trade competitor of Tyre, for Jerusalem controls the overland trade routes from Egypt and Arabia to Tyre.
Now that this obstacle has been removed, Tyre can make even greater profits. Tyre boasts that control of the trade routes that Jerusalem possessed has now passed to her. Tyre sees the full benefits coming her way. She will become full of all riches because Jerusalem has fallen. Here we see that love of money, which is a root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10a), destroys the good relations of old (1 Kings 5:1). Love of money here even causes joy at the severance and destruction of a former friend.
A behavior like that of Tyre is hated by the LORD (Proverbs 17:5b). Because Tyre is so full of selfishness and greed for money, the LORD will judge the city (Ezekiel 26:3). In four prophecies, four extremely detailed and accurate predictions follow. Each of these prophecies begins with the words “thus says the lord GOD” (Ezekiel 26:3-6; 7-14; 15-18; 19-21).
With the threatening words “behold, I am against you, O Tyre”, God predicts that He will bring up many nations against Tyre, as the sea brings up its waves. He compares the bringing up of these nations to a flood or a tsunami: the bringing up the waves of the sea. As God controls the waves of the sea, so He controls the nations. Those nations come this time not with peaceful intentions, to trade with Tyre, but to destroy her (Ezekiel 26:4). The protection of Tyre will be broken down and turned to dust. The proud mercantile city, built on a rock in the midst of the sea, teeming with people and boasting of its treasures, will become a barren rock where no one can live.
The only thing the rock in the midst of the sea can still serve for is to dry nets there (Ezekiel 26:5). So it will happen, for the LORD has spoken it. The wealth that has been piled up there will be taken as spoil by the nations. Those who live on the mainland, the daughters who feast on the commercial prosperity obtained, will be killed with the sword (Ezekiel 26:6). Thus they will know that He is the LORD.
In the second prophecy, the LORD tells who He is sending as enemies upon Tyre: the troops of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon (Ezekiel 26:7). This king with so much power that God calls him “the king of kings” (Daniel 2:37), is nothing but an instrument in His hand, one who can do nothing but carry out His will. This king will move against Tyre from the north with a huge fighting force. The first thing he will do is “slay your daughters on the mainland with the sword”. By the “daughters” is meant the cities and towns on the mainland that are near Tyre and dependent on her (Ezekiel 26:8). Then he will besiege Tyre with heavy artillery. After that siege, he will break through the defenses by force and tear down the watchtowers (Ezekiel 26:9).
The multitude of horses he has will raise so much dust that Tyre will be covered by it (Ezekiel 26:10). When Nebuchadnezzar storms into the gate of the city with thundering violence, the thumping of the horses’ hooves and chariots will make the walls tremble. The city will fall like an open city into the hands of the king of Babylon and his armies. When they are in the city, the streets will be broken up by the horses (Ezekiel 26:11). No passable road will remain. The inhabitants will be killed and every strength where people have entrenched themselves will come crashing down to the earth.
The accumulated wealth will be made a spoil and all the merchandise will be plundered (Ezekiel 26:12). Nothing of their treasures will remain for them. The walls they have built around their homes to protect their precious villas from burglars will be destroyed. Then their coveted abodes, of which they are so proud, will be razed to the ground. The debris will be dumped in the sea. That is the end of all their luxury.
This will also be the end of their songs, which they sing out (cf. Amos 5:23) and in which they praise how wonderfully they have prospered (Ezekiel 26:13). The harps with which they accompany their singing are silent, forever. God has put an end to their bellowing.
So the LORD will make Tyre a bare rock, where there is nothing left and no one lives (Ezekiel 26:14). The only thing left to do is to lay nets to dry. Never again will anything of Tyre rise up. Because the LORD has said so, it will be so.
Daniel 7:25
Introduction
After the LORD has pronounced His judgments on the enemies east and south of Israel, He now turns to the north. There lies Tyre, in present-day Lebanon. The prophecy about Tyre is divided into three chapters. Each chapter shows a particular feature of the megalomania and pride of Tyre. The judgment deals with: 1. her joy at the breaking of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 26); 2. her haughtiness and self-indulgence (Ezekiel 27); 3. her wisdom and insight (Ezekiel 28).
We may wonder why Tyre is getting so much attention. The reason is that Tyre bears a great resemblance to the great Babylon, the great spiritual power (Ezekiel 27:1-36; Revelation 17:1-18; Revelation 18:1-24). Tyre refers to that great power. Following on from Babylon is Rome, also a trading city. Rome is the great successor to Tyre. Behind the king of Tyre we see the person of satan himself (Ezekiel 28). We also see that person with the restored Roman Empire. With Tyre, prophetically, we are dealing with the great power of satan in the end time, both religiously and politically and economically.
Judgment on Tyre
The prophecy about Tyre is dated (Ezekiel 26:1). This eleventh year is the year Jerusalem is taken by the Chaldeans, the year of the destruction of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:2-3). About that destruction Tyre rejoices greatly (Ezekiel 26:2). She calls Jerusalem “the gateway of the peoples”. Jerusalem is a formidable trade competitor of Tyre, for Jerusalem controls the overland trade routes from Egypt and Arabia to Tyre.
Now that this obstacle has been removed, Tyre can make even greater profits. Tyre boasts that control of the trade routes that Jerusalem possessed has now passed to her. Tyre sees the full benefits coming her way. She will become full of all riches because Jerusalem has fallen. Here we see that love of money, which is a root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10a), destroys the good relations of old (1 Kings 5:1). Love of money here even causes joy at the severance and destruction of a former friend.
A behavior like that of Tyre is hated by the LORD (Proverbs 17:5b). Because Tyre is so full of selfishness and greed for money, the LORD will judge the city (Ezekiel 26:3). In four prophecies, four extremely detailed and accurate predictions follow. Each of these prophecies begins with the words “thus says the lord GOD” (Ezekiel 26:3-6; 7-14; 15-18; 19-21).
With the threatening words “behold, I am against you, O Tyre”, God predicts that He will bring up many nations against Tyre, as the sea brings up its waves. He compares the bringing up of these nations to a flood or a tsunami: the bringing up the waves of the sea. As God controls the waves of the sea, so He controls the nations. Those nations come this time not with peaceful intentions, to trade with Tyre, but to destroy her (Ezekiel 26:4). The protection of Tyre will be broken down and turned to dust. The proud mercantile city, built on a rock in the midst of the sea, teeming with people and boasting of its treasures, will become a barren rock where no one can live.
The only thing the rock in the midst of the sea can still serve for is to dry nets there (Ezekiel 26:5). So it will happen, for the LORD has spoken it. The wealth that has been piled up there will be taken as spoil by the nations. Those who live on the mainland, the daughters who feast on the commercial prosperity obtained, will be killed with the sword (Ezekiel 26:6). Thus they will know that He is the LORD.
In the second prophecy, the LORD tells who He is sending as enemies upon Tyre: the troops of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon (Ezekiel 26:7). This king with so much power that God calls him “the king of kings” (Daniel 2:37), is nothing but an instrument in His hand, one who can do nothing but carry out His will. This king will move against Tyre from the north with a huge fighting force. The first thing he will do is “slay your daughters on the mainland with the sword”. By the “daughters” is meant the cities and towns on the mainland that are near Tyre and dependent on her (Ezekiel 26:8). Then he will besiege Tyre with heavy artillery. After that siege, he will break through the defenses by force and tear down the watchtowers (Ezekiel 26:9).
The multitude of horses he has will raise so much dust that Tyre will be covered by it (Ezekiel 26:10). When Nebuchadnezzar storms into the gate of the city with thundering violence, the thumping of the horses’ hooves and chariots will make the walls tremble. The city will fall like an open city into the hands of the king of Babylon and his armies. When they are in the city, the streets will be broken up by the horses (Ezekiel 26:11). No passable road will remain. The inhabitants will be killed and every strength where people have entrenched themselves will come crashing down to the earth.
The accumulated wealth will be made a spoil and all the merchandise will be plundered (Ezekiel 26:12). Nothing of their treasures will remain for them. The walls they have built around their homes to protect their precious villas from burglars will be destroyed. Then their coveted abodes, of which they are so proud, will be razed to the ground. The debris will be dumped in the sea. That is the end of all their luxury.
This will also be the end of their songs, which they sing out (cf. Amos 5:23) and in which they praise how wonderfully they have prospered (Ezekiel 26:13). The harps with which they accompany their singing are silent, forever. God has put an end to their bellowing.
So the LORD will make Tyre a bare rock, where there is nothing left and no one lives (Ezekiel 26:14). The only thing left to do is to lay nets to dry. Never again will anything of Tyre rise up. Because the LORD has said so, it will be so.
Daniel 7:26
Introduction
After the LORD has pronounced His judgments on the enemies east and south of Israel, He now turns to the north. There lies Tyre, in present-day Lebanon. The prophecy about Tyre is divided into three chapters. Each chapter shows a particular feature of the megalomania and pride of Tyre. The judgment deals with: 1. her joy at the breaking of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 26); 2. her haughtiness and self-indulgence (Ezekiel 27); 3. her wisdom and insight (Ezekiel 28).
We may wonder why Tyre is getting so much attention. The reason is that Tyre bears a great resemblance to the great Babylon, the great spiritual power (Ezekiel 27:1-36; Revelation 17:1-18; Revelation 18:1-24). Tyre refers to that great power. Following on from Babylon is Rome, also a trading city. Rome is the great successor to Tyre. Behind the king of Tyre we see the person of satan himself (Ezekiel 28). We also see that person with the restored Roman Empire. With Tyre, prophetically, we are dealing with the great power of satan in the end time, both religiously and politically and economically.
Judgment on Tyre
The prophecy about Tyre is dated (Ezekiel 26:1). This eleventh year is the year Jerusalem is taken by the Chaldeans, the year of the destruction of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:2-3). About that destruction Tyre rejoices greatly (Ezekiel 26:2). She calls Jerusalem “the gateway of the peoples”. Jerusalem is a formidable trade competitor of Tyre, for Jerusalem controls the overland trade routes from Egypt and Arabia to Tyre.
Now that this obstacle has been removed, Tyre can make even greater profits. Tyre boasts that control of the trade routes that Jerusalem possessed has now passed to her. Tyre sees the full benefits coming her way. She will become full of all riches because Jerusalem has fallen. Here we see that love of money, which is a root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10a), destroys the good relations of old (1 Kings 5:1). Love of money here even causes joy at the severance and destruction of a former friend.
A behavior like that of Tyre is hated by the LORD (Proverbs 17:5b). Because Tyre is so full of selfishness and greed for money, the LORD will judge the city (Ezekiel 26:3). In four prophecies, four extremely detailed and accurate predictions follow. Each of these prophecies begins with the words “thus says the lord GOD” (Ezekiel 26:3-6; 7-14; 15-18; 19-21).
With the threatening words “behold, I am against you, O Tyre”, God predicts that He will bring up many nations against Tyre, as the sea brings up its waves. He compares the bringing up of these nations to a flood or a tsunami: the bringing up the waves of the sea. As God controls the waves of the sea, so He controls the nations. Those nations come this time not with peaceful intentions, to trade with Tyre, but to destroy her (Ezekiel 26:4). The protection of Tyre will be broken down and turned to dust. The proud mercantile city, built on a rock in the midst of the sea, teeming with people and boasting of its treasures, will become a barren rock where no one can live.
The only thing the rock in the midst of the sea can still serve for is to dry nets there (Ezekiel 26:5). So it will happen, for the LORD has spoken it. The wealth that has been piled up there will be taken as spoil by the nations. Those who live on the mainland, the daughters who feast on the commercial prosperity obtained, will be killed with the sword (Ezekiel 26:6). Thus they will know that He is the LORD.
In the second prophecy, the LORD tells who He is sending as enemies upon Tyre: the troops of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon (Ezekiel 26:7). This king with so much power that God calls him “the king of kings” (Daniel 2:37), is nothing but an instrument in His hand, one who can do nothing but carry out His will. This king will move against Tyre from the north with a huge fighting force. The first thing he will do is “slay your daughters on the mainland with the sword”. By the “daughters” is meant the cities and towns on the mainland that are near Tyre and dependent on her (Ezekiel 26:8). Then he will besiege Tyre with heavy artillery. After that siege, he will break through the defenses by force and tear down the watchtowers (Ezekiel 26:9).
The multitude of horses he has will raise so much dust that Tyre will be covered by it (Ezekiel 26:10). When Nebuchadnezzar storms into the gate of the city with thundering violence, the thumping of the horses’ hooves and chariots will make the walls tremble. The city will fall like an open city into the hands of the king of Babylon and his armies. When they are in the city, the streets will be broken up by the horses (Ezekiel 26:11). No passable road will remain. The inhabitants will be killed and every strength where people have entrenched themselves will come crashing down to the earth.
The accumulated wealth will be made a spoil and all the merchandise will be plundered (Ezekiel 26:12). Nothing of their treasures will remain for them. The walls they have built around their homes to protect their precious villas from burglars will be destroyed. Then their coveted abodes, of which they are so proud, will be razed to the ground. The debris will be dumped in the sea. That is the end of all their luxury.
This will also be the end of their songs, which they sing out (cf. Amos 5:23) and in which they praise how wonderfully they have prospered (Ezekiel 26:13). The harps with which they accompany their singing are silent, forever. God has put an end to their bellowing.
So the LORD will make Tyre a bare rock, where there is nothing left and no one lives (Ezekiel 26:14). The only thing left to do is to lay nets to dry. Never again will anything of Tyre rise up. Because the LORD has said so, it will be so.
Daniel 7:27
Introduction
After the LORD has pronounced His judgments on the enemies east and south of Israel, He now turns to the north. There lies Tyre, in present-day Lebanon. The prophecy about Tyre is divided into three chapters. Each chapter shows a particular feature of the megalomania and pride of Tyre. The judgment deals with: 1. her joy at the breaking of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 26); 2. her haughtiness and self-indulgence (Ezekiel 27); 3. her wisdom and insight (Ezekiel 28).
We may wonder why Tyre is getting so much attention. The reason is that Tyre bears a great resemblance to the great Babylon, the great spiritual power (Ezekiel 27:1-36; Revelation 17:1-18; Revelation 18:1-24). Tyre refers to that great power. Following on from Babylon is Rome, also a trading city. Rome is the great successor to Tyre. Behind the king of Tyre we see the person of satan himself (Ezekiel 28). We also see that person with the restored Roman Empire. With Tyre, prophetically, we are dealing with the great power of satan in the end time, both religiously and politically and economically.
Judgment on Tyre
The prophecy about Tyre is dated (Ezekiel 26:1). This eleventh year is the year Jerusalem is taken by the Chaldeans, the year of the destruction of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:2-3). About that destruction Tyre rejoices greatly (Ezekiel 26:2). She calls Jerusalem “the gateway of the peoples”. Jerusalem is a formidable trade competitor of Tyre, for Jerusalem controls the overland trade routes from Egypt and Arabia to Tyre.
Now that this obstacle has been removed, Tyre can make even greater profits. Tyre boasts that control of the trade routes that Jerusalem possessed has now passed to her. Tyre sees the full benefits coming her way. She will become full of all riches because Jerusalem has fallen. Here we see that love of money, which is a root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10a), destroys the good relations of old (1 Kings 5:1). Love of money here even causes joy at the severance and destruction of a former friend.
A behavior like that of Tyre is hated by the LORD (Proverbs 17:5b). Because Tyre is so full of selfishness and greed for money, the LORD will judge the city (Ezekiel 26:3). In four prophecies, four extremely detailed and accurate predictions follow. Each of these prophecies begins with the words “thus says the lord GOD” (Ezekiel 26:3-6; 7-14; 15-18; 19-21).
With the threatening words “behold, I am against you, O Tyre”, God predicts that He will bring up many nations against Tyre, as the sea brings up its waves. He compares the bringing up of these nations to a flood or a tsunami: the bringing up the waves of the sea. As God controls the waves of the sea, so He controls the nations. Those nations come this time not with peaceful intentions, to trade with Tyre, but to destroy her (Ezekiel 26:4). The protection of Tyre will be broken down and turned to dust. The proud mercantile city, built on a rock in the midst of the sea, teeming with people and boasting of its treasures, will become a barren rock where no one can live.
The only thing the rock in the midst of the sea can still serve for is to dry nets there (Ezekiel 26:5). So it will happen, for the LORD has spoken it. The wealth that has been piled up there will be taken as spoil by the nations. Those who live on the mainland, the daughters who feast on the commercial prosperity obtained, will be killed with the sword (Ezekiel 26:6). Thus they will know that He is the LORD.
In the second prophecy, the LORD tells who He is sending as enemies upon Tyre: the troops of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon (Ezekiel 26:7). This king with so much power that God calls him “the king of kings” (Daniel 2:37), is nothing but an instrument in His hand, one who can do nothing but carry out His will. This king will move against Tyre from the north with a huge fighting force. The first thing he will do is “slay your daughters on the mainland with the sword”. By the “daughters” is meant the cities and towns on the mainland that are near Tyre and dependent on her (Ezekiel 26:8). Then he will besiege Tyre with heavy artillery. After that siege, he will break through the defenses by force and tear down the watchtowers (Ezekiel 26:9).
The multitude of horses he has will raise so much dust that Tyre will be covered by it (Ezekiel 26:10). When Nebuchadnezzar storms into the gate of the city with thundering violence, the thumping of the horses’ hooves and chariots will make the walls tremble. The city will fall like an open city into the hands of the king of Babylon and his armies. When they are in the city, the streets will be broken up by the horses (Ezekiel 26:11). No passable road will remain. The inhabitants will be killed and every strength where people have entrenched themselves will come crashing down to the earth.
The accumulated wealth will be made a spoil and all the merchandise will be plundered (Ezekiel 26:12). Nothing of their treasures will remain for them. The walls they have built around their homes to protect their precious villas from burglars will be destroyed. Then their coveted abodes, of which they are so proud, will be razed to the ground. The debris will be dumped in the sea. That is the end of all their luxury.
This will also be the end of their songs, which they sing out (cf. Amos 5:23) and in which they praise how wonderfully they have prospered (Ezekiel 26:13). The harps with which they accompany their singing are silent, forever. God has put an end to their bellowing.
So the LORD will make Tyre a bare rock, where there is nothing left and no one lives (Ezekiel 26:14). The only thing left to do is to lay nets to dry. Never again will anything of Tyre rise up. Because the LORD has said so, it will be so.
Daniel 7:28
Introduction
After the LORD has pronounced His judgments on the enemies east and south of Israel, He now turns to the north. There lies Tyre, in present-day Lebanon. The prophecy about Tyre is divided into three chapters. Each chapter shows a particular feature of the megalomania and pride of Tyre. The judgment deals with: 1. her joy at the breaking of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 26); 2. her haughtiness and self-indulgence (Ezekiel 27); 3. her wisdom and insight (Ezekiel 28).
We may wonder why Tyre is getting so much attention. The reason is that Tyre bears a great resemblance to the great Babylon, the great spiritual power (Ezekiel 27:1-36; Revelation 17:1-18; Revelation 18:1-24). Tyre refers to that great power. Following on from Babylon is Rome, also a trading city. Rome is the great successor to Tyre. Behind the king of Tyre we see the person of satan himself (Ezekiel 28). We also see that person with the restored Roman Empire. With Tyre, prophetically, we are dealing with the great power of satan in the end time, both religiously and politically and economically.
Judgment on Tyre
The prophecy about Tyre is dated (Ezekiel 26:1). This eleventh year is the year Jerusalem is taken by the Chaldeans, the year of the destruction of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:2-3). About that destruction Tyre rejoices greatly (Ezekiel 26:2). She calls Jerusalem “the gateway of the peoples”. Jerusalem is a formidable trade competitor of Tyre, for Jerusalem controls the overland trade routes from Egypt and Arabia to Tyre.
Now that this obstacle has been removed, Tyre can make even greater profits. Tyre boasts that control of the trade routes that Jerusalem possessed has now passed to her. Tyre sees the full benefits coming her way. She will become full of all riches because Jerusalem has fallen. Here we see that love of money, which is a root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10a), destroys the good relations of old (1 Kings 5:1). Love of money here even causes joy at the severance and destruction of a former friend.
A behavior like that of Tyre is hated by the LORD (Proverbs 17:5b). Because Tyre is so full of selfishness and greed for money, the LORD will judge the city (Ezekiel 26:3). In four prophecies, four extremely detailed and accurate predictions follow. Each of these prophecies begins with the words “thus says the lord GOD” (Ezekiel 26:3-6; 7-14; 15-18; 19-21).
With the threatening words “behold, I am against you, O Tyre”, God predicts that He will bring up many nations against Tyre, as the sea brings up its waves. He compares the bringing up of these nations to a flood or a tsunami: the bringing up the waves of the sea. As God controls the waves of the sea, so He controls the nations. Those nations come this time not with peaceful intentions, to trade with Tyre, but to destroy her (Ezekiel 26:4). The protection of Tyre will be broken down and turned to dust. The proud mercantile city, built on a rock in the midst of the sea, teeming with people and boasting of its treasures, will become a barren rock where no one can live.
The only thing the rock in the midst of the sea can still serve for is to dry nets there (Ezekiel 26:5). So it will happen, for the LORD has spoken it. The wealth that has been piled up there will be taken as spoil by the nations. Those who live on the mainland, the daughters who feast on the commercial prosperity obtained, will be killed with the sword (Ezekiel 26:6). Thus they will know that He is the LORD.
In the second prophecy, the LORD tells who He is sending as enemies upon Tyre: the troops of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon (Ezekiel 26:7). This king with so much power that God calls him “the king of kings” (Daniel 2:37), is nothing but an instrument in His hand, one who can do nothing but carry out His will. This king will move against Tyre from the north with a huge fighting force. The first thing he will do is “slay your daughters on the mainland with the sword”. By the “daughters” is meant the cities and towns on the mainland that are near Tyre and dependent on her (Ezekiel 26:8). Then he will besiege Tyre with heavy artillery. After that siege, he will break through the defenses by force and tear down the watchtowers (Ezekiel 26:9).
The multitude of horses he has will raise so much dust that Tyre will be covered by it (Ezekiel 26:10). When Nebuchadnezzar storms into the gate of the city with thundering violence, the thumping of the horses’ hooves and chariots will make the walls tremble. The city will fall like an open city into the hands of the king of Babylon and his armies. When they are in the city, the streets will be broken up by the horses (Ezekiel 26:11). No passable road will remain. The inhabitants will be killed and every strength where people have entrenched themselves will come crashing down to the earth.
The accumulated wealth will be made a spoil and all the merchandise will be plundered (Ezekiel 26:12). Nothing of their treasures will remain for them. The walls they have built around their homes to protect their precious villas from burglars will be destroyed. Then their coveted abodes, of which they are so proud, will be razed to the ground. The debris will be dumped in the sea. That is the end of all their luxury.
This will also be the end of their songs, which they sing out (cf. Amos 5:23) and in which they praise how wonderfully they have prospered (Ezekiel 26:13). The harps with which they accompany their singing are silent, forever. God has put an end to their bellowing.
So the LORD will make Tyre a bare rock, where there is nothing left and no one lives (Ezekiel 26:14). The only thing left to do is to lay nets to dry. Never again will anything of Tyre rise up. Because the LORD has said so, it will be so.