Ezekiel 25:11

KJV

And I will execute judgments upon Moab; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will execute {H6213} judgments {H8201} upon Moab {H4124}; and they shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and I will execute judgments on Mo'av. Then they will know that I am ADONAI.'

Berean Standard Bible

So I will execute judgments on Moab, and they will know that I am the LORD.’

American Standard Version

and I will execute judgments upon Moab; and they shall know that I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 25:11 serves as a definitive divine pronouncement of judgment against Moab, a nation characterized by its historical antagonism towards Israel and its malicious rejoicing over Judah's catastrophic downfall. This verse transcends mere retribution, functioning as a profound revelation of God's absolute sovereignty. Through these punitive actions, Moab—and by extension, all nations—will be compelled to acknowledge the unique, unparalleled authority and identity of Yahweh, the LORD, the God of Israel. The declaration encapsulates the immutable themes of divine justice, accountability for national pride and malevolence, and the ultimate, revelatory purpose behind God's interventions in human history: to make His name and power undeniably known.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 25:11 is strategically placed within a significant prophetic block (chapters 25-32) dedicated to oracles against the surrounding nations. This shift in focus, following the prophecies concerning Judah's destruction (chapters 1-24), underscores that God's sovereignty is not confined to Israel but extends universally over all peoples. Specifically, chapter 25 targets Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia. Verses 8-10 meticulously detail Moab's specific transgressions: their gloating over Judah's calamity and their arrogant assertion that Judah was no different from any other nation, implying a disregard for God's covenant with Israel. Therefore, God's judgment in verse 11 directly addresses Moab's contempt and malicious joy, serving as a divine counter-declaration of His unique identity and supreme power. The recurring phrase "they shall know that I am the LORD," a powerful motif found throughout Ezekiel (e.g., [Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - Knowing the LORD through Judgment") and [Ezekiel 25:7](/ezekiel/25-7 "Ezekiel 25:7 - Knowing the LORD through Judgment on Edom")), acts as a thematic refrain, emphasizing the revelatory purpose inherent in all of God's actions, whether in judgment or restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab, situated strategically east of the Dead Sea, maintained a complex and frequently hostile relationship with Israel throughout their shared history. Tracing their lineage back to Lot through an incestuous union ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - The Origin of Moab")), the Moabites often oppressed Israel (e.g., [Judges 3:12-30](/judges/3 "Judges 3 - Ehud and Eglon of Moab")) and were notorious for their profound pride and arrogance (e.g., [Isaiah 16:6](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6 - Moab's Pride")). They frequently mocked Israel's God and His covenant people. During the traumatic period of the Babylonian exile, when Judah endured immense devastation and suffering, Moab, instead of offering compassion or solidarity, callously rejoiced and exploited Judah's weakened state. This malicious *schadenfreude* and overt contempt for God's chosen people constituted a grave offense in the divine economy, thus provoking this severe judgment. The judgment upon Moab was not merely punitive but also served as a stark demonstration to both the exiled Judahites and the surrounding nations that Yahweh, the God of Israel, was indeed sovereign over all, unlike the impotent deities worshipped by Moab.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 25:11 powerfully articulates several core themes that resonate throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it profoundly underscores **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, emphasizing that God is an active participant in human history, intervening to ensure justice. Nations, much like individuals, are held strictly accountable for their actions, particularly their treatment of God's people and their defiance of His moral order. Secondly, the emphatic declaration "and they shall know that I am the LORD" highlights the **Revelation of God's Sovereignty**. This is a central and pervasive motif in Ezekiel, where God's mighty acts, whether expressed through judgment or through restoration, serve to unveil His unique identity as the one true God, distinct from and infinitely superior to all other gods and earthly powers ([Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Holiness Revealed to the Nations")). Finally, the judgment pronounced upon Moab vividly exemplifies the **Consequences of Pride and Contempt**. Moab's arrogance and their malicious joy over Judah's suffering were direct affronts to God, unequivocally demonstrating that such attitudes inevitably invite divine wrath and ultimately lead to ruin and desolation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **execute (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This primitive root is remarkably broad in its semantic range, encompassing "to do or make" in the widest possible sense. Here, within the context of "judgments," it signifies God's active, deliberate, and decisive performance or carrying out of His decreed actions. It implies a purposeful and effective divine agency, not a passive allowance or observation. God is not merely permitting judgment; He is personally and powerfully bringing it to pass.
* **judgments (Hebrew, _shepheṭ'_):** Derived from the verb "to judge" (שָׁפַט, _shâphaṭ_), this noun specifically refers to a "sentence" or an "infliction." It denotes the concrete manifestation of divine justice, representing the punitive consequences that directly result from God's righteous decree against sin. These are not arbitrary acts of vengeance but measured, just, and deserved responses to Moab's specific transgressions and moral failings.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This root is exceptionally rich in meaning, extending far beyond mere intellectual apprehension to encompass experiential, relational, and often, as in this context, a compelled recognition. Here, Moab will "know" Yahweh not through willing submission, intimate covenantal relationship, or spiritual revelation, but through the undeniable, overwhelming demonstration of His power in judgment. It signifies a forced acknowledgment of God's identity and absolute authority, a stark realization that He is indeed the supreme, self-existent Lord, despite their prior ignorance, defiance, or idolatry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will execute judgments upon Moab;":** This initial clause unequivocally establishes God (Yahweh) as the sovereign and active agent of this impending action. The emphatic use of the first-person pronoun "I" underscores His personal involvement, unchallengeable authority, and deliberate intent. The phrase "will execute judgments" signifies God's active, just, and decisive intervention, bringing forth the deserved and precise consequences upon Moab for their long-standing animosity towards Israel and their recent malicious joy over Judah's downfall. This is a divine declaration of punitive action, not a mere prediction or passive observation.
* **"and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.":** This second clause illuminates the ultimate, overarching purpose behind God's judgment. The "knowing" here is not an intimate, redemptive, or covenantal knowledge, but rather a forced, experiential, and undeniable recognition of God's identity and power. Through the overwhelming and undeniable display of His sovereignty in judgment, Moab—a nation that had previously defied, mocked, and disregarded Yahweh—will be compelled to acknowledge that He is indeed "the LORD" (YHWH), the self-existent, covenant-keeping God, supreme over all other deities and earthly powers. This outcome serves to validate God's unique authority, vindicate His holy name, and demonstrate His absolute control over all nations.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 25:11 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message of divine sovereignty and justice. The most prominent device is **Divine Fiat**, where God declares His intention directly, unequivocally, and with absolute certainty ("I will execute judgments"). This emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty, His unchallengeable authority, and the inevitable certainty of His spoken word. The phrase "they shall know that I am the LORD" functions as a powerful **Thematic Refrain** throughout the book of Ezekiel, underscoring the overarching purpose behind all of God's actions—whether in judgment or restoration—which is to reveal His true identity and unparalleled power to all creation. This serves as a pervasive **Leitmotif**, guiding the reader to understand that every divine intervention ultimately aims at the recognition of Yahweh's unique and supreme authority. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Antithesis** between Moab's former state of ignorance, defiance, and contempt for Yahweh and their future, forced acknowledgment of Him. The judgment itself serves as a profound **Symbolic Act**, demonstrating God's unwavering justice and His ultimate, sovereign control over all nations, transforming their previous contempt into a reluctant, yet undeniable, recognition of His divine nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 25:11 profoundly articulates the enduring biblical truth of God's active and decisive involvement in the affairs of nations, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to justice and the ultimate revelation of His glorious name. It underscores that God is not a distant, passive observer but the sovereign ruler who meticulously holds all peoples accountable for their actions, particularly their treatment of His covenant people and their defiance of His moral order. The judgment on Moab serves as a powerful and sobering reminder that pride, malice, and contempt for the suffering of others do not go unnoticed by the divine Judge; indeed, they provoke His righteous wrath. Ultimately, God's judgments, while severe and devastating, are always purposeful, aiming to establish His righteousness and ensure that His identity as the one true LORD is unmistakably known, even by those who vehemently oppose Him. This revelation is not solely for the condemned but for all who witness His mighty acts, reaffirming His unique and unchallengeable authority over all creation and the entirety of human history.

* [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The LORD is known by His judgments")
* [Isaiah 45:6](/isaiah/45-6 "Isaiah 45:6 - God's Sovereignty and Universal Knowledge")
* [Romans 14:11](/romans/14-11 "Romans 14:11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 25:11 offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers and the world at large. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is neither distant nor indifferent to human affairs, but is actively engaged, ensuring that justice will ultimately prevail in His perfect timing. For those who witness or experience profound injustice, this verse provides immense comfort and hope, affirming with certainty that God sees, God knows, and God will act decisively. It calls us to cultivate unwavering trust in His perfect timing and righteous judgment, even when circumstances appear chaotic, unfair, or overwhelmingly bleak. Conversely, for those who might be tempted by pride, indifference, or even malicious joy at the suffering of others, it serves as a stern and sobering warning: our attitudes and actions toward the vulnerable, the afflicted, and those in distress are not trivial in God's sight. We are called to cultivate profound humility, genuine compassion, and active solidarity, reflecting God's own character rather than the malicious *schadenfreude* exhibited by Moab. Ultimately, living in light of this verse means acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty over all aspects of life, striving diligently to honor His name in all we do, and fervently praying for His kingdom to come, so that all might truly "know that I am the LORD."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on nations like Moab shape your understanding of divine justice in the world today, particularly concerning global conflicts and human rights?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might we, individually or communally, exhibit attitudes of pride, indifference, or contempt towards others who are suffering, mirroring Moab's sin?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to "know that I am the LORD" in an experiential and transformative way, and how does this profound knowledge influence your daily life, decisions, and trust in God amidst adversity?**
* **How can this verse encourage and empower us to pray more fervently and act more decisively for justice and the revelation of God's sovereignty in areas of the world marked by conflict, oppression, and profound injustice?**

### FAQ
**What does "they shall know that I am the LORD" mean in the context of judgment?**

Answer: In the context of judgment, "they shall know that I am the LORD" (Hebrew: *yadaʻ* YHWH) signifies a forced, undeniable, and experiential recognition of God's supreme authority and identity. It is not an intimate, willing, or redemptive knowledge that comes from a covenant relationship, but rather a compelled acknowledgment that arises through witnessing God's powerful, decisive, and often devastating actions in history. For Moab, it meant realizing, through the devastating consequences of divine judgment, that the God of Israel was not merely one deity among many, or a tribal god, but the one true, self-existent, and sovereign Lord over all nations and their destinies. This phrase is a recurring and central motif in the book of Ezekiel, highlighting that God's ultimate purpose in both judgment and restoration is to reveal His unique glory and power to all peoples, ensuring His name is sanctified and known ([Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Holiness Revealed to the Nations")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 25:11 speaks directly of God's righteous judgment upon Moab, its theological trajectory finds its most profound and complete Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. In the new covenant, all judgment has been definitively committed to the Son ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Son as Judge")), signifying that Jesus Christ is the ultimate executor of God's righteous decrees against sin and unrighteousness. The "knowing that I am the LORD" finds its most profound and complete realization in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the perfect, radiant revelation of God's character, glory, and authority ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). Through His sacrificial life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection, Christ not only demonstrated God's unwavering justice against sin but also provided the gracious means for humanity to truly "know" God in a redemptive, intimate, and relational sense, not merely through compelled recognition in judgment. The Scriptures declare that a day is coming when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus")), thus fulfilling the universal declaration of God's sovereignty implied in Ezekiel's ancient prophecy. Ultimately, the judgments against nations like Moab foreshadow the final, cosmic judgment where Christ, as the righteous King, will separate the sheep from the goats ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")), ensuring that all creation, willingly or unwillingly, will definitively know that He is indeed the LORD.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 9:16

The LORD is known [by] the judgment [which] he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.

Psalms 149:7

To execute vengeance upon the heathen, [and] punishments upon the people;

Jude 1:15

¶ To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

Ezekiel 30:19

Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 5:10

Therefore the fathers shall eat the sons in the midst of thee, and the sons shall eat their fathers; and I will execute judgments in thee, and the whole remnant of thee will I scatter into all the winds.

Ezekiel 35:15

As thou didst rejoice at the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do unto thee: thou shalt be desolate, O mount Seir, and all Idumea, [even] all of it: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 5:15

So it shall be a reproach and a taunt, an instruction and an astonishment unto the nations that [are] round about thee, when I shall execute judgments in thee in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes. I the LORD have spoken [it].