Ezekiel 25:15

KJV

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy [it] for the old hatred;

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Because the Philistines {H6430} have dealt {H6213} by revenge {H5360}, and have taken {H5358} vengeance {H5359} with a despiteful {H7589} heart {H5315}, to destroy {H4889} it for the old {H5769} hatred {H342};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Adonai ELOHIM says, 'Because the P'lishtim have acted out of vengeance, taking revenge and destroying with malice of heart, due to their long-standing hatred;

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because the Philistines acted in vengeance, taking vengeance with malice of soul to destroy Judah with ancient hostility,

American Standard Version

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with despite of soul to destroy with perpetual enmity;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 25:15 delivers a stern divine pronouncement against the Philistines, detailing the precise nature of their transgression against Judah. The Lord God declares judgment upon them because their actions were not merely opportunistic but were deeply rooted in a spirit of revenge and a malicious, "despiteful heart," fueled by a long-standing, "old hatred" towards Israel. This verse underscores God's meticulous awareness of the intentions behind human actions and His unwavering commitment to bringing justice upon those who harbor and act upon such deep-seated animosity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 25:15 is situated within a significant section of the book of Ezekiel (chapters 25-32), which comprises a series of divine oracles against the surrounding nations. These prophecies immediately follow the detailed pronouncements of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem (Ezekiel 1-24), signifying that God's sovereignty and justice extend beyond His covenant people to encompass all nations. Chapter 25 specifically targets four nations: Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia. Each oracle condemns their specific sins, often highlighting their malicious rejoicing over Judah's downfall or their active participation in its destruction. The prophecy against the Philistines in verses 15-17 concludes this initial quartet of judgments, setting the stage for further condemnations against Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt in subsequent chapters. This structural placement emphasizes God's comprehensive control over history and His righteous indignation against those who oppose His people and His divine plan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a powerful seafaring people who settled along the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan, establishing five major city-states: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron. Their history with Israel was one of almost perpetual conflict, dating back to the period of the Judges (e.g., [Judges 13-16](/judges/13 "Judges 13-16 - Samson and the Philistines")) and continuing through the united monarchy (e.g., [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")). This long-standing animosity, often characterized by border skirmishes and power struggles, fostered a deep-seated "old hatred" that transcended mere political rivalry. Culturally, vengeance was a powerful motivator in the ancient Near East, but the Philistines' actions went beyond customary retribution. Their "despiteful heart" indicates a malicious glee and contempt for Judah's suffering, a desire not just for victory but for the utter destruction of their ancient foe, driven by spite rather than just strategic gain. This context illuminates why God's judgment was so severe: it addressed not just their actions but the malevolent intent behind them.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Universal Justice**, demonstrating that the Lord God is not merely the God of Israel but the supreme ruler over all nations, holding them accountable for their moral conduct and their treatment of His people. Secondly, it highlights the profound sinfulness of **Vengeance and Malicious Intent**. The Philistines' actions are condemned not just as hostile but as driven by a "despiteful heart" and "old hatred," underscoring that God judges the motives and attitudes of the heart, not just outward deeds. This theme resonates with the biblical emphasis on the internal nature of sin, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart"). Thirdly, the verse illustrates the **Consequences of Prolonged Animosity and Gloating**. The Philistines' long-nurtured hatred and their celebratory response to Judah's downfall brought about severe divine retribution, serving as a solemn warning that such malice does not go unpunished in God's economy, echoing the principle found in [Obadiah 1:12-15](/obadiah/1-12 "Obadiah 1:12-15 - Edom's Judgment for Gloating").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Revenge/Vengeance (Hebrew, _nᵉqâmâh, nâqâm, nâqam'_):** The KJV uses "revenge" (H5360, _nᵉqâmâh_) and "vengeance" (H5359, _nâqâm_) as nouns, and "taken vengeance" (H5358, _nâqam_) as a verb. These terms derive from a primitive root meaning "to grudge, avenge, or punish." In this context, they denote a strong, deliberate act of retribution, often with a punitive or retaliatory intent. The repetition emphasizes the Philistines' actions as purely vindictive, driven by a desire to inflict harm in return for past grievances, rather than for any legitimate claim or justice. It highlights a cycle of retaliation that God condemns when it stems from a heart of malice.
* **Despiteful Heart (Hebrew, _shᵉʼâṭ nephesh'_):** This phrase combines H7589 (_shᵉʼâṭ_), meaning "contempt" or "despite," with H5315 (_nephesh_), which is widely translated as "soul," "life," "person," or "heart." _Nephesh_ refers to the totality of the inner being—the seat of emotions, will, desires, and personality. Therefore, "despiteful heart" signifies a deep-seated, internal contempt, scorn, and malicious intent. It's not merely anger or opposition, but a profound, active disdain and ill-will that seeks to destroy, indicating a deliberate and hostile disposition to cause harm out of spite and utter disregard for the other.
* **Old Hatred (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm ʼêybâh'_):** This phrase consists of H5769 (_ʻôwlâm_), meaning "ancient time," "eternity," or "long time," and H342 (_ʼêybâh_), meaning "hostility" or "enmity." The combination emphasizes the chronic, deeply entrenched, and long-standing nature of the Philistines' animosity towards Israel. It suggests that their actions were not a reaction to a recent provocation but the culmination of generations of inherited antagonism, a bitterness that had festered and endured "from time out of mind." This "old hatred" provided the deep-seated motivation for their vengeful and destructive actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening formula, a common prophetic declaration, establishes the divine authority and absolute certainty of the message. It signifies that the following words are not human opinion but the direct, infallible pronouncement of Yahweh, the sovereign God (Adonai YHWH). This immediately imbues the judgment with ultimate weight and inevitability.
* **"Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart,":** This clause specifies the core transgression. The repetition of "revenge" and "vengeance" underscores the deliberate, retaliatory nature of their actions. The crucial addition "with a despiteful heart" reveals the internal motivation: their actions stemmed from profound malice, contempt, and scorn for Judah, indicating a deep-seated desire to inflict harm and humiliation, rather than a mere response to a perceived wrong.
* **"to destroy [it] for the old hatred;":** This final clause clarifies the ultimate aim and underlying cause of the Philistines' vengeful actions. Their goal was "to destroy" Judah, signifying a desire for utter annihilation. This destructive intent was not born of a fresh grievance but was fueled by an "old hatred"—a long-standing, deeply entrenched animosity that had persisted between the Philistines and Israel for generations, culminating in their malicious actions during Judah's time of vulnerability.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 25:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Divine Oracle**, signaled by the formulaic "Thus saith the Lord GOD," which immediately establishes the absolute authority and certainty of the pronouncement. This formula elevates the message from a human observation to an infallible divine decree. **Repetition** is also evident in the use of "revenge" and "vengeance," which serves to emphasize and intensify the Philistines' vindictive actions, underscoring the deliberate and pervasive nature of their retribution. Furthermore, the phrase "despiteful heart" utilizes **Personification**, attributing a moral quality (despitefulness) to an abstract concept (the heart), which functions as the seat of their malevolent intentions. This highlights that God judges not only outward actions but also the inner disposition and motives. The "old hatred" serves as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme, deeply rooted, and long-standing nature of the animosity, suggesting a bitterness that transcends recent events and points to a generational grudge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 25:15 offers profound theological insights into God's character and His moral governance of the world. It reveals a God who is not indifferent to the suffering of His people, nor to the malicious actions of their adversaries. The Philistines' sin was not merely political or military aggression, but a deep-seated spiritual transgression rooted in a heart of contempt and a desire for vengeance fueled by ancient animosity. This verse underscores that God judges the intentions of the heart as much as the outward deeds. It stands in stark contrast to the divine call for mercy, forgiveness, and leaving vengeance to the Lord, principles that are foundational to biblical ethics. God's judgment here serves as a powerful reminder that malice, gloating over others' misfortunes, and prolonged hatred are abhorrent to Him and will ultimately incur divine retribution.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance Belongs to God")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Take Revenge")
* [Proverbs 24:17-18](/proverbs/24-17 "Proverbs 24:17-18 - Do Not Rejoice Over an Enemy's Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 25:15, though a historical prophecy against an ancient nation, carries timeless spiritual principles relevant to every individual and community. The "old hatred" and "despiteful heart" of the Philistines serve as a stark warning against the corrosive power of unforgiveness and the destructive nature of vengeance. In our personal lives, we are often tempted to harbor grudges, replay past hurts, and seek retribution against those who have wronged us. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we allowing "old hatreds" to fester, leading to a "despiteful heart" that desires harm rather than reconciliation? The divine condemnation of the Philistines reminds us that God sees not only our actions but also the underlying motives and the spiritual state of our inner being. For believers, this calls for a radical commitment to forgiveness, extending grace even when it is undeserved, and actively resisting the urge for personal retaliation. It compels us to release the burden of bitterness and to trust in God's ultimate justice, allowing Him to be the avenger, rather than taking matters into our own hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "old hatreds" or lingering resentments might I be harboring in my heart, either towards individuals or groups?**
* **How does the Philistines' "despiteful heart" challenge my own motives when I feel wronged or when I observe the struggles of others?**
* **In what ways can I actively choose forgiveness and release the desire for vengeance in my relationships, trusting God with justice?**

### FAQ

**Why was God so harsh on the Philistines for "old hatred"?**

Answer: God's judgment on the Philistines was not solely for their "old hatred" in isolation, but for how that hatred manifested in active, malicious vengeance and a "despiteful heart" during a time of extreme vulnerability for Judah. The Philistines didn't just maintain an old grudge; they capitalized on Judah's downfall, actively seeking to destroy them out of spite and gloating over their suffering. This violated the divine principles of justice, compassion, and the sanctity of human life. God, as the sovereign Lord, holds all nations accountable for their moral conduct, especially when it involves deliberate cruelty and a desire for annihilation against His covenant people. Their actions were a direct affront to God's character and His plan for Israel, making their judgment a necessary demonstration of His righteous governance over all the earth, as seen in other oracles against nations in [Ezekiel 25-32](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25-32 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations").

**Does this verse mean God condemns all forms of justice or retribution?**

Answer: No, this verse does not condemn all forms of justice or retribution. Rather, it condemns personal vengeance driven by malice, contempt, and an "old hatred." The Bible clearly teaches that God is a God of justice, and He establishes human authorities (governments) to administer justice and punish wrongdoing ([Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "Romans 13:4 - Government as God's Servant")). What God condemns here is the Philistines' self-serving, malicious, and disproportionate retribution that stemmed from a "despiteful heart" rather than a righteous desire for order or restoration. The principle articulated in [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine") and echoed in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves") is that personal vengeance belongs to God, not to individuals or nations acting out of spite.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 25:15, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment against a nation driven by "old hatred" and a "despiteful heart," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in both the person and work of Jesus. While the Philistines sought to destroy out of malice, Christ came not to condemn the world, but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Came to Save the World")). He perfectly embodies God's righteous judgment against sin, yet also His boundless mercy. On the cross, Jesus absorbed the full weight of humanity's "old hatred" against God—the enmity caused by sin ([Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciled to God through Christ's Death"))—and by His sacrifice, He broke down the dividing wall of hostility, reconciling both Jew and Gentile to God in one body ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Furthermore, Christ's teachings radically counter the Philistine mindset, calling His followers to love their enemies, pray for those who persecute them, and turn the other cheek ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")). He demonstrated this ultimate love by forgiving those who crucified Him ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Forgives His Executioners")). While God's justice will ultimately be fully realized at Christ's return, when He will judge the living and the dead ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World by Christ")), His first coming was characterized by grace, offering reconciliation even to those whose hearts were filled with enmity. Thus, Jesus fulfills the need for perfect justice while also providing the means to overcome the very "old hatred" that condemned the Philistines.

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

Isaiah 14:29

Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit [shall be] a fiery flying serpent.

Isaiah 14:31

Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, [art] dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none [shall be] alone in his appointed times.

Ezekiel 25:6

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast clapped [thine] hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel;

Ezekiel 25:12

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;

Zechariah 9:5

Ashkelon shall see [it], and fear; Gaza also [shall see it], and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.

Zechariah 9:8

And I will encamp about mine house because of the army, because of him that passeth by, and because of him that returneth: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes.

2 Chronicles 28:18

The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.