Ezekiel 25:15

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

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};

"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;

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,

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;

Ezekiel 25:15 delivers a divine pronouncement of judgment against the Philistines, a long-standing enemy of Israel. The verse highlights the specific reasons for God's wrath: their actions were driven by a spirit of revenge and a deep-seated "despiteful heart," motivated by ancient animosity.

Context

This verse is part of a series of prophecies in Ezekiel chapters 25-32, where God declares judgment against various surrounding nations that rejoiced over or actively participated in the downfall of Judah and Jerusalem. After foretelling the destruction of Judah, God turns His attention to those who gloated over Israel's suffering. The Philistines, residing along the coastal plain southwest of Judah, had a history of conflict with Israel dating back to the time of the Judges and early monarchy. Their actions were not merely opportunistic but stemmed from a deep-rooted, "old hatred" that manifested in their vengeful desire to destroy Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Sovereignty: God's judgment extends beyond Israel to all nations, demonstrating His ultimate authority over human affairs. He holds all accountable for their actions and motives.
  • The Sin of Vengeance and Hatred: The verse explicitly condemns the Philistines' "revenge" and "vengeance with a despiteful heart." God sees not only the external actions but also the malicious intent and enduring animosity fueling them.
  • Consequences of Malice: The Philistines' long-held animosity and their celebratory actions during Judah's demise brought about severe divine retribution, illustrating that prolonged hatred does not go unpunished.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "despiteful heart" (Hebrew: b'sha'at nefesh) signifies a deep-seated malice, contempt, and scorn. It goes beyond mere anger or opposition, indicating a deliberate and hostile intent to cause harm or destruction out of spite. The term "old hatred" emphasizes the chronic and inherited nature of their animosity, not a fresh grievance but a long-nurtured enmity.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 25:15 serves as a powerful reminder that God weighs the intentions of the heart. While this prophecy is directed at a nation in a historical context, the principles resonate universally. Holding onto "old hatred" or seeking "vengeance with a despiteful heart" is condemned by God. For believers, this verse underscores the importance of letting go of grudges and resisting the urge for personal retribution. Instead, the New Testament calls us to leave vengeance to the Lord and to overcome evil with good, even loving our enemies, a stark contrast to the Philistine attitude.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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