Ezekiel 25:17

And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.

And I will execute {H6213} great {H1419} vengeance {H5360} upon them with furious {H2534} rebukes {H8433}; and they shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}, when I shall lay {H5414} my vengeance {H5360} upon them.

I will execute great vengeance on them with furious punishments; and they will know that I am ADONAI when I lay my vengeance on them.'"

I will execute great vengeance against them with furious reproof. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I lay My vengeance upon them.’”

And I will execute great vengeance upon them with wrathful rebukes; and they shall know that I am Jehovah, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.

Context of Ezekiel 25:17

Ezekiel 25 is part of a series of prophecies by the prophet Ezekiel against the surrounding nations that had gloated over, or actively participated in, the downfall of Judah and Jerusalem. These nations included Ammon (Ezekiel 25:1-7), Moab (Ezekiel 25:8-11), Edom (Ezekiel 25:12-14), and finally, the Philistines (Ezekiel 25:15-17). The Philistines, ancient enemies of Israel, are condemned here for their "perpetual hatred" and their vengeful actions against Judah, seeking to destroy them out of sheer malice and disdain.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Vengeance: This verse powerfully declares God's commitment to righteous justice. The "great vengeance" is not arbitrary cruelty but a just and proportionate response to the Philistines' deep-seated hostility and malicious actions against His people. It highlights God as the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong, ensuring that evil does not go unpunished.
  • God's Sovereignty and Revelation: The declaration "they shall know that I am the LORD" is a recurring motif throughout the book of Ezekiel. It emphasizes that all events, especially severe judgments, serve to reveal God's absolute power, authority, and identity to both His people and the nations. His actions demonstrate His unique position as the one true God who controls history and destiny.
  • Consequences of Hatred: The Philistines' judgment stems directly from their "perpetual hatred" and vengeful spirit. The verse serves as a solemn warning that actions born of malice, cruelty, and unrighteous vengeance against God's purposes will incur divine retribution.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "vengeance" (נְקָמָה, neqamah) in this context carries the connotation of retribution or punishment for wrongdoing. It is distinct from human vindictiveness; rather, it signifies divine justice, meted out by a holy and righteous God. The phrase "furious rebukes" (תּוֹכְחוֹת חֵמָה, tokhachot chemah) suggests a strong, indignant chastisement or condemnation, underscoring the intensity of God's righteous anger against persistent evil and malicious intent.

Reflection and Application

Ezekiel 25:17 reminds us that God is not indifferent to injustice or the suffering of His people. While He is merciful and slow to anger, His justice is certain and will ultimately prevail. This passage reinforces the truth that God ultimately holds all nations and individuals accountable for their actions and attitudes. For believers, it offers assurance that God sees and will address wrongs, even when it seems evil triumphs in the short term. For all, it serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate authority and the profound truth that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and He will repay. His judgments are not merely punitive, but revelatory, designed to manifest His glory and righteous character, so that all may eventually know Him as the sovereign LORD.

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.

  • Ezekiel 25:14

    And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Ezekiel 25:11

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

  • 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.

  • 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].

  • Ezekiel 25:5

    And I will make Rabbah a stable for camels, and the Ammonites a couchingplace for flocks: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Ezekiel 6:7

    And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

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