Ezekiel 25:8

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Moab and Seir do say, Behold, the house of Judah [is] like unto all the heathen;

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Because {H3282} that Moab {H4124} and Seir {H8165} do say {H559}, Behold, the house {H1004} of Judah {H3063} is like unto all the heathen {H1471};

"Adonai ELOHIM says: 'Because Mo'av and Se'ir say, "The house of Y'hudah is like all the other nations,"

This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Moab and Seir said, “Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,”

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because that Moab and Seir do say, Behold, the house of Judah is like unto all the nations;

Ezekiel 25:8 introduces a divine indictment against the nations of Moab and Seir (Edom), highlighting their disdainful attitude towards the fallen kingdom of Judah. This verse serves as a preamble to God's pronouncements of judgment against these long-standing adversaries of Israel.

Context

The book of Ezekiel primarily focuses on God's judgment against Judah and Jerusalem for their idolatry and unfaithfulness, as well as promises of future restoration. However, chapters 25-32 shift focus to prophecies against surrounding nations, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all peoples. Moab and Seir, descendants of Lot and Esau respectively, shared historical and geographical ties with Israel but were frequently hostile. Their contemptuous remark in this verse likely came after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, when Judah was at its lowest point. Seeing Judah in such a vulnerable state, they concluded that Judah's God was no different from pagan deities, and His people no more special than any other "heathen" nation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" underscores that this is a divine decree. God is not silent concerning the disrespect shown to His people and His name. He will judge those who mock His covenant relationship.
  • Contempt for God's Chosen People: Moab and Seir's statement reveals a deep-seated pride and lack of reverence for the unique status of the "house of Judah." They failed to recognize that Judah's suffering was a result of divine discipline, not divine abandonment. Their scorn equated God's special people with the idol-worshipping nations they had previously been commanded to remain separate from (see Deuteronomy 7:6).
  • God's Honor and Vindication: By declaring that Judah is "like unto all the heathen," Moab and Seir effectively disparaged God Himself. God's subsequent judgment on these nations (detailed in later verses, e.g., Ezekiel 25:9 for Moab and Ezekiel 25:12 for Seir) is a vindication of His own holy name and His enduring covenant with Israel, regardless of their temporary state of captivity.

Linguistic Insights

The term "heathen" (KJV) translates the Hebrew word goyim (גּוֹיִם), which simply means "nations" or "peoples." While often used neutrally, in a covenant context, it frequently refers to non-Israelite nations, particularly those who do not worship the one true God. Moab and Seir's use of this term here is pejorative, stripping Judah of its unique identity as God's chosen people.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 25:8 reminds us that God takes offense when His people are mocked or disparaged, especially when such actions stem from a misunderstanding or denial of His unique relationship with them. For believers today, this verse can serve as a warning against pride and schadenfreude, and as an encouragement that even in times of weakness or trial, God's people remain distinct and under His watchful eye. Just as God defended Judah's honor, He continues to uphold the dignity of those who belong to Him. We are called to honor God's name and His people, recognizing the sacred distinction He has made for His own.

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.

  • Jeremiah 25:21

    Edom, and Moab, and the children of Ammon,

  • Jeremiah 48:1

    ¶ Against Moab thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded [and] taken: Misgab is confounded and dismayed.

  • Jeremiah 48:47

    Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the LORD. Thus far [is] the judgment of Moab.

  • Isaiah 15:1

    ¶ The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to silence;

  • Isaiah 15:9

    For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood: for I will bring more upon Dimon, lions upon him that escapeth of Moab, and upon the remnant of the land.

  • Isaiah 25:10

    For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill.

  • Isaiah 10:9

    [Is] not Calno as Carchemish? [is] not Hamath as Arpad? [is] not Samaria as Damascus?

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