Ezekiel 28:22

KJV

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.

KJV (with Strong's)

And say {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon {H6721}; and I will be glorified {H3513} in the midst {H8432} of thee: and they shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}, when I shall have executed {H6213} judgments {H8201} in her, and shall be sanctified {H6942} in her.

Complete Jewish Bible

Say that Adonai ELOHIM says: 'I am against you, Tzidon; but I will be glorified in you. They will know that I am ADONAI, once I execute judgments in her and show my holiness in her.

Berean Standard Bible

And you are to declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am against you, O Sidon, and I will be glorified within you. They will know that I am the LORD when I execute judgments against her and demonstrate My holiness through her.

American Standard Version

and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I am against thee, O Sidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee; and they shall know that I am Jehovah, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 28:22 delivers a potent divine declaration against Zidon, a prominent Phoenician city, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering purpose to reveal His inherent glory and holiness through acts of righteous judgment. This oracle underscores that the ultimate outcome of divine intervention, whether in judgment or salvation, is the universal recognition of Yahweh's unique identity and supreme authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This oracle against Zidon is a concise but powerful addition to a series of prophecies primarily directed against Tyre, Zidon's powerful maritime neighbor and ally, found in [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") through [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against Tyre and Zidon"). While Tyre's judgment is detailed and extensive, focusing on its pride, wealth, and the hubris of its king (as seen in [Ezekiel 28:1-19](/ezekiel/28-1 "Ezekiel 28:1-19 - The King of Tyre's Pride")), Zidon receives a more succinct but equally severe pronouncement. The inclusion of Zidon here emphasizes that God's judgment extends beyond a single, prominent city to encompass all nations that oppose His will or embody similar spiritual arrogance. The placement immediately after Tyre's downfall serves to highlight a broader divine reckoning with the proud maritime powers of the ancient Near East.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zidon (Sidon) was an ancient Phoenician city, located north of Tyre on the Mediterranean coast. Like Tyre, it was a major center for trade, seafaring, and the production of luxury goods, including purple dye. The Phoenician cities were renowned for their wealth and influence, often engaging in complex political alliances and rivalries with surrounding empires like Assyria, Babylon, and Egypt. Their polytheistic religious practices, including the worship of Baal and Asherah, were often a source of spiritual contamination for Israel. At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy (early 6th century BCE), the region was under immense pressure from the rising Babylonian Empire. While Zidon might have felt secure in its fortifications and maritime power, this prophecy asserts that even such formidable cities are subject to the sovereign will of the Lord GOD, demonstrating His control over the geopolitical landscape and the destinies of nations.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**. The declaration "Behold, I [am] against thee, O Zidon" unequivocally states God's active and deliberate opposition, positioning Him as the ultimate arbiter of justice over all nations, not just Israel. Secondly, the prophecy highlights the theme of **God's Glory and Sanctification**, asserting that His judgments serve to manifest His own character ("I will be glorified in the midst of thee... and shall be sanctified in her"). This is not merely punitive but revelatory. Finally, a pervasive theme throughout Ezekiel is the **Recognition of God's Identity** ("and they shall know that I [am] the LORD"). This knowledge is often brought about through God's mighty acts, whether in judgment against His enemies or salvation for His people, as seen in the plagues against Egypt in [Exodus 14:4](/exodus/14-4 "Exodus 14:4 - God's Glory in Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **glorified (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** This primitive root means "to be heavy," which can imply being burdensome or severe, but also "numerous, rich, honorable." In this context, it is used causatively, meaning "to make weighty," "to make glorious," or "to honor." When God is glorified, His inherent weight, honor, and majesty are made manifest and acknowledged, often through powerful demonstrations of His character, whether in judgment or salvation. Here, Zidon's downfall will serve to publicly display God's unchallengeable power and authority.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root is rich in meaning, extending beyond mere intellectual apprehension to include experiential knowledge, recognition, and even intimate relationship. In the prophetic context, "they shall know that I am the LORD" signifies a compelled acknowledgment of Yahweh's unique identity, power, and sovereignty, often resulting from His decisive acts in history. It implies a recognition that cannot be denied, forcing even His adversaries to concede His ultimate authority.
* **sanctified (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** This primitive root means "to be clean," "to be set apart as holy," or "to consecrate." When God is sanctified, His unique, transcendent holiness—His absolute moral purity and distinctness from all creation—is demonstrated and revered. In the context of judgment, God's sanctification means that His actions reveal His perfect righteousness and His separation from the sin and corruption of humanity, proving that He is indeed the Holy One who cannot tolerate evil.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority of the message. Ezekiel is merely the mouthpiece; the words originate from the sovereign God, Yahweh, who is the ultimate Master (`ʼĂdônây`) and the self-existent, covenant-keeping God (`Yᵉhôvih`). This formula emphasizes the certainty and unalterable nature of the prophecy.
* **"Behold, I [am] against thee, O Zidon;":** This is a direct, confrontational declaration of divine opposition. "Behold" draws immediate attention to the gravity of the statement. God is not merely allowing events to unfold; He is actively and personally positioned against Zidon, indicating a deliberate act of judgment.
* **"and I will be glorified in the midst of thee:":** The purpose of God's opposition is revealed. Through the judgments executed upon Zidon, God's inherent glory, His weightiness, power, and majesty, will be made evident and magnified in the very place where His authority was perhaps disregarded or challenged.
* **"and they shall know that I [am] the LORD,":** This phrase, a recurring motif in Ezekiel, states the ultimate outcome of God's actions. The "they" refers to the nations, including Zidon and those who observe its fate. Through the unfolding of God's judgment, there will be an undeniable, experiential recognition that Yahweh (the self-existent God, H3068) is the one true, sovereign deity, incomparable to any pagan god.
* **"when I shall have executed judgments in her,":** This clause specifies the means by which God's glory and identity will be revealed. It is through the concrete, decisive acts of divine judgment (`shepheṭ`) that His character and power will be demonstrated. These judgments are not arbitrary but are righteous responses to Zidon's sin and pride.
* **"and shall be sanctified in her.":** Parallel to being "glorified," God's holiness (`qâdash`) will also be made manifest through Zidon's judgment. His actions will confirm His absolute purity, His moral perfection, and His distinctness from all that is unholy. The judgment thus serves as a public vindication of God's sacred character.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 28:22 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The entire passage functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a direct divine address delivered through a prophet, emphasizing its authoritative and unchallengeable nature. There is striking **Parallelism** between the phrases "I will be glorified in the midst of thee" and "and shall be sanctified in her," and also between "I will be glorified" and "they shall know that I am the LORD." This repetition and mirroring of ideas underscore the dual purpose of God's judgment: to reveal His glory and His holiness, leading to universal recognition of His identity. The direct address to Zidon, "O Zidon," is a form of **Apostrophe** or **Personification**, treating the city as a conscious entity capable of receiving and experiencing God's judgment. Finally, the verse is a profound statement of **Theophany** or **Self-Revelation**, where God's actions serve to unveil His own nature and attributes to humanity, making His character known through His dealings with the nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 28:22 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's sovereignty, justice, and self-revelation. It asserts that God's ultimate purpose in all His dealings with humanity, including acts of judgment, is the manifestation of His own glory and holiness. This is not for His own ego, but for the universal recognition of His unique identity as the one true God. The judgment on Zidon is not merely punitive but pedagogical, designed to teach both the judged and the observers that Yahweh is supreme, righteous, and holy. His glory is not diminished by the sin of nations but is magnified in His righteous response to it, demonstrating that no power, human or spiritual, can ultimately stand against His will. This truth provides a foundation for understanding God's consistent character throughout redemptive history.

* [Exodus 14:4](/exodus/14-4 "Exodus 14:4 - God Glorified in Judgment on Pharaoh")
* [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is Known by His Judgment")
* [Isaiah 5:16](/isaiah/5-16 "Isaiah 5:16 - God's Holiness Revealed Through Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 28:22 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and individuals. No human power, wealth, or strategic advantage can ultimately withstand the divine will. For believers, this verse deepens our understanding of God's character: He is not only loving and merciful but also perfectly just and holy. His judgments, though often severe, are always righteous and serve the higher purpose of revealing His glory and vindicating His name in a world that often disregards Him. This should inspire a profound reverence and awe for God, motivating us to live in alignment with His will and to trust in His ultimate justice, even when circumstances seem chaotic. For those who do not yet acknowledge Him, it is a powerful call to recognize His authority and turn to Him, for His character will ultimately be known by all, whether through His acts of salvation or His acts of righteous judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God being "glorified" and "sanctified" through judgment challenge or deepen your understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways might God be revealing His glory and holiness in the world today, even through difficult or challenging circumstances?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to "know that I am the LORD" in a way that goes beyond mere intellectual assent to experiential recognition?**
* **How should the truth of God's ultimate sovereignty over nations influence your prayers and perspective on global events?**

### FAQ
**What was the relationship between Tyre and Zidon, and why are they judged together?**

Answer: Tyre and Zidon were neighboring Phoenician city-states, both highly influential maritime trading powers on the Mediterranean coast. They shared cultural, economic, and often political ties, sometimes acting as allies. Ezekiel's prophecies ([Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre")-[Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against Tyre and Zidon")) primarily focus on Tyre, which was the more dominant of the two. Zidon is included, albeit briefly, in [Ezekiel 28:20-23](/ezekiel/28-20 "Ezekiel 28:20-23 - Prophecy Against Zidon"), because it shared in the same spirit of pride, self-sufficiency, and opposition to God's people that characterized Tyre. Their joint judgment underscores God's comprehensive sovereignty over all the proud nations that stood in opposition to His divine purposes, particularly those that threatened or corrupted Israel.

**Why is it important for "they shall know that I am the LORD"?**

Answer: This phrase is a recurring motif throughout the book of Ezekiel, appearing over 60 times. It signifies God's ultimate purpose in both judgment and salvation: to reveal His unique identity and supreme authority to all peoples, whether Israel or the nations. For Israel, it was a call to renewed covenant faithfulness; for the nations, it was a compelled acknowledgment of Yahweh as the one true God, distinct from their idols. In the context of judgment, it means that God's powerful acts will leave no doubt about who He is, demonstrating His justice, power, and holiness in a way that cannot be ignored. This revelation serves as a vindication of His name and character in a world that often denies or distorts Him, as seen when God delivered Israel from Egypt, causing the Egyptians to "know that I am the LORD" ([Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "Exodus 7:5 - Egyptians Shall Know I Am the LORD")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 28:22, with its declaration of God's glory and sanctification through judgment, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the prophecy speaks of God's glory being revealed through the destruction of a pagan city, the cross of Christ is the supreme demonstration of God's glory and holiness. On the cross, God's righteous judgment against sin was fully executed, yet simultaneously, His immeasurable love and mercy were perfectly revealed. In Christ, God was not merely glorified *in the midst* of a city's destruction, but He was glorified *in the midst* of humanity's sin and brokenness, bearing its full weight. The [glory of God](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") is seen most clearly in the [face of Jesus Christ](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - The Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ"), who is the [radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory"). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ perfectly sanctified Himself and, by extension, those who believe in Him, demonstrating God's absolute holiness in His inability to tolerate sin, yet providing a way for reconciliation. Ultimately, the future return of Christ will bring the final execution of judgment, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that [Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"), fulfilling the promise that "they shall know that I am the LORD" in its fullest, most universal, and eternal sense.

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

Ezekiel 39:13

Yea, all the people of the land shall bury [them]; and it shall be to them a renown the day that I shall be glorified, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 20:41

I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen.

Exodus 14:4

And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I [am] the LORD. And they did so.

Exodus 14:17

And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Jeremiah 21:13

Behold, I [am] against thee, O inhabitant of the valley, [and] rock of the plain, saith the LORD; which say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations?

Psalms 83:17

Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:

Ezekiel 29:3

Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river [is] mine own, and I have made [it] for myself.