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25:1–32:32 Chapters 1–24 focused on Jerusalem’s impending judgment at the hands of the Babylonians. The oracles now turn toward judgment against foreign nations, first the immediate neighbors of Judah and then the major powers in the ancient Near East, especially Egypt. The relationship between Egypt and Judah was strained at this time, as Judah’s hopes for Egyptian help in opposing Babylon proved false. Ezekiel’s oracles against the nations follow similar prophetic conventions for the same types of oracles in Isaiah and Jeremiah, but Ezekiel’s distinctive style is apparent. |
25:1–7 This oracle begins the shift away from Judah and toward its neighbors and potential allies. Ammon, mentioned in the sign-act of the signpost in 21:19–20, receives the first prophetic critique. The signpost marked Nebuchadnezzar’s choice of whether to move his invading army against Judah or Ammon; the choice fell on Judah. This first oracle against the nations expands on 21:28–29, in which Ammon was warned not to gloat over its escape because judgment was still to come. |
Oracles Against the Nations Table
25:2 set your face toward the Ammonites They are now the object of Ezekiel’s prophetic pronouncement (see note on 20:46).
the Ammonites Israel and Judah’s neighbor to the east of the Jordan River. Their territory was northeast of the Dead Sea. Israel and Ammon
fought over control of the fertile region of Gilead that lay between them.
The Ammonites were a Semitic people that spoke a Canaanite dialect related to Hebrew. According to Gen 19:38, the Ammonites were distantly related to Israel through Abraham’s nephew, Lot. The history of the northern tribes of Israel is filled with conflicts involving Ammon (e.g., Judg 10–11; 1 Sam 11; 2 Sam 10).
Ammon HIBD
25:3 Ah! Ammon is depicted as rejoicing over Judah’s downfall. The Hebrew term expresses a cry of satisfaction over an enemy’s misfortune. See Psa 35:21.
25:4 the people of the East A reference to nomadic desert tribes who would take advantage of Ammon’s defeat and move into the area. See Judg 6:3.
25:5 Rabbah The capital city of Ammon (see note on Ezek 21:20).
a pasture of camels Nomadic desert tribes would tend their flocks in pastures on the outskirts of a city.
they will know that I am Yahweh The recognition formula also applies to foreign nations, who will acknowledge Yahweh after experiencing His punishment. See note on 5:13.
25:7 I stretched out my hand against you A common idiom for divine judgment. See note on 14:9.
25:8–11 The second oracle addresses Moab, Ammon’s neighbor to the south. Moab also was a traditional enemy of Israel and Judah. The nation was related to Israel through Lot (see Gen 19:37). |
25:8 Moab and Seir Some renderings of this verse refer only to Moab; others include a reference to Seir (also known as Edom). The Septuagint (the Greek translation of the ot) does not mention Seir. Since the subsequent oracle (Ezek 25:12–14) is addressed to Seir, the Septuagint reading is most likely original, and this oracle is intended for Moab alone.
25:9 Beth Jeshimoth, Baal Meon, and Kiriathaim All three cities were along Moab’s western line of defense.
25:10 in addition to the Ammonites The fates of Ammon and Moab were closely connected due to proximity.
the people of the East Nebuchadnezzar eventually returned to conquer Ammon in 582 bc.
25:12–14 Edom |
25:12 for the house of Judah Suggests that Edom was allied with Babylon in the conflict that led to Judah’s destruction.
25:15–17 The Philistines were Judah’s neighbor to the west. These Mediterranean people, possibly from the Aegean, settled in the region along the coast. The accusations and prophecy here mirror the oracles in Ezek 25:1–14. |
25:16 the Kerethites An Aegean-based people related to the Philistines.
Kerethite ZEB H—L
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About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
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