God’s Justice on the Nations: The Fall of Enemies and the Pride of Tyre
- Be God's Glory
- Sep 8
- 10 min read
Welcome to Day 251 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel 25–27 shifts the focus from Judah to the surrounding nations, demonstrating God’s sovereignty over all peoples and His judgment against pride and hostility toward His covenant people. Chapter 25 pronounces judgment on Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia for their arrogance, cruelty, and rejoicing over Israel’s calamity. Chapter 26 targets Tyre, a wealthy and proud city, predicting its total destruction at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, showing that no power is beyond God’s control. Chapter 27 is a lamentation for Tyre, using the imagery of a magnificent merchant ship to depict the city’s riches, pride, and extensive trade networks, emphasizing that wealth and influence cannot protect against divine judgment. Together, these chapters reveal God’s justice, His sovereignty over nations, and the futility of pride and rebellion against Him.
Ezekiel 25
Ezekiel 25 delivers prophecies against the nations surrounding Israel, including Ammon, Moab, Edom, and the Philistines. Each nation is condemned for specific sins: Ammon and Moab for their cruelty and hostility toward Judah, Edom for its vengeance and bitterness, and Philistia for rejoicing over Israel’s fall. God declares that He will bring vengeance upon them, showing that He is a just God who upholds His people. The chapter emphasizes that God’s justice is not limited to Israel alone; He holds all nations accountable for their actions. The lesson is that arrogance, hostility, and rejoicing over others’ suffering are intolerable before God and will be punished. Ezekiel’s message reassures Israel that God is sovereign and active even among the nations.
Ezekiel 26
Ezekiel 26 focuses specifically on Tyre, a powerful maritime city known for its wealth and pride. God declares that Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon will bring destruction upon Tyre, leveling its walls, breaking its towers, and scattering its stones into the sea. The prophecy details the totality of Tyre’s downfall, emphasizing that no amount of fortification, wealth, or political influence can resist God’s plan. Tyre’s traders and allies are also condemned, showing that complicity in pride and exploitation does not escape God’s judgment. The chapter reveals God’s sovereignty over the nations and His ability to execute judgment through human instruments. The lesson is that pride, self-reliance, and oppression are futile against the God of Israel.
Ezekiel 27
Ezekiel 27 is a poetic lament over Tyre, depicted as a majestic merchant ship with extensive trade networks spanning the Mediterranean. The chapter catalogs its wealth, including gold, silver, spices, and exotic goods, and highlights the city’s reliance on commerce and alliances. Despite its grandeur and influence, God declares that Tyre will fall, showing that riches and power cannot prevent divine judgment. The lamentation also mourns the loss of Tyre’s merchants and allies, illustrating the wide-reaching consequences of pride and rebellion. Through this chapter, God demonstrates His justice, exposing the fragility of worldly power and materialism. The lesson is clear: no amount of wealth or human ingenuity can protect against God’s sovereign judgment.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Ezekiel comes from the Hebrew name Yehezqel, which means “God strengthens” or “God is my strength.” This meaning is significant in the context of the book because Ezekiel is called by God to strengthen the faith of Israel and uphold God’s authority in the midst of the nation’s exile and rebellion.
Purpose of the Book:
The book of Ezekiel was written primarily to warn, convict, and comfort the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon (c. 593–571 BC). Its purposes include:
Warning of Judgment: To declare God’s judgment on Israel for their idolatry, rebellion, and unfaithfulness (Ezekiel 5:5–17).
Encouraging Repentance: To call the people to repentance and restore hope for the remnant who return to God (Ezekiel 18:30–32).
Revealing God’s Sovereignty and Glory: Through vivid visions, symbolic acts, and prophetic messages, the book emphasizes that God is sovereign over all nations, not just Israel (Ezekiel 1:26–28; 36:22–23).
Promising Restoration: Ezekiel concludes with promises of renewal for Israel, including the vision of the valley of dry bones and the restored temple, symbolizing spiritual revival and national restoration (Ezekiel 37:1–28; 40–48).
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The book of Ezekiel is attributed to the prophet Ezekiel, a priest and prophet among the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Evidence for his authorship includes:
Biblical References:
Ezekiel repeatedly identifies himself in the text as the recipient of God’s visions and messages (Ezekiel 1:3, 2:1, 3:4).
The Book of 2 Kings 24–25 provides historical context about the Babylonian exile, confirming the timeframe of Ezekiel’s ministry.
Extra-Biblical Support:
The Jewish historian Josephus in Antiquities of the Jews (Book 10, Chapter 10) references Ezekiel as a prophet active during the Babylonian exile, confirming the traditional attribution.
The Talmud (Babylonian Talmud, tractate Megillah 14b) also recognizes Ezekiel as the author of the prophetic book that bears his name.
Internal Evidence: The first-person accounts, vivid visions, and symbolic actions consistently present throughout the book strongly suggest a single author with intimate knowledge of priestly practices and the Babylonian exile experience.
Key People:
Ezekiel – The prophet and main figure, called by God to deliver messages of warning, judgment, and hope.
God (YHWH) – Central figure of the book, revealed in powerful visions and messages.
King Jehoiachin – King of Judah taken into Babylonian exile, mentioned in Ezekiel 1:2 and 24:1–2.
Other Israelites – The people of Israel, often depicted as rebellious and in need of correction (Ezekiel 2:3–5; 18:2–3).
Foreign Nations – Babylon, Tyre, Egypt, Ammon, Moab, and Edom, who are often referenced in prophecies of judgment (Ezekiel 25–32).
Conclusion
The book of Ezekiel concludes with a powerful message of hope, restoration, and God’s enduring presence. Despite Israel’s rebellion and judgment, God promises to gather His people, cleanse them from sin, and restore them to their land. The final chapters (Ezekiel 40–48) present a vision of a renewed temple and a reestablished covenant community, symbolizing spiritual revival and the assurance that God remains faithful to His promises. The overarching theme is that God is holy, sovereign, and faithful, and He works through judgment and restoration to fulfill His purposes for His people.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:
Ezekiel 25
In Ezekiel 25, God reveals Himself as a just and sovereign Judge over all nations. He demonstrates that He will not overlook cruelty, arrogance, or rejoicing over the suffering of His people. God’s justice is both precise and unavoidable, showing that all nations are accountable for their actions. The lesson is that God upholds righteousness and protects His covenant people, ensuring that wrongdoing is punished in accordance with His holiness.
No specific Hebrew names are mentioned, but God’s character reflects El Shaddai (God Almighty), the One with authority to execute justice over nations. The chapter teaches that arrogance and hostility against God’s people are futile, and His justice will prevail regardless of human power or influence.
Ezekiel 26
In Ezekiel 26, God demonstrates His sovereignty and control over human events, even over powerful cities like Tyre. He shows that pride, wealth, and strong defenses cannot thwart His will, emphasizing His omnipotence. God’s judgment is deliberate and certain, highlighting both His holiness and authority over nations. The lesson is that no one can resist God’s plan, and prideful reliance on human power leads to inevitable downfall.
No Hebrew names are explicitly mentioned, but His attributes reflect Jehovah Elohim (the Lord God) as sovereign ruler and righteous judge. The chapter teaches that God orchestrates history according to His purposes and warns against trusting in human strength instead of Him.
Ezekiel 27
In Ezekiel 27, God reveals His justice and wisdom in pronouncing the downfall of Tyre, a city renowned for wealth and trade. He highlights that no amount of riches, influence, or alliances can shield anyone from His judgment. God is portrayed as both powerful and purposeful, using His authority to maintain righteousness and hold nations accountable. The lesson is that pride and reliance on material wealth are temporary and vulnerable to God’s sovereign plan.
No Hebrew names are directly mentioned, but God’s character reflects El Gibbor (Mighty God) and Jehovah Nissi (The Lord Our Banner), demonstrating His strength and authority over human pride and worldly power. The chapter teaches that trust must be placed in God alone, not in wealth, status, or human ingenuity.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Ezekiel 25 reveal God’s justice and His concern for punishing nations that harm His people?
What does God’s judgment on Tyre in Ezekiel 26 teach us about His sovereignty over powerful nations?
In Ezekiel 27, how does God demonstrate that wealth and influence cannot protect against His authority?
How do these chapters illustrate God’s balance between judgment and righteous purpose?
How does God’s sovereignty in Ezekiel 25–27 give hope to His covenant people?
What do these chapters teach about God’s omnipotence in controlling human history?
How can understanding God’s character in these prophecies strengthen our trust in His plans?
Questions About Themes:
What is the significance of condemning surrounding nations for their arrogance and hostility in Ezekiel 25?
How does Ezekiel 26 highlight the consequences of pride and self-reliance in powerful cities?
What role does wealth and commerce play in the fall of Tyre in Ezekiel 27?
How is divine judgment portrayed as both inevitable and purposeful in these chapters?
What do Ezekiel 25–27 teach about God’s sovereignty over both Israel and the nations?
How does rebellion and pride against God function as a central theme in these chapters?
How do these chapters collectively warn against trusting human strength, alliances, or wealth instead of God?
Reflective Application Questions:
How can we apply the lessons of Ezekiel 25–27 to resist pride and arrogance in our own lives?
What “Tyre-like” influences (wealth, status, or worldly alliances) might compete with your trust in God today?
How can reflecting on God’s sovereignty over nations strengthen your confidence in His plans?
In what ways does understanding God’s justice motivate you to live with integrity and accountability?
How can these chapters encourage you to trust God rather than relying on human power or resources?
What practical steps can you take to align your priorities with God’s purposes rather than worldly ambitions?
How does God’s authority and judgment over nations inspire you to worship and obey Him consistently?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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