Today’s reading issues several messages of judgment against Israel and Judah’s neighbors and enemies. Their sin was seen in their reaction to the news of God chastening His people. Ammon cheered when they heard that the Temple was defiled, and she mocked and laughed, clapped, and danced as God’s people went into exile (Ezekiel 25:3, 6). Moab will be judged simply because she thought nothing special of God’s people (Ezekiel 25:8). Edom avenged themselves against Judah (Ezekiel 25:12). The people of Philistia held a long-standing and bitter contempt for Judah (Ezekiel 25:15). Tyre also rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem thinking it would enrich them (Ezekiel 26:2).
Israel’s enemies haven’t changed their tune over the millennia. Today, they still rejoice over any calamity that comes upon them. They constantly seek their destruction. They are full of bitter contempt. In addition, it is not just Israel that this world seeks to destroy, but Christianity as well. Yes, Satan and evil men who do not have faith (2 Thessalonians 3:2) seek to harm, cancel, persecute, and kill Christians. Of course, Jesus warned us of this…If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. (John 15:19–20, ESV)
Ultimately, the real battle here is with the devil, and he is fighting against God. The devil has already lost this battle, but until he is locked away in hell for eternity, he roams about seeking whom he may devour. As Christians, we realize our enemy is him, not the flesh and blood he often works through to trouble us. Thus, I am reminded of some Scripture in Proverbs. Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him. Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the wicked; (Proverbs 24:17–19, NKJV) Though we suffer persecution in this world, may we grieve the condition and the future of those that do such. And when they fall, when their calamity comes upon them suddenly, which it will, may we remember that but for the grace of God, there go I.
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Ezekiel 24-27.