Ezekiel 25:14

I will take My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. Then they will know My vengeance, declares the Lord GOD.'

Study Bible

I will take My vengeance on Edom
Edom, the descendants of Esau, had a long-standing enmity with Israel, stemming from the sibling rivalry between Esau and Jacob. This animosity is documented throughout the Old Testament, including in Genesis 25:23 and Numbers 20:14-21. Edom's hostility towards Israel is further highlighted in Obadiah, where Edom is condemned for its actions during the Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem. God's vengeance on Edom is a fulfillment of His promise to judge nations that oppose His people.

by the hand of My people Israel
This phrase indicates that God will use Israel as His instrument of judgment against Edom. Historically, this reflects the times when Israel, under divine guidance, acted as an agent of God's justice, as seen in the conquests during the time of Joshua. It underscores the theme of God empowering His people to fulfill His purposes, similar to how He used other nations to discipline Israel when they strayed from His commandments.

and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath
God's anger and wrath are expressions of His righteous judgment against sin and rebellion. The severity of the punishment reflects the seriousness of Edom's offenses against Israel. This mirrors other instances in the Bible where God's wrath is poured out on nations, such as in Isaiah 13:9-13 against Babylon. It serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the consequences of opposing His will.

Then they will know My vengeance
The purpose of God's vengeance is not only punitive but also revelatory. It is meant to demonstrate His sovereignty and justice, leading to the acknowledgment of His power. This echoes the broader biblical theme where God's actions lead to the recognition of His authority, as seen in Exodus 7:5, where the Egyptians come to know the Lord through the plagues.

declares the Lord GOD.
This declaration emphasizes the certainty and authority of the prophecy. The use of "Lord GOD" (Yahweh Elohim) underscores the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, highlighting His faithfulness to His promises. It assures the fulfillment of His word, as seen in other prophetic declarations throughout the Bible, such as in Isaiah 46:9-11, where God asserts His ability to bring His plans to fruition.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and hope.

2. Edom
A nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Historically, Edom had a contentious relationship with Israel, often opposing them.

3. Israel
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In this context, they are the instrument of God's judgment against Edom.

4. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and just God who declares His intentions and executes His plans through His people.

5. Vengeance
The divine retribution that God promises to execute against Edom for their actions against Israel.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God uses nations and people as instruments of His justice. We must recognize His ultimate authority over all events.

Historical Enmity and Divine Justice
The longstanding conflict between Edom and Israel serves as a reminder that God sees and will address injustices in His timing.

Trust in God's Vengeance
Believers are called to trust in God's perfect justice rather than seeking personal revenge. This requires faith in His righteous character.

The Role of God's People
Israel's role as an instrument of God's vengeance highlights the responsibility of God's people to act according to His will and purposes.

Understanding God's Wrath
God's wrath is a response to sin and injustice. It is a part of His holy nature and serves to uphold His righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the historical relationship between Israel and Edom help us understand the context of Ezekiel 25:14?

2. In what ways does the concept of divine vengeance challenge or comfort you in your personal life?

3. How can we apply the principle of leaving vengeance to God in our daily interactions and conflicts?

4. What does this passage teach us about God's character, particularly His justice and wrath?

5. How can we, as God's people today, ensure that we are acting as instruments of His will and not our own desires?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 25:23
This verse speaks of the struggle between Jacob and Esau, the forefathers of Israel and Edom, respectively. It sets the stage for the historical enmity between the two nations.

Obadiah 1:10-14
This passage details Edom's violence against Israel and God's promise of judgment, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution.

Romans 12:19
Paul instructs believers to leave vengeance to God, echoing the principle that God is the ultimate judge and avenger.