Ezekiel 25:7

therefore I will indeed stretch out My hand against you and give you as plunder to the nations. I will cut you off from the peoples and exterminate you from the countries. I will destroy you, and you will know that I am the LORD.'

Study Bible

therefore I will indeed stretch out My hand against you
This phrase signifies God's direct intervention and judgment. The imagery of God stretching out His hand is often used in the Old Testament to denote divine action, whether in deliverance or judgment (Exodus 7:5, Isaiah 5:25). In this context, it is a declaration of impending punishment against the Ammonites for their hostility towards Israel. The stretching out of God's hand is a powerful metaphor for His sovereign control and ability to execute justice.

and give you as plunder to the nations.
This indicates that the Ammonites will be conquered and their wealth taken by foreign powers. Historically, the Ammonites were situated east of the Jordan River, in present-day Jordan. They were often in conflict with Israel and other neighboring nations. The prophecy suggests that their land and resources would be seized by invading armies, a common fate for nations that opposed God's people (Jeremiah 49:1-6).

I will cut you off from the peoples
This phrase implies a complete severance from the community of nations. The Ammonites would lose their identity and autonomy, becoming insignificant in the geopolitical landscape. This reflects the broader biblical theme of divine retribution for those who oppose God's covenant people. The cutting off from the peoples can also be seen as a form of divine exile, similar to the fate of Israel when they were unfaithful (Deuteronomy 28:63-64).

and exterminate you from the countries.
This suggests a total destruction or removal from their land. The Ammonites would face annihilation or dispersion, a fate that befell many ancient peoples who opposed God's will. The term "exterminate" underscores the severity of the judgment. Historically, the Ammonites eventually disappeared as a distinct people, absorbed into other cultures and nations, fulfilling this prophecy.

I will destroy you,
The repetition of the theme of destruction emphasizes the certainty and completeness of the judgment. This destruction is not just physical but also cultural and spiritual. The Ammonites' gods and practices would be eradicated, highlighting the supremacy of the God of Israel. This serves as a warning to all nations about the consequences of opposing God's purposes.

and you will know that I am the LORD.’
This concluding phrase is a common refrain in Ezekiel, underscoring the purpose of divine judgment: to reveal God's sovereignty and identity. The recognition of the LORD as the true God is a central theme in the prophetic literature. It serves as both a warning and an invitation to repentance. The ultimate goal of judgment is not just punishment but the acknowledgment of God's rightful place as the sovereign ruler of all nations (Ezekiel 6:7, 7:4).

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. Ammonites
A people group descended from Lot, living east of the Jordan River. They were often in conflict with Israel and Judah.

3. God's Judgment
The divine retribution pronounced by God against the Ammonites for their actions against Israel.

4. Nations
Refers to the surrounding peoples who would be used by God to execute His judgment on the Ammonites.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness to His promises.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God's pronouncement against the Ammonites demonstrates His control over nations and history. Believers can trust that God is just and will address wrongdoing in His timing.

The Consequences of Pride and Hostility
The Ammonites' pride and hostility towards Israel led to their downfall. This serves as a warning against harboring animosity and pride in our own lives.

The Certainty of God's Word
The fulfillment of God's judgment against the Ammonites underscores the reliability of His word. Christians are encouraged to trust in the promises and warnings found in Scripture.

God's Desire for Recognition
The repeated phrase "you will know that I am the LORD" highlights God's desire for recognition and relationship. Believers are called to acknowledge God's authority and seek a deeper relationship with Him.

The Role of Prophets
Ezekiel's role as a prophet reminds us of the importance of listening to God's messengers. Today, this can be applied by valuing biblical teaching and seeking guidance from spiritual leaders.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the historical context of the Ammonites enhance our comprehension of Ezekiel 25:7?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the world today, similar to His actions against the Ammonites?

3. How can we guard against pride and hostility in our own lives, learning from the Ammonites' example?

4. What are some promises or warnings in Scripture that you find challenging to trust, and how can Ezekiel's prophecy encourage you?

5. How can we actively seek to "know that [He] is the LORD" in our daily lives, as emphasized in this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
Provides the background of the Ammonites' origin, tracing them back to Lot, Abraham's nephew.

Jeremiah 49
Contains a parallel prophecy against the Ammonites, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment.

Zephaniah 2
Also speaks of judgment against the Ammonites, highlighting the consistency of God's message through different prophets.

Romans 12
Encourages believers to leave vengeance to God, aligning with the theme of divine justice seen in Ezekiel.

Psalm 83
A prayer for God to act against Israel's enemies, reflecting the historical enmity between Israel and the Ammonites.