Ezekiel 28:22

And you are to declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Behold, I am against you, O Sidon, and I will be glorified within you. They will know that I am the LORD when I execute judgments against her and demonstrate My holiness through her.

Study Bible

And you are to declare that this is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. The prophet Ezekiel is acting as a mouthpiece for God, underscoring the importance of prophetic revelation in the Old Testament. The phrase "Lord GOD" translates to "Adonai Yahweh," highlighting God's sovereignty and covenant relationship with Israel.

‘Behold, I am against you, O Sidon:
Sidon was a prominent Phoenician city, known for its wealth and trade. Historically, Sidon was often in conflict with Israel and Judah, and its pagan practices were a source of temptation for the Israelites. God's declaration of being "against" Sidon signifies impending judgment due to its idolatry and opposition to God's people.

and I will be glorified within you:
This indicates that God's judgment will ultimately reveal His glory and righteousness. The concept of God being glorified through judgment is consistent with other biblical passages where God's holiness and justice are displayed through His actions against sin (e.g., Exodus 14:4, 17).

They will know that I am the LORD:
A recurring theme in Ezekiel, this phrase underscores the purpose of God's actions—to reveal His identity and sovereignty to the nations. It reflects the broader biblical narrative where God's interventions serve to affirm His lordship and covenant faithfulness.

when I execute judgments against her:
The judgments against Sidon are part of God's broader plan to address sin and rebellion. This phrase connects to the prophetic tradition where God's justice is executed against nations that oppose His will, similar to the judgments against Egypt and Babylon.

and demonstrate My holiness through her:
God's holiness is a central attribute, and His actions against Sidon serve to manifest His distinctiveness and moral purity. This demonstration of holiness is not only punitive but also revelatory, showing the world the nature of a holy God who cannot tolerate sin. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's holiness being revealed through His dealings with both Israel and the nations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and holy God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Ezekiel.

2. Sidon
An ancient Phoenician city, often associated with idolatry and opposition to Israel.

3. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, tasked with delivering God's messages of judgment and hope to Israel and surrounding nations.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations, and His judgments are just and righteous. We must recognize His authority and submit to His will.

The Display of God's Glory
God's actions, whether in judgment or blessing, are meant to reveal His glory. We should seek to glorify God in our lives, understanding that His purposes are ultimately for His glory.

Holiness and Judgment
God's holiness demands justice. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, reflecting God's character in a world that often opposes Him.

Recognition of the LORD
The ultimate goal of God's actions is that people will know He is the LORD. Our lives should be a testimony to His lordship, leading others to recognize and worship Him.

Repentance and Restoration
While God judges sin, He also offers restoration to those who repent. We should be quick to repent and seek God's mercy, trusting in His promise of restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the judgment of Sidon in Ezekiel 28:22 reflect God's sovereignty over all nations, and how can this understanding impact our view of current world events?

2. In what ways can we display God's glory in our daily lives, as God intended to display His glory through His actions against Sidon?

3. How does the theme of God's holiness in judgment challenge us to pursue holiness in our own lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can help others recognize that the LORD is God, as He intended through His judgments?

5. How can the promise of restoration for those who repent encourage us in our personal walk with God, and how does this connect with the broader biblical account of redemption?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 23
This chapter also speaks of judgment against Tyre and Sidon, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations.

Jeremiah 25:22
Jeremiah includes Sidon in the list of nations that will drink the cup of God's wrath, highlighting the theme of divine judgment.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon echoes the judgment themes found in Ezekiel, illustrating God's ultimate victory over sinful nations.