Ezekiel 25

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

God’s Judgment: Ammon, Moab, Edom and Philistia

Of the 7 foreign nations that surrounded Israel and Judah, Ammon, Moab and Edom were located to the _____ and the nation of Philistia was to the west.
Why were these 4 nations (as well as the other 3 countries that we will find in chapter 26) subject to God’s judgment? God’s judgment of these nations was a fulfillment of what previous covenant that God had made? Where do we find this covenant recorded in the Bible?
Why did God pronounce judgment specifically on Ammon, on Moab, on Edom and on Philistia?
What countries or powers or means were used to bring God’s prophesied judgment to bear on these 4 nations?
The nations of Moab and Ammon descended from _____ through the incestuous relationship that he had with his ______________. In verse 8 we read, “Because Moab and Seir say . . .”. Seir is a reference to the Edomites. The Edomites were descendants of _______.

Ammon, Moab and Edom were located to the east of Israel and Judah, Philistia to the west.
All 4 (7) of these countries were subject to God’s judgment because of their wrong treatment of God’s chosen people. God’s judgment against these countries was a fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant, recorded in Genesis 12.
God pronounced judgment specifically on Ammon because she did not come to Judah’s aid when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple and took the people into captivity in 586 BC (v 3); on Moab because she denied that the Jews were God’s special people and nation (v 8); on Edom because she had taken vengeance on Judah when the Jewish fugitives were fleeing before the Babylonians (Obadiah 10-14); and on Philistia because of her multiple acts of revenge (Sampson, Goliath, hanging Saul and his sons’ bodies on the wall at Beth Shan) – and for their thinking of trying to destroy Israel (v 15).
The Babylonians took Ammon into subjection and she was further plundered by Bedouin tribes; Moab met a similar fate; Edom’s ultimate judgment may await the last days; and Philistia disappeared as a nation during the intertestamental period.
The nations of Moab and Ammon descended from Lot through his relationship with his 2 daughters. The Edomites were descendants of Esau.

Consider the nations of the world today that have refused to support Israel, have supported the enemies of Israel, have stated their intentions to bring harm and destruction or annihilation to Israel or have taken direct action to do the same. Can you name them? In contrast, discuss the nations that have supported Israel since her founding in 1948 and the evidence of their support.

When you have cast your vote for the political leaders of your country, or discussed with others the political leaders and positions of other nations, have you been obedient and faithful to the admonitions and warnings of Scripture regarding those who support the nation of Israel, or those who seek to bring her harm? Are you faithful in prayer for Israel’s safety and for the restoration of her people?

“Because you clapped your hands, stamped your feet, and rejoiced in heart with all your disdain for the land of Israel, indeed, I will stretch out My hand against you and give you as plunder to the nations.” From Ezekiel 25: 6,7