Ezekiel 25
“This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because you clapped and danced and cheered with glee at the destruction of my people, I will raise my fist of judgment against you. I will give you as plunder to many nations.” (Ezekiel 25:6–7, NLT)
From chapter 25 through chapter 32, Ezekiel prophesies against seven nations outside of Israel. Even though the LORD had not given them the Law as He had done with Israel, He would still hold them accountable for their actions. The LORD is Judge, not only of Israel, but also of the entire world. Everyone will give an account of Himself before God (Romans 14:12).
In this chapter, God begins with the nation of Ammon. They were the descendants of Lot, the nephew of Abraham. As shirttail relatives, they should have had an affinity for Israel. Instead, they were perennial enemies. When Jerusalem was destroyed and the people of Judah were taken captive, the Ammonites clapped their hands, stamped their feet, and rejoiced in their heart. So great was their contempt for Israel! But they were not considering the words of Solomon:
“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.” (Proverbs 24:17–18, NKJV)
God would turn His wrath away from Israel, but then He would judge Ammon for gloating over the fall of His chosen ones!
Everyone must guard their attitudes toward others. Certainly we see Anti-Semitism abounding in the world today. That is a dreadful evil for which people will be judged. But we can also develop a contemptuous attitude and hard heart toward those who have been made in the image of God. Jesus commanded us to love our enemies, and He exemplified this by dying for the ones who crucified Him!
Truly, we must be discerning in this world, for we are lambs among wolves (Luke 10:3). But we must also steadily hope and pray for our enemies’ ultimate good and salvation. This is God’s heart, and it must be ours as well.
“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48, NKJV)
Lord, increase our faith!