Ezekiel 25 16

Ezekiel 25:16 kjv

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast.

Ezekiel 25:16 nkjv

therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant of the seacoast.

Ezekiel 25:16 niv

therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am about to stretch out my hand against the Philistines, and I will wipe out the Kerethites and destroy those remaining along the coast.

Ezekiel 25:16 esv

therefore thus says the Lord GOD, Behold, I will stretch out my hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the rest of the seacoast.

Ezekiel 25:16 nlt

Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will raise my fist of judgment against the land of the Philistines. I will wipe out the Kerethites and utterly destroy the people who live by the sea.

Ezekiel 25 verses

Ezekiel 25 16 Meaning

This verse declares God's judgment upon the Cherethites, foretelling their destruction and annihilation along with the remnant of Philistia, as a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness and vengeful actions against Judah.

Ezekiel 25 16 Context

Ezekiel 25:16 is part of a prophecy against various nations surrounding Israel: Ammon, Moab, Edom, and the Philistines. These nations are being judged for their hostility towards God's people, particularly their gloating and acts of vengeance following the fall of Jerusalem. The Cherethites are identified as part of the Philistine population. Their actions, as detailed in verses 15-17, involved carrying out "great vengeance" and enmity with malice. This historical backdrop places the verse within a period of severe distress for Judah, and the surrounding nations are being held accountable for their malicious reactions to this national tragedy. The prophecy signifies divine justice and restoration for Israel, ensuring that those who wronged them would also face divine retribution.

Ezekiel 25 16 Word Analysis

• And (וְ - və) : A conjunctive particle, linking clauses and ideas. Here, it connects the impending doom of the Cherethites to the overall judgment on Philistia.

• I : Refers to God, the speaker and agent of judgment.

• will bring (יָדִי - yādî) : Literally "my hand," a metonymy for God's power and active intervention. It signifies the direct action of God in carrying out judgment.

• vengeance (נָקָמָה - nāqāmāh) : Means vengeance, retribution, revenge. It denotes a justified, often divinely sanctioned, punishment for wrongdoing.

• upon (עַל - ‘al) : A preposition indicating direction or target, here upon the Cherethites.

• the Cherethites (כְּרֵתִים - kərēṯîm) : A people mentioned in conjunction with the Philistines (1 Sam 30:14, Zeph 2:5). Their exact origin and location are debated, but they are strongly associated with Philistia.

• and (וְ - və) : Another conjunctive particle.

• the remnant (שְׁאֵרִית - šə’ērîṯ) : Means remainder, rest, remnant. It signifies those who are left after a destruction or disaster.

• of the sea (יָם - yām) : Refers to the Mediterranean Sea.

• They : Refers to the remnant of the Philistines.

• shall perish (אָבַד - ’āḇaḏ) : Means to perish, be destroyed, be lost. It indicates complete annihilation.

• in the same manner (וְגַם - wə·ḡam lit. "and also"; "as also") : This phrase implies a continuation or similar mode of destruction as inflicted upon others, or as their own actions merit. It can imply a mirroring of their cruelty or a similar fate to other nations judged.

• and I will dwell (וְשָׁכַנְתִּי - wə·šāḵan·tî) : "I will dwell" signifies God's presence, often associated with habitation and possession. In judgment contexts, it can mean to impose judgment as if dwelling there.

• in the midst (בְּתוֹכָהּ - bə·ṯō·ḵāh) : In its midst.

• of the Philistines (פְּלִשְׁתִּים - pə·lištîm) : Refers to the Philistines, the long-standing adversaries of Israel.

• at that time (בָּעֵת הַהִיא - bā·‘ēṯ ·hā·hî) : At that time, in that period. It anchors the judgment to a specific, though future, point in God's redemptive history.

• and I will make (וּנְתַתִּי - ū·nə·ṯat·tî "and I will give"; also interpreted as "cause to settle" or "impose") : Another indication of God's active and decisive role in establishing a new reality after the judgment.

• their cities (עָרֵיהֶם - ‘ārê·hem) : Refers to the cities belonging to the Philistines.

• to be desolate (חָרְבָּה - ḥor·bāh) : Desolate, waste, ruined. Indicates utter devastation.

• even unto the farthest corner of the land (עַד־יָמִין - ‘aḏ·yā·mîm) : The Hebrew is somewhat obscure here, with variations in translation. Some understand it as "even unto the south," referring to the southernmost part of Philistia, signifying thoroughness of destruction. It implies the entire territory will be affected.

• Cherethites and Philistines (כְּרֵתִים וּפְלִשְׁתִּים - kərēṯîm ū·pə·lištîm): This phrase, "Cherethites and Philistines," appears elsewhere (1 Samuel 30:14), suggesting they were either distinct but allied groups or internal divisions within the Philistine confederation. The judgment targets both explicitly, indicating a complete removal.

Ezekiel 25 16 Bonus Section

The "Cherethites" are also linked to the Davidic military force (2 Samuel 8:18; 15:24; 23:8), possibly serving as David's elite bodyguard, distinct from but allied with Philistines at times. This dual association can highlight a complex history and the multifaceted nature of divine judgment; groups can shift allegiances, but ultimate loyalty rests with God. The prophetic judgment on Philistia aligns with broader biblical themes of God avenging His people and displacing oppressive foreign powers, echoing earlier promises and foreshadowing ultimate divine victory as described in Revelation. The detailed destruction and God's subsequent "dwelling" signifies the ultimate sovereignty and faithfulness of God, whose purposes will not be thwarted.

Ezekiel 25 16 Commentary

Ezekiel 25:16 reveals God's retributive justice against the Cherethites, a group associated with the Philistines, for their "great vengeance" against Judah. The verse details not only their destruction but also the broader fate of the remnant of Philistia, which shall "utterly perish." The judgment is comprehensive, leaving no trace of their existence. This declaration serves as a warning to all nations that God upholds justice and will not allow unrighteousness, especially malice and exultation over the suffering of His people, to go unpunished. God's own dwelling in the midst of the land signifies His sovereign control and His reclamation of territory that had been defiled by His enemies, ultimately for the establishment of His purposes. The devastation of their cities, "even unto the farthest corner of the land," underscores the totality of their removal, preparing the way for God's restored kingdom.