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

Ezekiel 25:16 declares a solemn judgment from the Sovereign Lord against the Philistines. Because they acted with vengeful malice and scorned the people of Judah in their distress, God states His direct and powerful intervention. He promises to extend His punitive hand against them, decisively cutting off specific groups like the Cherethites and utterly destroying the remaining inhabitants along their seacoast. This judgment signifies God's justice and sovereignty over all nations, ensuring recompense for their cruel actions against His chosen people.

Ezekiel 25 16 Context

Ezekiel Chapter 25 is part of a larger section (chapters 25-32) containing prophecies against various surrounding nations. Following Jerusalem's fall in 586 BCE and the Babylonian exile, these nations gloated over Judah's misfortune, with some even participating in their downfall. Chapter 25 specifically addresses Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia. The prophecies declare God's judgment against these nations, not primarily for their general sinfulness (though that might be implied), but specifically for their malice, scorn, and active participation in Israel's suffering. This serves to demonstrate God's unwavering justice, His universal sovereignty, and the assurance that despite Judah's apparent defeat, He remains their protector and will vindicate them by judging their oppressors. Verse 16 targets the Philistines who, in verse 15, are accused of acting with "malice of heart, to destroy it with perpetual enmity," seeking revenge on Judah. This sets the stage for God's stern retribution.

Ezekiel 25 16 Word analysis

• Therefore (לָכֵן, lakhen): Connects this judgment directly to the Philistines' preceding actions described in verse 15—their malicious revenge against Judah. It indicates a causal link: because they acted with such hatred, this divine response will follow.
• Thus says the Lord GOD (כֹּה אָמַר אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה, koh amar Adonai YHWH): A classic prophetic formula asserting that the message comes directly from the highest divine authority, not Ezekiel. "Adonai YHWH" signifies the sovereign master and the covenant-keeping God, underscoring both His absolute power and His fidelity to His people, even through judgment.
• Behold (הִנְנִי, hin'ni): An interjection used to draw attention, signifying the importance, certainty, and immediate nature of the declaration that follows. It highlights God's personal involvement and decisive action.
• I will stretch out My hand (וְנָטִיתִי יָדִי, venatiti yadi): A common anthropomorphic expression for powerful, decisive, and often punitive divine intervention. It signifies a direct, personal, and irresistible act by God Himself, demonstrating His might in judgment.
• against the Philistines (אֶל־פְּלִשְׁתִּים, el-pelishtim): Targets this historical enemy of Israel directly. The Philistines, originating likely from the Aegean region, settled the coastal plain of Canaan and were consistently antagonistic towards Israel.
• and I will cut off (וְהִכְרַתִּי, vehikhratti): A strong Hebrew verb denoting utter severance or complete destruction, often associated with covenant curses and removal from the community or the land. Here, it signifies the eradication of specific groups or the complete obliteration of their presence.
• the Cherethites (כְּרֵתִים, keretim): Often identified as a sub-group or prominent tribe of the Philistines, known for their prowess, or possibly mercenary ties. Singling them out implies the precision and thoroughness of God's judgment, aiming for the core or strength of Philistine identity on the coast. In other contexts, they form part of King David's elite guard.
• and destroy (וְהִשְׁמַדְתִּי, vehishmadti): Another strong verb for comprehensive destruction, implying ruin and devastation. It reinforces the idea of total judgment.
• the rest of the seacoast (שְׁאֵרִית חֹף יָם, she'erit hof yam): This phrase ensures that the judgment extends beyond just the Cherethites to all remaining Philistine territories and populations along the Mediterranean coast, leaving no remnant of their former strength or presence. It underlines the comprehensiveness and finality of the divine judgment against the nation.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: 'Behold": This emphatic opening establishes the divine origin and unchallengeable authority of the pronouncement. The judgment is not merely a prophet's word but God's decree, driven by prior acts.
• "I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines": This declaration indicates God's personal and powerful intervention against a specific enemy. It’s a direct act of divine will, emphasizing His sovereignty over all nations, even those seemingly outside His covenant.
• "and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the rest of the seacoast": This segment outlines the scope and severity of the judgment. By mentioning both a specific, likely powerful group (Cherethites) and "the rest of the seacoast," God declares an all-encompassing, devastating, and thorough eradication of the Philistine presence and power. The language suggests a judgment that will leave nothing remaining of their former state.

Ezekiel 25 16 Bonus section

The historical relationship between Israel and Philistia was marked by consistent antagonism and conflict, extending from the period of the Judges through the united monarchy. Therefore, the Philistine's "malice" (Ez 25:15) was not an isolated incident but the culmination of a long history of enmity. This history deepens the significance of God's promise to "stretch out My hand" and decisively end their national identity. The mentioning of "Cherethites" and "Pelethites" (usually grouped as kereti and peleti) in other biblical texts as David's loyal foreign guard might seem to contrast with their being singled out for destruction here. However, in Ezekiel and Zephaniah, they are understood as an ethnic or tribal designation of the Philistine inhabitants on the coast, not necessarily in the role of mercenaries to Israel, thereby emphasizing the all-encompassing judgment on Philistia. The principle here reflects the universal truth that every act of hostility against God's people is ultimately against God Himself (Zech 2:8).

Ezekiel 25 16 Commentary

Ezekiel 25:16 powerfully illustrates divine justice in response to human malice. The Philistines' joy and vengeful actions during Judah's downfall were not mere opportunism; God saw them as deep-seated hatred. This verse assures the exiled Israelites that their God, the Lord GOD, is actively engaged in the affairs of nations and holds them accountable for their treatment of His people. The "stretched out hand" signifies God's direct and irresistible power in judgment, much like it was displayed against Egypt. The specific targeting of the "Cherethites" and the complete destruction of "the rest of the seacoast" highlight the comprehensive and uncompromising nature of this retribution. God's response serves not only as punishment but also as a demonstration of His sovereignty, reassuring His suffering people that He is still sovereign over history and will ultimately bring justice and restore His honor. This also reveals that nations will be judged based on their actions, particularly how they relate to God's chosen.This specific prophecy against the Philistines finds its historical fulfillment over time through the military campaigns of Babylonian, Persian, and later Greek empires, gradually diminishing their power and presence until they effectively vanish from history as a distinct national entity.