Predictions during the Siege of Jerusalem---Judgment against Judah's enemies

  (Read Ezekiel 25-32)

Ezekiel's gloomy predictions are completed. (Ezekiel 1-24) With the news of the fall of Jerusalem he immediately begins to prophesy about the future restoration of Israel. God often reveals a bright picture of Israel's future against the backdrop of divine judgment. (See Ezekiel 33-48.) But before Israel is restored to her land those who are her enemies must be put out of the way. So at this point we hear of the future doom of these foreign powers. First we hear of her near neighbors who have insulted and harassed her anad then of the more distant and more powerful ones. God pronounces His judgment upon Ammon, Moab, Tyre, Sidon and Egypt for their sins against Israel. All of these powers were ancient enemies of Israel. They dated back before the days of the

monarchy. From Israel's petty neighbors with their petty spite, Ezekiel turns to the great empires of Tyre and Egypt. They, too, must go. In a passage of great literary power, Ezekiel describes the brilliance of Tyre, the extent of her commerce, the pity and terror inspired by her fall.

Ezekiel 29-32 tells of the colllapse of Egypt. The mighty Nebuchadnezzar with his terrible army will deal a crushing blow and Egypt will be devastated.

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