20221018

the Ammonites watched

Ezekiel 25:1-7 (JDV)

Ezekiel 25:1 Then the word of Yahveh happened to me. This is what it said:
Ezekiel 25:2 “Son of Adam, face the Ammonites and prophesy against them.
Ezekiel 25:3 Say to the Ammonites, ‘Listen to the word of the Lord Yahveh: This is what the Lord Yahveh says: Because you said, “Aha!” about my sanctuary when it was desecrated, about the land of Israel when it was laid waste, and about the house of Judah when they went into exile,
Ezekiel 25:4 therefore, notice I am about to give you to the people of the east as a possession. They will set up their encampments and pitch their tents among you. They will eat your fruit and drink your milk.
Ezekiel 25:5 I will make Rabbah a pasture for camels and Ammon a resting place for sheep. Then you will know that I am Yahveh.
Ezekiel 25:6 ” ‘You see, this is what the Lord Yahveh says: Because you clapped your hands, stamped your feet, and rejoiced with all the contempt of your throat over the land of Israel,
Ezekiel 25:7 therefore, notice I am about to stick out my hand against you and give you as plunder to the nations. I will cut you off from the people and eliminate you from the countries. I will exterminate you, and you will know that I am Yahveh.

the Ammonites watched

The Ammonites watched as Jerusalem faced destruction, the temple was desecrated and the inhabitants of Judah went into exile. They gloated over the misfortune of their distant relatives. But while they watched and cheered, God was watching them. Their judgment was coming. They will be cut off, eliminated, exterminated.

Then they will know? How are they going to know if they are dead? They will know that Yahveh brought this punishment upon them. They will realize that although Judah suffered, their God was real.

LORD, remove from us the joy of watching our enemies fail. Give us your compassion for all who suffer, and a commitment to be true to our faith in you.