Ezekiel 28:22

And say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.

Ezekiel 28:22 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of a divine oracle against the city of Zidon (Sidon), a prominent Phoenician seaport known for its wealth, trade, and influence. The immediate context (Ezekiel 28:20-24) shows God commanding the prophet to set his face against Zidon and prophesy against it, declaring His personal opposition to the city and its inhabitants because of their sins.

Meaning

God’s declaration, “Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon,” is not a distant or passive displeasure but a direct, active stance of judgment. The Lord declares that He will be glorified in the midst of Zidon. Despite pronouncing judgment, God’s ultimate purpose is to manifest His glory. Through His judgments, God intends to reveal His power, righteousness, and sovereignty. This reveals that God’s actions are not arbitrary but purposeful, ultimately leading to the manifestation of His glory.

God indicates that He will execute judgments in Zidon. The precise judgments are not specified in this verse, but the following verse (Ezekiel 28:23) describes pestilence, blood in the streets, and the sword on every side. These judgments are intended to bring about the consequences of their actions and to demonstrate God’s righteous judgment.

God declares that He will be sanctified in Zidon. The word “sanctified” means to be set apart as holy or to be recognized as holy. In the context of this verse, it refers to God’s name being revered and acknowledged as holy. The execution of judgments upon Zidon would serve as a means of demonstrating God’s holiness and righteousness to the people, leading them to acknowledge His sovereignty and authority.

Through the execution of judgments and the sanctification of God’s name, the people of Zidon would come to know that the Lord is God. The phrase “they shall know that I am the Lord” is a recurring refrain in Ezekiel’s judgment oracles, emphasizing that God’s acts in history are self-revelatory. The purpose of God’s actions is not only to punish but also to bring about a revelation and recognition of His true identity. It is a reminder to the people that God is the one true God, deserving of reverence and obedience.

Biblical connections

The following verse (Ezekiel 28:24) reveals a further purpose: that there would be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel from the surrounding nations that despised them. This shows that God’s judgment on Sidon also served to protect and vindicate His own people, Israel.

Application

This passage is a sobering reminder of God’s absolute holiness and His opposition to pride and ungodliness. It calls for a reverent fear of God and a recognition that He will vindicate His own name and His people. The judgment on Sidon serves as a warning that no nation or city, however powerful or prosperous, is beyond the reach of God’s righteous judgment. God’s holiness is not passive; it actively confronts and judges sin. His glory is manifested in His justice as well as His mercy.

Reflection

Overall, Ezekiel 28:22 conveys a message of judgment against the city of Zidon, emphasizing God’s opposition to their actions. However, behind this judgment lies God’s desire to manifest His glory, sanctify His name, and bring the people to a true knowledge of Him. It serves as a reminder that God’s righteousness and sovereignty will ultimately be acknowledged by all.