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.”

Context:The book of Ezekiel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament that records the visions and prophecies of the prophet Ezekiel, who was called by God to deliver His messages to the exiled Israelites in Babylon. The passage in question is a message from God to the city of Zidon (Sidon), a prominent Phoenician city and seaport.

God’s Opposition:In this verse, God declares that He is against Zidon. This statement indicates that God is taking a stance of judgment and opposition against the city. It implies that Zidon has acted in a way that is contrary to God’s will and has provoked His judgment.

God’s Desire for His Glory: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.

Execution of Judgments:God indicates that He will execute judgments in Zidon. The precise judgments are not specified in this verse, but throughout the book of Ezekiel, there are prophecies of judgment against various nations and cities, including Zidon. These judgments are intended to bring about the consequences of their actions and to demonstrate God’s righteous judgment.

Sanctification of God’s Name: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.

Knowledge of the Lord: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 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.

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.