Ezekiel 25:15
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred;
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יַ֛עַן
H3282
יַ֛עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
עֲשׂ֥וֹת
have dealt
H6213
עֲשׂ֥וֹת
have dealt
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
Because the Philistines
H6430
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
Because the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
7 of 15
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
בְּנֶ֔פֶשׁ
heart
H5315
בְּנֶ֔פֶשׁ
heart
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Ezekiel 25:12Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;Ezekiel 25:6For thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast clapped thine hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel;Jeremiah 25:20And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod,2 Chronicles 28:18The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Beth-shemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.
Historical Context
Philistine-Israelite conflict began with the conquest period (Judges-Samuel) and continued through the monarchy. Though subdued by David and Solomon, they repeatedly rebelled and allied with Israel's enemies. Their coastal cities (Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath) constantly threatened Judah.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'old hatreds' or persistent bitterness might you be harboring that needs to be addressed through forgiveness?
- How does unresolved conflict compound over time when not dealt with biblically?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Philistia's sin involved 'vengeance with a despiteful heart' to 'destroy for the old hatred.' Their malice wasn't circumstantial but rooted in ancient, persistent hostility. The phrase 'old hatred' reveals that unresolved bitterness compounds over generations. Their 'despite' (contempt) showed soul-deep malice, bringing proportionate judgment.