How Did Philistia Decline In Power?
Ezekiel cast judgement on seven neighboring nations, which included: Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt. Judgement was brought upon Ammon, Moab, and Edom because of their complicity in the destruction of Judah. The three countries held very little power. During the Assyrian years, Philistia decreased in power, and was overshadowed by the power and influence of Tyre (Hays, 2010, p. 215). The Philistines were jealous of the Jews. “Whenever they could take advantage of them and could engage in some spite work, they did so” (Cooper, n.d). Therefore, the Lord exclaimed, “Behold, I will stretch out my hand upon the Philistines, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast. And I will execute great vengeance upon them with
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wrathful rebukes” (Ezekiel 25:16-17 abbreviated).
At the time of Ezekiel, Tyre was the religious center of Baal worship.
Tyre had major maritime power, and economic wealth, because of their control of the Mediterranean Sea trade. They were the most powerful against the Babylonians in their region. For a small city, Tyre was a powerhouse. After the siege by King Nebuchadnezzar, they still refused to surrender for thirteen years. A portion of Ezekiel 26 prophecy was fulfilled, when King Nebuchadnezzar captured and destroyed the mainland fortress and city of Tyre. Alexander the Great was able to destroy the island fortress, which fulfilled the prophecy as well. In Ezekiel 27:25-36, Ezekiel proclaimed the destruction of Tyre and its ships. Ezekiel 28 describes, the reason for the devastation of Tyre. The King of Tyre references himself as a god. Despite his wealth and power, Yahweh had to show him who was the one and only true God, and because of his pride and violent acts, destruction was brought upon him and the city of Tyre (Hays, 2010, pp. 215-216). “Ezekiel also prophesied of God’s judgment against Sidon (Ez 28:20–24). God promised pestilence, blood in her streets and death by sword (Ezekiel 28:23). Sidon incurred the wrath of the Persian King Artaxerxes who beat the city into submission” (Byers,
2010). Since King Nebuchadnezzar was unable to fully conquer Tyre, Yahweh would deliver Egypt into his hands (Ezekiel 29:17-20) (Hays, 2010, p. 218). Ezekiel 29:15 proclaims, “It will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the other nations. I will make it so weak that it will never again rule over the nations.” “Today, Egypt is again an independent nation, and it has always been an impressive nation. But since the time of Ezekiel, it no longer rules over other nations” (Konig, n.d).
wrathful rebukes” (Ezekiel 25:16-17 abbreviated).
At the time of Ezekiel, Tyre was the religious center of Baal worship.
Tyre had major maritime power, and economic wealth, because of their control of the Mediterranean Sea trade. They were the most powerful against the Babylonians in their region. For a small city, Tyre was a powerhouse. After the siege by King Nebuchadnezzar, they still refused to surrender for thirteen years. A portion of Ezekiel 26 prophecy was fulfilled, when King Nebuchadnezzar captured and destroyed the mainland fortress and city of Tyre. Alexander the Great was able to destroy the island fortress, which fulfilled the prophecy as well. In Ezekiel 27:25-36, Ezekiel proclaimed the destruction of Tyre and its ships. Ezekiel 28 describes, the reason for the devastation of Tyre. The King of Tyre references himself as a god. Despite his wealth and power, Yahweh had to show him who was the one and only true God, and because of his pride and violent acts, destruction was brought upon him and the city of Tyre (Hays, 2010, pp. 215-216). “Ezekiel also prophesied of God’s judgment against Sidon (Ez 28:20–24). God promised pestilence, blood in her streets and death by sword (Ezekiel 28:23). Sidon incurred the wrath of the Persian King Artaxerxes who beat the city into submission” (Byers,
2010). Since King Nebuchadnezzar was unable to fully conquer Tyre, Yahweh would deliver Egypt into his hands (Ezekiel 29:17-20) (Hays, 2010, p. 218). Ezekiel 29:15 proclaims, “It will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the other nations. I will make it so weak that it will never again rule over the nations.” “Today, Egypt is again an independent nation, and it has always been an impressive nation. But since the time of Ezekiel, it no longer rules over other nations” (Konig, n.d).