and I will execute judgments upon Moab. Then they will know that I am the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This prophecy highlights a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of God's justice: He not only judges those who oppress His people, but He directly intervenes. While the Chaldeans might be the ones carrying out the destruction, God makes it clear that it is His hand and His judgment, so that even His enemies will finally recognize His sovereignty.
and I will execute judgments upon Moab. Then they will know that I am the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel has just delivered prophecies against Ammon, and now he turns to Moab, a neighboring nation that had scorned and gloated over Judah's suffering. Moab had wrongly assumed Judah's troubles meant God had abandoned them and that they were no different from other nations. God declares He will bring judgment upon Moab, not just through human armies but directly by His hand, to reveal His true identity as the sovereign Lord.
Moab thought they were just watching Judah stumble, like any other nation. But God's response shows His involvement runs much deeper.
The people of Moab mocked and scorned Judah during their time of hardship. They said, "Behold, the house of Judah is like unto all the heathen." (Ezekiel 25:8). In their arrogance, they saw Judah's struggles as no different from any other nation's fate, and likely rejoiced in Judah's perceived weakness.
But God's announcement through Ezekiel isn't just about historical events; it's about divine justice. He declares, "I will execute judgments upon Moab." This wasn't a distant or impersonal decree. While the Chaldeans (Babylonians) would be the instruments of this judgment, the true power and authority behind it was the Lord Himself. He was personally intervening to avenge the insults and injuries hurled at His chosen people. This shows that God takes the mistreatment of His people, and the mockery directed at Him through them, very personally.
Judgment often serves a profound purpose beyond mere punishment. For Moab, it was an unforgettable lesson in who the Lord truly is.
The ultimate outcome of God's judgment on Moab is stated clearly: "Then they will know that I am the LORD." This wasn't about inflicting pain for its own sake. It was about a divinely ordained revelation.
Moab, in their pride and ignorance, had dismissed Judah and, by extension, Yahweh, the God of Judah, as being no different from any other pagan deity or national destiny. They failed to recognize the sovereign hand of God at work, even in the suffering of His people.
Through the execution of judgment, God forces them to confront His power, His justice, and His unique identity as the one true Lord. Their "knowing" would come not through willing study or reverence, but through the undeniable, painful reality of His actions against them. It's a stark reminder that God's judgments, while severe, are designed to ultimately assert His authority and truth.
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Understand the original words
shephatim · Hebrew Noun
The act of passing sentence or inflicting punishment; in a biblical context, it often refers to God's righteous verdict against sin and injustice, both historical and eschatological.
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God (YHWH), revealing His self-existence, faithfulness, and presence with His people. When God says "they will know I am the LORD," it signifies a forced recognition of His sovereign authority and supremacy.
The prophecy against Moab occurs in the immediate aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction, when surrounding nations likely felt emboldened to mock and scorn the devastated people of Judah. God's judgment on Moab isn't random; it's a direct response to their cruel taunts against His chosen people during their lowest moment.
c. 626 BC
Nebuchadnezzar begins reign
Nebuchadnezzar II ascends to the throne of Babylon, initiating a period of intense military expansion and imperial dominance that would directly impact Judah and its surrounding nations.
605 BC
First Babylonian deportation of Judah
Nebuchadnezzar conquers Judah and carries off some of its elite citizens, including Daniel, to Babylon. This event marks the beginning of Judah's subjugation.
597 BC
Second Babylonian deportation of Judah
Following a rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar deports King Jehoiachin and thousands more Judeans to Babylon, including the prophet Ezekiel. This deepens Judah's crisis.
587/586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the majority of the remaining population to Babylon. This is the most devastating blow to Judah.
c. 585 BC
Nebuchadnezzar campaigns against Tyre and Ammon
Immediately after the fall of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar turns his attention to other regional powers, including Tyre and Ammon, which had likely exulted over Judah's downfall.
c. 585 BC
Judgment pronounced on Moab
Ezekiel delivers prophecies against Moab and other surrounding nations, declaring God's judgment upon them for their arrogance and their taunts against Judah.
This passage also prophesies the destruction of Moab, emphasizing that their pride and self-reliance will lead to their downfall, mirroring the judgment described in Ezekiel.
Amos 2:1Amos also condemns Moab for desecrating the bones of the king of Edom, highlighting a similar offense of disrespect and hostility towards God's people that incurs divine judgment.
Isaiah 15:1-9This prophecy details the lamentation and destruction that will come upon Moab, painting a vivid picture of the devastating consequences of their actions against Judah.
Exodus 7:5This earlier passage sets a pattern where God executes judgment upon Egypt to make the Egyptians 'know that I am the LORD,' establishing the theme of divine revelation through judgment.
gillEzekiel 25:11: "And I will execute judgments upon Moab; and they shall know that I am the LORD."
I will execute judgments upon Moab,.... For though the Chaldeans and Arabians were the instruments of their ruin, their destruction was of the Lord; it was his hand that was upon them, and his vengeance that was executed on them, for their hard sayings against his people; for though he had spoke against them in his providence, and chastised them for their sins, yet he will not suffer others to speak…
henryEzekiel 25:8-17: "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Moab and Seir do say, Behold, the house of Judah is like unto all the heathen;"
25:8-17 Though one event seem to the righteous and wicked, it is vastly different. Those who glory in any other defence and protection than the Divine power, providence, and promise, will, sooner or later, be ashamed of their glorying. Those who will not leave it to God to take vengeance for them, may expect that he will take vengeance on them. The equity of th…
This prophecy highlights a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of God's justice: He not only judges those who oppress His people, but He directly intervenes. While the Chaldeans might be the ones carrying out the destruction, God makes it clear that it is His hand and His judgment, so that even His enemies will finally recognize His sovereignty.
Ezekiel has just delivered prophecies against Ammon, and now he turns to Moab, a neighboring nation that had scorned and gloated over Judah's suffering. Moab had wrongly assumed Judah's troubles meant God had abandoned them and that they were no different from other nations. God declares He will bring judgment upon Moab, not just through human armies but directly by His hand, to reveal His true identity as the sovereign Lord.
Ezekiel has just delivered prophecies against Ammon, and now he turns to Moab, a neighboring nation that had scorned and gloated over Judah's suffering. Moab had wrongly assumed Judah's troubles meant God had abandoned them and that they were no different from other nations. God declares He will bring judgment upon Moab, not just through human armies but directly by His hand, to reveal His true identity as the sovereign Lord.
"and I will execute judgments upon Moab. Then they will know that I am the LORD." — This prophecy highlights a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of God's justice: He not only judges those who oppress His people, but He directly intervenes. While the Chaldeans might be the ones car…
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Last reviewed October 2026