therefore thus says the Lord GOD, Behold, I will stretch out my hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the rest of the seacoast.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The mention of the "Cherethites" isn't just about naming a group; it’s a divine pun. God declares He will "cut off" this specific, strong part of the Philistines, playing on a Hebrew word that sounds similar to their name, highlighting their complete destruction. This shows God's precise judgment, even using language to emphasize the thoroughness of His coming action.
therefore thus says the Lord GOD, Behold, I will stretch out my hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the rest of the seacoast.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This prophecy against the Philistines comes right after God's judgment on Moab and Seir, who had rejoiced over Judah's downfall. Ezekiel declares that God will actively strike down the Philistines, specifically targeting the Cherethites, who represented a significant part of their strength along the coast. This judgment promises complete destruction, leaving no lasting presence of the Philistines on their familiar shores.
Why would God bring judgment on the Philistines? It wasn't just their historical enmity with Israel, but their specific taunts and gloating that sparked God's righteous anger.
The Philistines, like Moab and Seir, saw Judah's struggles as weakness. They gloated, saying, "Behold, the house of Judah is like all the nations!" (Ezekiel 25:8). This wasn't just an observation; it was a proud declaration that Israel was no different, no better, and no longer favored by their God. They reveled in Judah's perceived downfall.
This highlights a crucial spiritual principle: God despises those who mock His people and His promises. When we see others struggling, especially fellow believers, and instead of compassion we feel smugness or delight in their pain, we align ourselves with the enemy. God's judgment here is a stern warning against such hateful pride.
The judgment specifically targets the 'Cherethites.' Who were these people, and why are they singled out?
The Cherethites were a significant part of the Philistine population, dwelling in the southern coastal regions. They are often mentioned alongside the Philistines, and some scholars suggest they were either a distinct tribe within Philistia or perhaps even represented the main fighting force – the skilled archers and warriors, the 'strength of Philistia.'
There's also a fascinating linguistic hint here. The Hebrew phrase for 'I will cut off the Cherethites' sounds very similar to a word meaning 'slayers' or 'cutters off.' It suggests a divine wordplay: God is going to cut off the very ones known for cutting others down. This highlights God's intimate knowledge of His enemies and His precise, deliberate judgment.
Ask a follow-up
The image of God stretching out His hand is powerful. What does it signify for the Philistines, and for us?
The phrase 'I will stretch out my hand' is a common biblical idiom for divine action, signifying the execution of judgment or the application of power. It’s God’s personal intervention. He isn't passively watching; He is actively moving against the Philistines.
This judgment isn't just about punishing past wrongs; it's about completely eradicating the threat. The verse speaks of cutting off the Cherethites and destroying the 'remnant of the sea coast.' This implies a thorough, decisive action – leaving nothing significant behind. It's a picture of total defeat for those who oppose God and His people with malice and pride.
Understand the original words
Adonai Yahweh · Hebrew Noun/Proper Noun
The sovereign ruler of the universe, who is self-existent, eternal, and the covenant-keeping God of Israel. In Ezekiel, it emphasizes His absolute authority over both His people and the surrounding nations.
Peleshtim · Hebrew Proper Noun
An ancient, coastal people group who were perpetual enemies of Israel. Biblically, they represent those who stand in opposition to God’s people and His purposes.
Keretim · Hebrew Proper Noun
A group closely associated with the Philistines, often identified as a mercenary group or a specific segment of the Philistine population. They represent those who share in the judgment destined for God’s enemies.
Ezekiel pronounces judgment on the Philistines during the Babylonian exile. Their historical enmity with Israel, coupled with their likely rejoicing over Jerusalem's destruction, brings God's swift and decisive retribution upon them, impacting their core territories and peoples like the Cherethites.
c. 1000 BC
David's Wars Against Philistines
King David decisively defeated the Philistines, significantly weakening their power and influence over Israel.
c. 750-700 BC
Assyrian and Egyptian Influence
Both the Neo-Assyrian Empire and Egypt exerted influence and control over Philistia during this period, often leading to conflict and displacement.
c. 609 BC
Battle of Carchemish
Egypt's Pharaoh Necho II was defeated by the Babylonians at Carchemish, leading to Babylonian dominance in the region and impacting Philistine allegiances.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar I of Babylon conquered Judah and deported many inhabitants, including Jehoiakim, to Babylon. This marked the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II deported King Jehoiachin and thousands more Judeans to Babylon, intensifying the exile.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, exiling the remaining population. This event profoundly shaped Jewish identity and theology, with surrounding nations like the Philistines often rejoicing in Judah's downfall.
c. 585 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Campaigns
Following the destruction of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar campaigned against Tyre and likely subdued the remaining Philistine coastal cities as well.
This passage directly echoes Ezekiel's prophecy, stating that the Lord will destroy the Philistines and their entire seacoast, underscoring the comprehensive judgment coming upon them.
Zephaniah 2:5This verse explicitly mentions the 'nation of the Cherethites' in connection with the Philistines and the seacoast, reinforcing the specific group being targeted in Ezekiel's prophecy.
1 Samuel 30:14This passage shows the Cherethites as a known group within Philistia, providing historical context for their distinct mention by Ezekiel.
Amos 1:6-8Amos also prophesies judgment against the Philistines, specifically mentioning their 'seacoast' and the destruction of their inhabitants, highlighting a consistent theme of divine retribution against them across the prophets.
ellicottEzekiel 25:16: "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast."
(16) Cherethims. —The Cherethim were a portion of the Philistines living on their southern coast ( 1Samuel 30:14 ; Zephaniah 2:5 ), and are sometimes put for the whole nation. The name is supposed by many to be equivalent to Cretans, and to indicate the origin of the Philistines from the island of Crete; but t…
barnesEzekiel 25:16: "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast."
Cherethims - The inhabitants of the southern portion of Philistia Zephaniah 2:5 .
The mention of the "Cherethites" isn't just about naming a group; it’s a divine pun. God declares He will "cut off" this specific, strong part of the Philistines, playing on a Hebrew word that sounds similar to their name, highlighting their complete destruction. This shows God's precise judgment, even using language to emphasize the thoroughness of His coming action.
This prophecy against the Philistines comes right after God's judgment on Moab and Seir, who had rejoiced over Judah's downfall. Ezekiel declares that God will actively strike down the Philistines, specifically targeting the Cherethites, who represented a significant part of their strength along the coast. This judgment promises complete destruction, leaving no lasting presence of the Philistines on their familiar shores.
This prophecy against the Philistines comes right after God's judgment on Moab and Seir, who had rejoiced over Judah's downfall. Ezekiel declares that God will actively strike down the Philistines, specifically targeting the Cherethites, who represented a significant part of their strength along the coast. This judgment promises complete destruction, leaving no lasting presence of the Philistines on their familiar shores.
"therefore thus says the Lord GOD, Behold, I will stretch out my hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the rest of the seacoast." — The mention of the "Cherethites" isn't just about naming a group; it’s a divine pun. God declares He will "cut off" this specific, strong part of the Philistines, playing on a Hebrew word that sounds…
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Last reviewed October 2026