Ezekiel 28:20-26: Major Israel War Prophecy — A Future Fulfillment

Bible prophecy continues to fascinate believers and scholars alike, and one of the prophecies that have stirred interest in the biblical community is found in Ezekiel 28:20-26. This passage, often overlooked, contains powerful imagery and profound significance for the future of Israel. While some argue that it has been fulfilled in history, a careful examination of the text, in conjunction with other prophetic scriptures, suggests that this prophecy remains unfulfilled. In this article, we will delve into the context, details, and future implications of this pivotal prophecy.

The Prophecy in Context

Ezekiel was a prophet during one of the darkest times in Israel’s history—the Babylonian exile. His messages were both warnings of judgment and promises of future restoration for Israel. Chapters 25 through 32 of Ezekiel consist of oracles against Israel’s neighbors, including nations like Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia. These oracles served as judgments against nations that had mistreated Israel and rejoiced in its downfall.

Ezekiel 28:20-26 fits within this larger section but focuses specifically on Sidon, a city in Phoenicia, located north of Israel in present-day Lebanon. This prophecy against Sidon, coupled with a promise of Israel’s eventual security, foreshadows a time of war, destruction, and ultimate peace for the Jewish people.

Analyzing Ezekiel 28:20-26

Let’s examine the passage:

Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Son of man, set your face toward Sidon, and prophesy against her and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Sidon, and I will be glorified in your midst. Then they will know that I am the Lord when I execute judgments in her and manifest my holiness in her. For I will send pestilence to her and blood to her streets, and the wounded shall fall in her midst by the sword upon her on every side. Then they will know that I am the Lord. And for the house of Israel there shall be no more a brier to prick or a thorn to hurt them among all their neighbors who have treated them with contempt. Then they will know that I am the Lord God.’ Thus says the Lord God: When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and manifest my holiness in them in the sight of the nations, then they shall dwell in their own land that I gave to my servant Jacob. And they shall dwell securely in it, and they shall build houses and plant vineyards. They shall dwell securely when I execute judgments upon all their neighbors who have treated them with contempt. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God. (Ezekiel 28:20-26, ESV)

The prophecy can be broken down into three key sections: the judgment of Sidon, the promise of Israel’s deliverance, and the promise of Israel’s future peace and security. Each element plays a vital role in understanding why this prophecy remains unfulfilled.

1. Judgment Against Sidon

Ezekiel begins by issuing a clear judgment against Sidon. Historically, Sidon was a major Phoenician city-state known for its wealth, seafaring expertise, and influence. It was closely allied with Tyre, another Phoenician city that Ezekiel had just prophesied against in the earlier part of the chapter.

God declares that He will send pestilence and bloodshed to the streets of Sidon. The city will suffer by the sword, and the wounded will fall. This divine judgment will serve to demonstrate God’s holiness and power. The key phrase here is “Then they will know that I am the Lord,” a repeated statement in Ezekiel indicating that the coming judgment would reveal God’s authority to both Israel and the surrounding nations.

Although Sidon faced various attacks throughout history, including conquests by Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians, these past judgments do not seem to match the complete destruction and divine judgment that Ezekiel describes here. Therefore, many scholars and Bible prophecy experts argue that this prophecy has not been entirely fulfilled in the past, but points toward a future time of judgment.

2. Deliverance from Neighboring Nations

In verse 24, the prophecy shifts its focus to Israel. God promises that there will no longer be “a brier to prick or a thorn to hurt them” among their neighbors. This metaphorical language describes the hostile nations surrounding Israel, including Sidon. In biblical times, Sidon, along with other nations like Philistia, Edom, and Moab, frequently harassed Israel and celebrated its downfall. Here, God promises that such hostilities will cease.

Historically, Israel has faced nearly constant persecution and attacks from its neighbors, even after returning from exile in Babylon. Even today, the modern state of Israel is surrounded by nations that have been, at various times, openly hostile to its existence. This ongoing tension suggests that this aspect of Ezekiel’s prophecy—where Israel no longer faces threats from its neighbors—has not yet come to pass.

3. Israel’s Security and Peace

The final verses of Ezekiel 28:25-26 present a vivid picture of Israel’s future peace and security. God promises to gather the house of Israel from the peoples where they have been scattered and bring them back to the land given to Jacob (Israel). Once returned, the people of Israel will dwell securely, building houses and planting vineyards—a common biblical image for peace and prosperity. This security will come when God executes judgments on all Israel’s neighbors who have treated them with contempt.

This section of the prophecy is particularly significant for eschatology, or the study of end-times events. The promise that Israel will dwell securely in its own land without fear of its neighbors has not been fulfilled in history. Even after the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948, the nation has been involved in several wars and remains in a state of tension with many of its neighbors.

The complete peace described in Ezekiel 28:25-26 points to a future time when God will intervene decisively in human history. This future intervention will bring about a state of security that Israel has not yet experienced—a time when they will no longer face threats from neighboring nations. This aligns with other prophetic passages in the Bible, including Isaiah 11:10-12 and Zechariah 14, which speak of a future gathering of Israel and a time of peace during the Messianic Kingdom.

Future Implications of the Prophecy

As we have explored, the prophecy in Ezekiel 28:20-26 presents both immediate and future dimensions. The immediate dimension is the judgment against Sidon and the surrounding nations for their mistreatment of Israel. The future dimension involves Israel’s restoration and permanent security in their land, free from external threats.

Many Bible prophecy scholars believe that this passage, along with other prophecies in Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah, points toward the events of the end times. Specifically, Ezekiel 28:20-26 appears to foreshadow a future conflict between Israel and its neighbors, culminating in God’s direct intervention. This is sometimes linked to the “War of Gog and Magog” described later in Ezekiel 38-39, where a coalition of nations attacks Israel, only to be defeated by divine judgment.

The ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy will occur when God establishes His kingdom on earth, bringing peace and security to Israel. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of the Millennial Kingdom, where Christ will reign from Jerusalem, and Israel will finally experience the peace and prosperity promised to them throughout the scriptures.

Why This Prophecy Remains Unfulfilled

Despite various judgments that Sidon has faced throughout history, the complete destruction described in Ezekiel 28:22-23 has not occurred. Likewise, Israel has not yet experienced the kind of lasting peace and security promised in verses 25-26. These factors indicate that the prophecy remains unfulfilled.

Furthermore, the language of the prophecy, especially regarding Israel’s dwelling securely and building houses and planting vineyards, suggests a time of peace that has not yet materialized in Israel’s history. This points toward a future fulfillment, likely during the Messianic Age, when Jesus Christ will reign from Jerusalem and bring an end to the hostility between Israel and its neighbors.

Conclusion

Ezekiel 28:20-26 is a profound prophecy with both immediate and far-reaching implications. While elements of this prophecy may have had partial fulfillments in the past, its ultimate realization remains in the future. The judgment against Sidon and the promise of Israel’s security point toward a time when God will intervene in human history, executing judgment on Israel’s enemies and restoring His people to a state of lasting peace.

As believers, understanding this prophecy is critical as we navigate the turbulent times we live in. The Bible is clear that God’s plan for Israel is not yet complete. The signs of the times suggest that we are drawing closer to the fulfillment of these prophetic events, and it is essential for us to remain vigilant, prayerful, and grounded in God’s Word as we await the fulfillment of His promises.

Ultimately, Ezekiel 28:20-26 serves as both a warning and a promise—God will judge the nations that oppose His people, but He will also bring about a time of unparalleled peace for Israel. This future peace is not just for Israel, but it will be part of God’s larger plan to bring restoration and redemption to the world. Let us be watchful and ready, for the fulfillment of prophecy is closer than we think.