Ezekiel 25 is a short oracle collection in which God sends the prophet Ezekiel to speak against the nations surrounding Israel: Ammon, Moab, Edom and the Philistines. These questions are for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study, and they work whether you have an hour or only a quiet morning. Each set moves from what the text says, to what it means, to how it shapes daily life.
Ezekiel 25 at a Glance
The chapter opens with a message to Ammon, the nation east of the Jordan that mocked the sanctuary, the land and the people of Judah when they fell. God answers each taunt with a specific judgment and a repeated promise that “you will know that I am the LORD.” The pattern then repeats for Moab, Edom and the Philistines, so the same structure becomes a kind of refrain across the chapter.
Notice that each nation’s sin is tied to its attitude toward Israel and toward God’s name. Ammon cheered at the disaster, Moab mocked Judah as just another nation, Edom took revenge, and the Philistines acted with lasting hostility. The chapter ends with the Philistines, and the phrase “then they will know that I am the LORD” closes the whole series.
Observation Questions
Use these first to slow the group down and anchor everyone in the text before anyone offers a view. Ask one question at a time, let people look back at the chapter, and resist explaining too quickly. Write down the answers so you can return to them later.
Ezekiel 25:3
Tell the children of Ammon, ‘Hear the word of the Lord the LORD! Thus says the Lord the LORD, “Because you said, ‘Aha!’ against my sanctuary, when it was profaned; and against the land of Israel, when it was made desolate; and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity…
(WEB)
This verse names Ammon’s exact offense, the “Aha!” of rejoicing over the sanctuary, the land and the exile of Judah. Reading it aloud helps the group hear the attitude God is answering before discussing the judgment that follows.
Ezekiel 25:5
I will make Rabbah a stable for camels, and the children of Ammon a resting place for flocks. Then you will know that I am the LORD.”
(WEB)
Here God declares the consequences for Ammon and gives the first of the chapter’s repeated statements that His judgments will make Him known. Reading it aloud draws attention to the purpose behind the judgment.
Ezekiel 25:8
“‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “Because Moab and Seir say, ‘Behold, the house of Judah is like all the nations;’
(WEB)
Moab’s words that Judah is like all the nations show how easily God’s people can be dismissed. Reading this verse aloud invites reflection on how the group views their own identity in God’s covenant.
Ezekiel 25:12
“‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “Because Edom has dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended, and taken revenge on them;”
(WEB)
Edom’s taking of vengeance is named clearly here, setting up God’s response in the verses that follow. Hearing it aloud helps the group connect human revenge with the larger theme of justice belonging to God.
Ezekiel 25:17
I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I lay my vengeance on them.”’”
(WEB)
The chapter closes with God executing vengeance on the Philistines and making Himself known. Reading this final verse aloud gives the group a clear sense of how the entire series of oracles concludes.
Memory Verse for Ezekiel 25
Ezekiel 25:14
I will lay my vengeance on Edom by the hand of my people Israel. They will do in Edom according to my anger and according to my wrath. Then they will know my vengeance,” says the Lord the LORD.
(WEB)
This verse shows God declaring that He will lay His vengeance on Edom, a reminder that justice belongs to Him. Memorizing it helps keep in mind that God is the one who answers wrongs, not us.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come before You as people who have watched the nations rejoice, take revenge and mock Your people, and we confess that we have felt those same impulses in our own hearts. Thank You that You see the heart behind every word and gesture, and that You are the one who judges rightly. Teach us to leave vengeance in Your hands, to refuse the pleasure of another’s ruin, and to remember that we belong to You. Help us to live so that others come to know You through our faithfulness and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
