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.

EZEKIEL 25:16KJV
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Ezekiel 25:16 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 25:16 mean?

Ezekiel 25:16 says that God is going to act against the Philistines, specifically by cutting off the Cherethims and destroying what remains along the seacoast. This is a warning of judgment, showing that God will punish these people for their actions.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to announce coming judgment on the Philistines, who lived along the Mediterranean coast. The Cherethims were a group associated with the Philistines, and the "remnant of the sea coast" refers to any survivors or remaining people in that region. The verse fits into a section where Ezekiel delivers messages of judgment against Israel’s neighboring nations.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 25:16

  • "Cherethims" (כְּרֵתִים, kərēthîm): This word refers to a specific group among the Philistines, sometimes thought to be mercenaries or a clan within Philistia. Mentioning them highlights that even powerful or distinct groups among the Philistines are not exempt from judgment.
  • "Remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית, shĕ'ērît): This word means those left over or survivors. It emphasizes that God’s judgment will be thorough, leaving no group untouched.
  • "Sea" (יָם, yam) and "coast" (חֹפֶר, chōpher): These words point to the geographic setting—the Philistine territory along the Mediterranean shoreline. The focus on the coast helps the reader picture the specific area facing judgment.

Why Ezekiel 25:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s judgment is not limited to Israel but extends to other nations, especially those who have harmed or opposed Israel.
  • Mentioning the Cherethims and the remnant of the coast shows that God’s actions are specific and complete, not just general threats.
  • Ezekiel 25:16 connects to the larger theme in this chapter, where God addresses the nations surrounding Israel, showing His authority over all peoples, not just His own.

Where else these words appear

“coast” Hebrew H2348 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 49:13 Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.
  • Deuteronomy 1:7 Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates.
  • Judges 5:17 Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches.

“Cherethims” Hebrew H3774 · used in 10 verses

  • 1 Samuel 30:14 We made an invasion upon the south of the Cherethites, and upon the coast which belongeth to Judah, and upon the south of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.
  • 2 Samuel 20:7 And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
  • 1 Kings 1:44 And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:

“remnant” Hebrew H7611 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 45:7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
  • Jeremiah 15:9 She that hath borne seven languisheth: she hath given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while it was yet day: she hath been ashamed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith the LORD.
  • Ezekiel 9:8 And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem?