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.