A word from God to the Philistines

Sermon notes

The Philistines were the ancient enemies of Israel. Related to the giants (Deut 2:23, 1Chron 1:12) that once dominated the territory of Canaan, they were aggressive, persistent and brutal in their antipathy to Israel. Their modern descendants are the Palestinians who still feature large among Israel’s foes and are to be found in the same geographical region.

There is a message to such enemies from God. No matter how militant men become in their hostility to God and His people, no matter how politically plausible their cause becomes, no matter how long they seem to escape from Divine wrath, they cannot escape the revealed will of God.

I  A DAY OF JUDGEMENT LAY AHEAD.

1. That day was not to be confused with any foreshadowing of it, v1. Pharaoh would smite but the Lord was speaking of a different day. Specifically, He warns of the future threat from Babylon—the north. Yet, the context looks even further ahead until the wrath of God is finally satiated. Men are inclined to confuse present hardships/judgements with that which is to come—‘hell on earth’ etc.
2. The ruin that would come from Babylon, v2-4. Judgement would be like a flood. It would be a day of great sorrow, paralyzing terror and they would be utterly without help. Neighbouring allies would also perish in the flood.
3. This was an act of God, v4, 6. God was at war with the men of this nation. He used Nebuchadnezzar but it was His work. Men need to learn that it is God that they have to deal with.

II  THESE EVENTS WERE VIEWED BY THOSE CAUGHT UP IN THEM WITH EYES BLINDED BY IDOLATRY.

1. Religious fervour. Often wicked men who find themselves under punishment make an effort in religion. The references to baldness and cutting relate to idolatrous religious practice. There is a desperate attempt made to escape from judgement by these means. Cp 48:37. Even in the midst of wrath men are blind to the gospel means of escape. Cp Rev 6:16.
2. Such actions only intensify their degradation and suffering. Man’s own religious devices can only make matters worse for the devotee.
3. Pointless. The question asked suggests, ‘why go on…?’ This is not what mitigates the wrath of God. Cp 1Chron 21:15-17, 26.

III   IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT DIVINE WRATH.

1. How long? A natural question occurs to the prophet and those he represents. The question directs our attention to the end when the wrath of God will be accomplished.
2. A desire for an end to judgement. There is an instinct in the Christian to see sinners spared from wrath. Cp Num 16:46-48,Ezek 9:8, Amos 7:2
3. No drawing back. When God gives the command to execute judgement there can be no escape or drawing back. There is still a charge from God that energizes the sword of His vengeance against this nation. It will be discharged in the end.