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The Philistines, ancient enemies of Israel, were in line for a visitation of the Lord in an act of punishment. Eze. 25:15-17 They were a people who carried a grudge over the past conflicts which frequently occurred between themselves and Israel. The cause of the hand of the Lord being manifest against them is one which is all too common to mankind and is very much worthy of our heart felt consideration. It is described as being an old hatred, which is listed as one of the works of the flesh. Gal. 5:20 Hatred is a real spiritual thief and will rob a person so affected by it of their peace of mind, soul and spirit. It is inevitable and very definite, that in this life, we will have someone do something, purposely or inadvertently, large or small at which we take offence. The wise, will forgive and go on. The foolish will be a Philistine and act from a standpoint of revenge. Waiting for that moment when their desire for vengeance is satisfied. The mean time, their despiteful heart is controlling every avenue, every association of their life. Their life is filled with bitterness and broken relations with family and those who would be their friends.
Tyrus was also in line for chastisement from the Lord for they rejoiced in the defeat of Jerusalem. Being as they were, a city of great commerce they knew that the trade which had been going to Jerusalem would now come to them. Eze. 26:2 In the following chapters of Ezekiel, Tyrus and its king are portrayed in a manner that foreshadows the events which take place at the end of this age. Its name is significant for Tyrus, means rock. It was so named because of its position on the coast. It was a rock, an island whose city spread out also to the mainland. It was the consensus of its inhabitants that it was impregnable and was well fortified. The sentence of the Lord against Tyrus was that of utter defeat and the complete destruction of all of its buildings until it was to be used as a place to spread out their fishing nets for drying. The description of the attack of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon and the methods to be used in the defeat of Tyrus is prophesied by Ezekiel. Eze. 26:3-15
The prophecy of their coming defeat and fall contains foreshadowingís of what will transpire prior to the coming of the Lord Jesus. The effect of that which was destined to take place in the downfall of Tyrus would expand over the whole area like the sound waves of a mighty explosions. We note in particular that the leaders, the kings of other nations who were associated with Tyrus would come and mourn together over the loss of the great city. Eze. 26:15-16 .