Daily Devotions
Psalms
Psalm 87:4b "Behold, O Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia..."
Day 293 – Psalm 87
“Behold, O Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia…” Psalm 87:4b
THE TRADITIONAL ENEMIES OF ISRAEL
If we were to make a comparison between the enemies of Israel, we would be able to make a distinction between two types of enemies:-
1. Globally powerful enemies
Two nations would stand out:-
a) Egypt (Ezekiel 29-32)
b) Babylon (Isaiah 13-14)
2. Local and traditional enemies
a) Philistia (Philistines)
b) Tyre
c) Ethiopia
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TRADITIONAL ENEMIES OF ISRAEL
The following prophetic texts foretold the destruction of these enemies of Israel.
1. Philistia Isaiah 14:28-32; Ezekiel 25:15-17
2. Tyre Isaiah 23; Ezekiel 26-28
3. Ethiopia Isaiah 18
SOME REASONS HIGHLIGHTED FOR THEIR DESTRUCTION
The following reasons may be raised up:-
1. Philistia
It had a spiteful and vengeful heart (Ezekiel 25:15).
2. Tyre
It was obnoxious and arrogant (Ezekiel 28:2-5).
3. Ethiopia
A warlike nation ever seeking to conquer weaker ones (Isaiah 18:1-2).
A CHALLENGE TO KNOW GOD BETTER
The children of Israel must know their history and their God far more deeply. They must make every effort to instruct the next generations about how God dealt with the enemies of Israel. With vibrant faith in a great God Israel need never fear any enemies (Psalm 78:1-8).