Moreover, what are you to Me, O Tyre, Sidon and all the regions of Philistia? Are you rendering Me a recompense? But if you do recompense Me, swiftly and speedily I will return your recompense on your head.
In the above passage we see the indictment of God on the surrounding nations. In Israel's troubles they have forsaken their God and followed hard after the gods of their neighboring nations. They allowed themselves to be conformed to the image of the world. This is why the entire book of Joel was written. God was reminding the nation that the reason they are in the condition they are in (persecuted by they surrounding nations in the midst of famine and brokenness). While describing Israel's punishment (and future restoration) God brings to judgement the surrounding nations, who had grown strong at the expense of Israel's disobedience. Tyre, Sidon and Philistia ... who are they to God? This passage is a good picture for us to remember that even the most powerful nations are nothing to God. We tend to be in awe at the sound of Russia, North Korea, and other rogue nations. Yet, who are these nations to God. We tend to think that others should shutter at the sound of U.S.A. But, who is the U.S.A. to God. God is the God of sovereign rule. No nation surprises Him or surpasses Him. If, according to this passage, these nations were to honor Him, He "might" honor them. If He does, it is totally by His grace. God is the God who is in control of every nation. He uses them to accomplish His tasks. In this case He used Tyre, Sidon and regions of Philistia to punish Israel. But, once He uses them they are no longer of use ... unless they are willing to give Him honor and praise and adoration.
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