יחזקאל, פרק כ״ה, פסוק י״ז

The heavy punishment inflicted upon the Philistines serves as more than just an act of retaliation. It is a dramatic tool designed to bring a nation entirely ignorant of God into a state of absolute recognition of His existence and power. God brings about this great vengeance using a standard of measure for measure [מלבי״ם]. These acts of judgment are delivered through severe and painful punishments, driven by intense anger [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. This divine anger is not kept hidden. Instead, it is displayed openly so that those suffering the blow will understand with total clarity that it comes directly from God [מלבי״ם].

As the judgment unfolds, the Philistines will realize that God faithfully repays those who sin [מצודת דוד]. This highlights a fundamental difference between the Philistines and the nation of Edom. Edom already had a prior awareness of God, meaning their punishment is simply meant to show them that He avenges the humiliation of the Israelites. The Philistines, however, had no previous knowledge of God whatsoever. Because of this complete ignorance, it is specifically through disaster and vengeance that they will arrive at their very first true recognition of Him [מלבי״ם].