Ezekiel 15:7

And I will set My face against them. Though they may have escaped the fire, yet another fire will consume them. And when I set My face against them, you will know that I am the LORD.

Study Bible

I will set My face against them
The phrase "I will set My face against them" is a powerful declaration of divine judgment. In Hebrew, the word for "face" is "פָּנִים" (panim), which often signifies presence or attention. When God sets His face against someone, it indicates His active opposition and judgment. This is not merely a passive disapproval but an intentional act of turning against those who have defied Him. Historically, this reflects God's covenant relationship with Israel, where blessings and curses were contingent upon their obedience (Deuteronomy 28). The imagery of God's face being set against them underscores the seriousness of their rebellion and the certainty of divine retribution.

Although they have escaped the fire
The phrase "Although they have escaped the fire" suggests a temporary reprieve or survival from previous judgments. In the context of Ezekiel, fire often symbolizes purification or judgment. The Hebrew word for "fire" is "אֵשׁ" (esh), which is frequently used in the Old Testament to denote God's purifying or destructive power. This part of the verse implies that while the people may have survived earlier calamities, their reprieve is not permanent. Historically, this can be seen in the context of the Babylonian invasions, where some Israelites initially escaped destruction, only to face further judgment due to continued disobedience.

yet the fire will consume them
The continuation "yet the fire will consume them" emphasizes the inevitability of judgment. The Hebrew root for "consume" is "אָכַל" (akal), meaning to eat or devour. This conveys the totality and completeness of the impending judgment. Despite any temporary escape, the ultimate outcome is destruction due to their persistent sinfulness. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, reinforcing the theme of divine justice that runs throughout the prophetic books.

And when I set My face against them
Reiterating "And when I set My face against them" reinforces the certainty and seriousness of God's judgment. The repetition of God setting His face against the people highlights the deliberate and unavoidable nature of His actions. It serves as a warning to the Israelites and a call to repentance, emphasizing that God's patience has limits when faced with continual rebellion.

you will know that I am the LORD
The concluding phrase "you will know that I am the LORD" is a recurring theme in Ezekiel, underscoring the purpose of God's actions. The Hebrew name for God here is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), often rendered as "LORD" in English translations. This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. The recognition of God as LORD is not just intellectual acknowledgment but an experiential understanding of His sovereignty and holiness. This phrase serves as both a warning and an invitation, urging the people to recognize God's authority and return to Him in faithfulness. It reflects the ultimate goal of God's judgments—to bring His people back to a true understanding and relationship with Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites.

2. God (Yahweh)
The sovereign Lord who speaks through Ezekiel, expressing His judgment and intentions.

3. Israelites
The people of Israel, who are the primary audience of Ezekiel's prophecies, often depicted as rebellious and idolatrous.

4. Jerusalem
The city representing the heart of Israel, often a focal point of God's judgment due to its people's sins.

5. Babylonian Exile
The period during which the Israelites were exiled to Babylon, a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
God is sovereign and His judgments are just. He sets His face against those who persist in rebellion, underscoring the seriousness of sin.

The Inevitability of Divine Justice
Even if temporary escape from consequences occurs, God's justice will ultimately prevail. This calls for repentance and turning back to God.

Recognition of God's Authority
The phrase "you will know that I am the LORD" highlights the purpose of God's actions—to reveal His authority and holiness.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Israel's idolatry led to their downfall. Believers today must guard against modern forms of idolatry that can lead us away from God.

Hope in Repentance
While this passage speaks of judgment, the broader biblical account offers hope through repentance and restoration in Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in Ezekiel 15:7 impact your view of His role in your life today?

2. In what ways can modern believers fall into the same patterns of disobedience as the Israelites, and how can we guard against this?

3. How does the imagery of fire in this passage relate to other biblical descriptions of God's judgment?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure that you recognize and submit to God's authority in your daily life?

5. How can the message of inevitable divine justice in Ezekiel 15:7 encourage you to share the gospel with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26:17
This verse also speaks of God setting His face against His people, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience.

Jeremiah 21:10
Similar to Ezekiel, Jeremiah conveys God's determination to set His face against Jerusalem for harm, not for good.

Isaiah 9:19
The imagery of fire consuming is echoed here, symbolizing God's judgment and wrath.

Deuteronomy 31:17
God warns that He will hide His face from Israel due to their idolatry, leading to their destruction.

Psalm 34:16
Contrasts the fate of the wicked with the righteous, where God sets His face against those who do evil.