Ezekiel 5:17

I will send famine and wild beasts against you, and they will leave you childless. Plague and bloodshed will sweep through you, and I will bring a sword against you. I, the LORD, have spoken."

Study Bible

I will send famine
The phrase "I will send famine" is a direct declaration from God, emphasizing His sovereign control over the natural world. The Hebrew word for famine, "רָעָב" (ra'av), signifies not just a lack of food but a severe scarcity that leads to desperation and suffering. Historically, famine was often seen as a divine judgment, a tool used by God to call His people back to repentance. In the context of Ezekiel, it serves as a warning to the Israelites of the consequences of their disobedience and idolatry.

and wild beasts against you
The mention of "wild beasts" (חַיָּה, chayyah) reflects the chaos and danger that ensue when God's protective hand is removed. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, wild animals were often seen as instruments of divine retribution. This imagery underscores the severity of God's judgment, as these beasts would disrupt the normal order of life, leading to fear and destruction.

and they will leave you childless
The phrase "leave you childless" (שַׁכֵּל, shakol) conveys a profound sense of loss and grief. In Hebrew culture, children were considered a blessing and a sign of God's favor. To be left childless was not only a personal tragedy but also a communal one, as it threatened the continuation of family lines and the inheritance of the land. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

Plague and bloodshed will sweep through you
"Plague" (דֶּבֶר, deber) and "bloodshed" (דָּם, dam) are often paired in biblical texts to describe divine judgment. Plagues were seen as direct interventions by God to punish and purify His people. Bloodshed, on the other hand, indicates violence and conflict, often resulting from internal strife or external invasion. Together, they paint a picture of comprehensive devastation, affecting both the physical and social fabric of the nation.

and I will bring a sword against you
The "sword" (חֶרֶב, chereb) is a common biblical symbol for war and destruction. It represents the ultimate form of judgment, where God allows enemy nations to conquer and subdue His people. This phrase highlights the seriousness of Israel's rebellion and the lengths to which God will go to bring about repentance and restoration.

I, the LORD, have spoken
This concluding declaration, "I, the LORD, have spoken" (אֲנִי יְהוָה דִּבַּרְתִּי, ani YHWH dibarti), affirms the certainty and authority of God's word. It serves as a divine seal, ensuring that what has been prophesied will come to pass. In a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the trustworthiness of Scripture and the importance of heeding God's warnings. It is a call to recognize His sovereignty and to respond with faith and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who was called to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile.

2. Jerusalem
The city that is the focal point of God's judgment due to the people's rebellion and idolatry.

3. Famine and Wild Beasts
Instruments of God's judgment, symbolizing the severe consequences of disobedience.

4. Plague and Bloodshed
Further expressions of divine judgment, indicating widespread suffering and death.

5. The LORD
The sovereign God who declares and enacts judgment, emphasizing His authority and justice.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin has severe consequences, and God's judgment is a response to persistent disobedience.

God's Sovereignty
The passage underscores God's control over all events, including the instruments of judgment.

Call to Repentance
The warnings serve as a call to repentance, urging individuals and nations to turn back to God.

Hope in God's Justice
While the passage is about judgment, it also points to the hope that comes from God's just nature, ensuring that evil will not prevail.

Living in Obedience
Believers are encouraged to live in obedience to God's commands, recognizing the blessings that come from aligning with His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the context of Ezekiel's prophecy enhance our understanding of God's judgment in Ezekiel 5:17?

2. In what ways do the consequences described in Ezekiel 5:17 reflect the covenant curses found in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28?

3. How can we see the themes of judgment and repentance in Ezekiel 5:17 reflected in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Revelation?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are living in obedience to God, avoiding the pitfalls of rebellion seen in Ezekiel's time?

5. How does understanding God's sovereignty and justice in passages like Ezekiel 5:17 provide comfort and hope in today's world?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28
These chapters outline the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, providing a backdrop for understanding the judgments in Ezekiel.

Revelation 6
The imagery of famine, plague, and sword is echoed in the apocalyptic visions, showing the continuity of God's judgment throughout Scripture.

Jeremiah 15
Similar themes of judgment are presented, reinforcing the message of consequences for persistent rebellion against God.