Ezekiel 6:11

This is what the Lord GOD says: Clap your hands, stomp your feet, and cry out "Alas!" because of all the wicked abominations of the house of Israel, who will fall by sword and famine and plague.

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says
This phrase establishes the divine authority behind the message. The Hebrew term for "Lord GOD" is "Adonai Yahweh," emphasizing both the sovereignty and the covenantal relationship God has with Israel. It is a reminder that the message is not from Ezekiel himself but from God, who is both the supreme ruler and the personal God of Israel. This underscores the seriousness and authenticity of the prophecy.

Clap your hands, stomp your feet
These actions are expressions of intense emotion and are often associated with mourning or lamentation in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The Hebrew verbs used here suggest a physical manifestation of grief and anger. Clapping and stomping are not just gestures of despair but also of condemnation, indicating God's displeasure with Israel's idolatry and sin. This vivid imagery serves to capture the attention of the audience, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Cry out ‘Alas!’
The word "Alas" is a translation of the Hebrew "Aha," a cry of woe or lament. It is an expression of deep sorrow and regret. In the context of prophetic literature, such cries often accompany pronouncements of judgment. This lamentation is not just for the impending doom but also for the spiritual state of the people who have turned away from God. It reflects God's heart, which is grieved by the necessity of judgment.

Because of all the wicked abominations
"Wicked abominations" refers to the idolatrous practices and moral corruption prevalent in Israel. The Hebrew word for "abominations" is "to'evot," which denotes actions that are detestable and repugnant to God. These abominations include idol worship and other practices that violate the covenant relationship with God. The phrase highlights the cause of the impending judgment, emphasizing that it is the people's sin that has brought about this divine response.

Of the house of Israel
This phrase identifies the recipients of the message. "House of Israel" refers to the entire nation, encompassing both the northern and southern kingdoms. It is a collective term that underscores the unity of the people in their covenant with God, as well as their collective guilt. Historically, Israel was chosen to be a light to the nations, but their failure to uphold God's laws has led to this moment of reckoning.

Who will fall by sword and famine and plague
This triad of judgments—sword, famine, and plague—represents the comprehensive nature of the coming disaster. Each element is a common form of divine judgment in the Old Testament. The "sword" signifies warfare and violence, "famine" indicates scarcity and starvation, and "plague" suggests disease and death. Together, they portray a complete and devastating judgment that leaves no aspect of life untouched. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the seriousness of sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and holy God of Israel, who is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel.

2. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon.

3. The House of Israel
Refers to the people of Israel, God's chosen nation, who have turned away from Him and engaged in idolatry and other abominations.

4. Sword, Famine, and Plague
These are the instruments of judgment that God declares will come upon Israel due to their sins.

5. Exile in Babylon
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, where the Israelites were living in captivity due to their disobedience to God.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin is not a trivial matter to God. The abominations of Israel led to severe consequences, reminding us of the gravity of turning away from God's commands.

God's Righteous Judgment
God's judgment is just and righteous. He does not punish without cause, and His actions are always in line with His holy nature.

Call to Repentance
The dramatic actions of clapping and stomping are calls to attention and repentance. We are urged to recognize our sins and turn back to God with sincere hearts.

The Role of a Prophet
Ezekiel's role as a prophet was to deliver God's message, regardless of its popularity. We are called to speak truth in love, even when it is difficult.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While this passage focuses on judgment, the broader context of Ezekiel includes promises of restoration. God's ultimate desire is for reconciliation and renewal.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of clapping hands and stomping feet in Ezekiel 6:11 emphasize the urgency of the message? How can we apply this urgency to our own lives when addressing sin?

2. In what ways do the consequences of sword, famine, and plague in Ezekiel 6:11 reflect the covenant curses found in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28? How does this understanding deepen our view of God's covenant relationship with His people?

3. How can we, like Ezekiel, faithfully deliver God's truth in a world that may not want to hear it? What are some practical ways to balance truth and love in our communication?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's discipline in your life. How did it lead you to repentance and restoration? How can this experience help you encourage others who are facing similar situations?

5. Considering the broader context of Ezekiel, how does the promise of restoration after judgment provide hope for us today? How can we hold onto this hope in times of personal or communal difficulty?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28
These chapters outline the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, including sword, famine, and plague, which are echoed in Ezekiel's prophecy.

Jeremiah 14
Jeremiah also speaks of sword, famine, and plague as consequences for Israel's unfaithfulness, showing a consistent message of judgment for sin.

Revelation 6
The imagery of sword, famine, and plague is seen in the opening of the seals, indicating God's judgment in the end times.