Ezekiel 7:25

Anguish is coming! They will seek peace, but find none.

Study Bible

Anguish is coming!
The Hebrew word for "anguish" here is "qapadah," which conveys a sense of terror, distress, or calamity. This word is often used in the context of divine judgment, emphasizing the severity and inevitability of the coming disaster. Historically, this prophecy was directed towards the people of Judah, warning them of the impending Babylonian invasion. The phrase serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. In a broader spiritual context, it underscores the reality of divine justice and the importance of repentance and obedience to God's commandments.

They will seek peace
The Hebrew root for "seek" is "baqash," which implies an earnest search or desire. The people of Judah, in their desperation, would look for peace, hoping to find relief from their suffering. The word "peace" here is "shalom," a term that encompasses not just the absence of conflict but also completeness, welfare, and harmony. This reflects the human tendency to seek comfort and stability, especially in times of crisis. However, the pursuit of peace without genuine repentance and alignment with God's will is futile, as true peace is a gift from God that comes through righteousness and faithfulness.

but there will be none
The phrase "there will be none" is a sobering declaration of the futility of seeking peace apart from God. The Hebrew word "ayin" is used here, meaning "nothing" or "nonexistence." This highlights the absolute nature of the judgment that was to come upon Judah. It serves as a warning that peace cannot be manufactured or found through human efforts alone, especially when a nation or individual is in rebellion against God. The absence of peace is a direct consequence of sin and disobedience, reinforcing the biblical principle that peace is intrinsically linked to a right relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Israel
The nation to whom Ezekiel prophesied, specifically the people of Judah who were facing impending judgment due to their disobedience and idolatry.

3. Babylonian Exile
The period during which the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, serving as a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.

4. Judgment
The central theme of this passage, where God declares the coming of anguish and the absence of peace due to the people's sins.

5. Peace
A state that the Israelites desperately sought but could not find due to their rebellion against God.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is real and inevitable for those who persist in sin. Just as Israel faced consequences for their disobedience, we must recognize the seriousness of sin in our lives.

The Futility of Seeking Peace Apart from God
True peace cannot be found through human efforts or false assurances. It is only through a right relationship with God that we can experience genuine peace.

The Importance of Repentance
The call to repentance is urgent. Like the Israelites, we must turn from our sinful ways and seek God's forgiveness to avoid spiritual anguish.

The Deceptiveness of False Prophets
Be wary of those who promise peace without addressing the need for repentance and righteousness. Discernment is crucial in identifying true messages from God.

Hope in God's Promises
While judgment is a reality, God's ultimate desire is for restoration and peace through Christ. We must hold onto the hope of redemption and eternal peace promised in the Gospel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the context of the Babylonian exile help us understand the urgency of Ezekiel's message in 7:25?

2. In what ways do people today seek peace apart from God, and what are the consequences?

3. How can we discern between true and false messages of peace in our spiritual journey?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are living in a way that aligns with God's standards for peace and righteousness?

5. How does the promise of peace through Christ in the New Testament provide hope in light of the judgment described in Ezekiel 7:25?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 6:14
This verse also speaks of false peace, where prophets and priests declare peace when there is none, highlighting the deceptive assurances given to the people.

Isaiah 48:22
This verse states that there is no peace for the wicked, reinforcing the idea that true peace is unattainable without righteousness.

Matthew 24:6-7
Jesus speaks of wars and rumors of wars, indicating that in the last days, peace will be elusive, similar to the situation in Ezekiel's time.

1 Thessalonians 5:3
Paul warns that when people say "peace and safety," sudden destruction will come, echoing the false sense of security in Ezekiel's prophecy.