Ezekiel 6:14

I will stretch out My hand against them, and wherever they live I will make the land a desolate waste, from the wilderness to Diblah. Then they will know that I am the LORD.'"

Study Bible

I will stretch out My hand
This phrase signifies God's active intervention and judgment. In the Hebrew context, the "hand" often symbolizes power and authority. The stretching out of God's hand indicates a deliberate act of divine will. Historically, this imagery is reminiscent of God's actions in Egypt during the Exodus, where His hand was stretched out in both judgment and deliverance. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to execute justice.

against them
The pronoun "them" refers to the people of Israel who have turned away from God. This phrase underscores the personal nature of God's judgment. It is not a random act but a response to the specific actions and disobedience of His people. The historical context reveals a nation steeped in idolatry and rebellion, prompting this divine response.

and make the land a desolate waste
The transformation of the land into a "desolate waste" is a vivid depiction of the consequences of sin. The Hebrew word for "desolate" conveys a sense of utter barrenness and ruin. This imagery would resonate deeply with an agrarian society that relied on the land for sustenance. It serves as a stark warning of the physical and spiritual devastation that results from turning away from God.

from the wilderness to Diblah
This phrase defines the extent of the desolation. "Wilderness" often symbolizes a place of testing and judgment in the Bible. "Diblah" is less certain in its geographical identification, but it represents the farthest boundary of the land. The phrase suggests totality, indicating that no part of the land will be spared from God's judgment. It emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the divine decree.

Then they will know
This phrase is a recurring theme in Ezekiel, highlighting the purpose behind God's actions. The knowledge referred to here is not merely intellectual but experiential and relational. It is about recognizing God's sovereignty and holiness. The historical context shows that Israel's repeated failures to acknowledge God led to their downfall, and through judgment, they would come to a deeper understanding of His nature.

that I am the LORD
The declaration "I am the LORD" is a powerful affirmation of God's identity and authority. In Hebrew, "LORD" is "YHWH," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This statement serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, which they have violated. It is both a statement of judgment and an invitation to return to the true knowledge and worship of God. The ultimate goal of God's actions is to restore His people to a right relationship with Him, acknowledging Him as the one true God.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Israelites
The people of God who are being judged for their idolatry and disobedience.

3. The Wilderness
Represents the barren and uninhabited areas, symbolizing desolation and judgment.

4. Diblah
A location mentioned in the prophecy, possibly representing the extent of the land affected by God's judgment.

5. The LORD
The sovereign God who executes judgment to affirm His identity and authority.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's judgment is a demonstration of His sovereignty and justice. He holds His people accountable for their actions, reminding us of the importance of living in obedience to His commands.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to spiritual and physical desolation. We must examine our lives for anything that takes precedence over our relationship with God and remove it.

Recognition of God's Authority
The ultimate purpose of God's judgment is for His people to recognize and acknowledge Him as the LORD. Our lives should reflect a continual acknowledgment of God's authority and lordship.

Hope in Restoration
While the passage speaks of desolation, it also implies the possibility of restoration. God's judgments are often followed by opportunities for repentance and renewal.

The Importance of Repentance
Repentance is crucial in restoring our relationship with God. We should be quick to repent and turn back to God when we recognize sin in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the desolation described in Ezekiel 6:14 reflect the consequences of Israel's disobedience, and what can we learn from this about the nature of sin?

2. In what ways does the prophecy in Ezekiel 6:14 connect to the covenant curses outlined in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28?

3. How can we apply the lesson of recognizing God's authority in our daily lives, especially in a culture that often promotes self-reliance?

4. What are some modern-day "idols" that might lead us away from God, and how can we guard against them?

5. How does understanding God's justice and mercy in passages like Ezekiel 6:14 help us approach repentance and restoration in our spiritual journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, which parallels the judgment described in Ezekiel 6:14.

Deuteronomy 28
Similar to Leviticus 26, it details the consequences of Israel's disobedience, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Jeremiah 25
Jeremiah also prophesies about the desolation of the land due to the people's unfaithfulness, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment.

Isaiah 5
The vineyard parable in Isaiah highlights God's disappointment with Israel's failure to produce righteousness, leading to judgment.