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Translation
King James Version
Ye shall fall by the sword; I will judge you in the border of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Ye shall fall H5307 by the sword H2719; I will judge H8199 you in the border H1366 of Israel H3478; and ye shall know H3045 that I am the LORD H3068.
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Complete Jewish Bible
You will die by the sword; I will judge you at the border of Isra'el; and you will know that I am ADONAI.
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Berean Standard Bible
You will fall by the sword, and I will judge you even to the borders of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
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American Standard Version
Ye shall fall by the sword; I will judge you in the border of Israel; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah.
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World English Bible Messianic
You shall fall by the sword; I will judge you in the border of Israel; and you shall know that I am the LORD.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Ye shall fall by the sworde, and I wil iudge you in the border of Israel, and ye shall knowe that I am the Lord.
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Young's Literal Translation
By the sword ye do fall, On the border of Israel I do judge you, And ye have known that I am Jehovah.
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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Ezekiel 11:10 delivers a severe divine pronouncement of judgment against the wicked leaders of Jerusalem, prophesying their inescapable demise by the sword and their precise punishment within the very borders of Israel. This declaration serves as an undeniable revelation of God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering justice, ensuring that both the condemned and the witnesses will unequivocally recognize His identity as the LORD.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is deeply embedded within a series of prophetic visions granted to Ezekiel while he was among the exiles in Babylon, specifically within the profound narrative of God's glory departing from Jerusalem (Ezekiel 8-11). Chapters 8-10 vividly detail the escalating abominations within the Temple and the city, culminating in the progressive departure of the Lord's glory, signaling impending destruction. In Ezekiel 11:1-13, Ezekiel is shown twenty-five princes, prominent figures in Jerusalem, who are giving wicked counsel, arrogantly asserting that the city is an impenetrable "caldron" protecting its inhabitants from the Babylonian siege. They believe their position grants them immunity from divine retribution, even mocking the death of a righteous man (Pelatiah, Ezekiel 11:13). Ezekiel 11:10 directly refutes this false sense of security, declaring that not only will they fall by the sword, but their judgment will occur within the very land they believed would protect them, serving as a direct consequence of their rebellion and a clear demonstration of God's active, inescapable judgment. This judgment is part of the larger narrative of God's glory departing from the Temple, signaling the city's impending destruction as seen in Ezekiel 10 and Ezekiel 11:22-23.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Ezekiel's prophetic ministry unfolded during the traumatic period of the Babylonian exile, a time of immense national crisis and spiritual disorientation for Judah. While many had already been deported, Jerusalem still stood, and many of its remaining inhabitants, particularly the leadership, clung to a false hope that the city was inviolable due to the presence of the Temple and God's covenant with David. This led to a dangerous complacency and a rejection of prophetic warnings. The "princes" mentioned were likely part of the remaining political and religious elite, advocating for continued resistance against Babylon, misinterpreting God's past protection as an unconditional guarantee regardless of their sin. The "sword" was the primary instrument of warfare, execution, and divine retribution in the ancient Near East, symbolizing violent death and the swiftness of judgment. The emphasis on judgment occurring "in the border of Israel" is culturally significant, as it underscores that escape into foreign lands or even within the nation's own territory would not provide refuge from God's reach. This period was characterized by a profound crisis of faith, where the people questioned God's power and presence, making the "know that I am the LORD" declaration particularly significant as God reasserted His identity and authority through undeniable acts of judgment.
  • Key Themes: Ezekiel 11:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel. Foremost is the theme of Divine Judgment and Justice. God's pronouncement of death by the sword and judgment within Israel's borders underscores His unwavering commitment to justice against sin, particularly against those who lead His people astray and profane His name. This directly counters the false security and presumption of the wicked leaders, demonstrating that God will not tolerate unrighteousness, especially among His chosen people. Another crucial theme is God's Sovereignty and Self-Revelation. The recurring formula, "and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD," is central to Ezekiel's message, appearing over 70 times. It signifies that God's actions, whether in judgment or future restoration, are ultimately purposed to reveal His unique identity, power, and authority to all, forcing an experiential recognition of His supremacy (as also seen in Ezekiel 36:23). Finally, the verse highlights the Consequences of Disobedience and False Leadership. The princes' wicked counsel and their rejection of God's warnings led directly to their violent end, serving as a stark reminder that rebellion against God's covenant and His appointed prophets carries severe repercussions, even for those in positions of power. God holds leaders to a higher standard, and their unfaithfulness brings dire consequences upon themselves and often upon the people they lead.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Sword (Hebrew, chereb', H2719): From the root meaning "to lay waste" or "drought," this word refers to a cutting instrument, specifically a sword, knife, or other sharp implement, emphasizing its destructive effect. In Ezekiel 11:10, "by the sword" signifies a violent, decisive, and inescapable death, a direct consequence of divine judgment. It underscores the severity and finality of the impending punishment, contrasting sharply with the princes' illusion of safety and their belief in Jerusalem's invulnerability.
  • Border (Hebrew, gᵉbûwl', H1366): Properly meaning "a cord" (as twisted), this term denotes a boundary, limit, or the territory enclosed within such a boundary. In this context, "in the border of Israel" is highly significant. It means the judgment will occur not just within Jerusalem, but within the very land of Israel itself, perhaps implying that even those who might flee the city would not escape God's reach within their own national territory. It emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment across the entire land.
  • Know (Hebrew, yâdaʻ', H3045): A primitive root meaning "to ascertain by seeing," this verb is used in a vast array of senses, including observation, care, recognition, and causatively, instruction or punishment. In the phrase "ye shall know that I am the LORD," it implies an experiential, undeniable recognition of God's true identity and power, often brought about through His mighty acts of judgment or salvation. It's not merely intellectual understanding but a forced, profound, and undeniable acknowledgment of His sovereignty and unique divine nature, particularly in contrast to the false gods worshipped by Israel.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Ye shall fall by the sword": This is a direct, ominous prophecy of violent death. The "ye" refers specifically to the wicked princes and corrupt leaders of Jerusalem, whose false sense of security and defiant leadership are being condemned. Their end will be swift, brutal, and divinely ordained, a decree that cannot be evaded by human schemes, fortifications, or political maneuvering. It signifies a complete and devastating defeat.
  • "I will judge you in the border of Israel": This clause emphasizes the divine agency ("I will judge") and the specific, inescapable location of the judgment. God Himself is the one executing justice, and it will happen within the geographical confines of the land of Israel. This refutes any notion that they could escape by fleeing Jerusalem or that their punishment would occur in a foreign land; rather, it would be a public, undeniable act of God's justice within their own homeland, demonstrating His absolute control over their destiny.
  • "and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD": This is a climactic and recurring "recognition formula" throughout Ezekiel. The ultimate purpose of the judgment is not merely punishment but profound revelation. Through these devastating acts, both the condemned and the survivors, indeed all who witness or hear of it, will be forced to acknowledge the true identity, power, and authority of Yahweh (the LORD). It is an experiential knowing, a profound and undeniable recognition of His unique sovereignty over all creation and human affairs, confirming His covenant faithfulness even in judgment.

Literary Devices

Ezekiel 11:10 is a powerful Divine Pronouncement, a direct and authoritative statement from God Himself, conveyed through His prophet. The use of the future tense ("Ye shall fall," "I will judge," "ye shall know") creates a strong sense of Certainty and Imminence, emphasizing the inescapable nature of the coming judgment. The phrase "fall by the sword" serves as a vivid Metonymy where the instrument of death stands for the violent death itself, powerfully conveying the brutality and finality of their end. The recurring formula "ye shall know that I [am] the LORD" is a crucial Recognition Formula or Thematic Refrain throughout Ezekiel, serving as the ultimate purpose and outcome of God's actions, whether in judgment or restoration. This phrase also functions as a form of Irony, as the very people who thought they knew God and were safe under His protection would be forced to truly know Him through His devastating judgment.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Ezekiel 11:10 is a profound declaration of God's holy character, specifically His unwavering commitment to justice and His absolute sovereignty over all creation. It reveals that God is not a passive observer but an active participant in human history, holding individuals, especially leaders, accountable for their actions. The judgment pronounced here is not arbitrary but a righteous response to the deep-seated idolatry, corruption, and rebellion that had permeated Jerusalem, culminating in the profanation of God's name and the leading astray of His people. The ultimate goal of this judgment, as highlighted by the "know that I am the LORD" formula, is the vindication of God's name and the undeniable revelation of His unique identity and power, forcing both the condemned and the onlookers to acknowledge Him as the one true God. This judgment, while severe, is part of God's larger redemptive plan, clearing the way for a future restoration where His people will truly know and obey Him, recognizing His unparalleled authority.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Ezekiel 11:10 serves as a powerful and sobering reminder that God is indeed a God of justice who holds all, especially those in positions of leadership, accountable for their actions. We are called to never presume upon God's grace or to believe that our status, wealth, or perceived security can shield us from the consequences of sin and rebellion. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: are we living in humble obedience to God's commands, or are we relying on our own strength, worldly assurances, or even a distorted view of God's mercy to excuse our disobedience? The ultimate purpose of God's actions, whether in judgment or blessing, is for humanity to truly "know that I am the LORD." This calls us to a deeper, experiential knowledge of God's character, prompting us to humble submission, genuine repentance, and heartfelt worship. It teaches us that true security lies not in human fortifications or clever schemes, but in a right relationship with the sovereign God who judges justly and reveals Himself powerfully, demanding our allegiance and trust.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what areas of my life might I be operating under a false sense of security, believing I am immune to the consequences of disobedience?
  • How does the concept of God's unwavering justice, as seen in this verse, shape my understanding of His character and my own responsibility?
  • What does it mean for me, personally, to "know that I am the LORD" in a deeper, more experiential way, beyond mere intellectual assent?
  • How can this verse encourage me to pray for and hold accountable those in leadership positions, both in the church and in society, recognizing their immense responsibility before God?

FAQ

Why does God emphasize "in the border of Israel" for their judgment?

Answer: The phrase "in the border of Israel" is highly significant because it directly refutes the false sense of security held by the wicked princes. They believed Jerusalem was an impenetrable "caldron" (as stated in Ezekiel 11:3) that would protect them from the impending Babylonian siege. By declaring judgment "in the border of Israel," God emphasizes that His reach extends beyond the city walls. It implies that even if they fled Jerusalem, or were captured and brought back, their judgment would occur within the very land they thought would be their sanctuary. This underscores the inescapable and comprehensive nature of God's judgment, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over the entire nation and its inhabitants, leaving no place for escape from His divine decree.

What is the significance of the phrase "ye shall know that I [am] the LORD"?

Answer: This phrase, a recurring "recognition formula" throughout the book of Ezekiel (appearing over 70 times), is central to God's purpose. It signifies that the ultimate goal of God's actions, whether in judgment (as here) or in future restoration (e.g., Ezekiel 37:13), is to reveal His true identity and power. "The LORD" (Yahweh) is God's covenant name, signifying His eternal, self-existent, and covenant-keeping nature. When God declares, "ye shall know that I am the LORD," it means He will act in such a way that His people, and indeed the surrounding nations, will be forced to recognize His unique identity and supreme power, particularly in contrast to the false gods they had been worshipping. It's not just intellectual understanding, but an experiential, undeniable acknowledgment of His sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness, compelling worship and obedience.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Ezekiel 11:10 speaks of severe judgment upon rebellious Israelite leaders, it ultimately points to the greater judgment and subsequent salvation found in Jesus Christ. The "sword" of divine judgment that fell upon the wicked in Ezekiel's day foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin that was perfectly and fully executed upon Christ on the cross. He became the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29), bearing the full wrath of God for humanity's rebellion, so that those who believe might escape the sword of eternal judgment. Furthermore, the declaration "ye shall know that I [am] the LORD" finds its profoundest fulfillment in Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, God's true nature—His justice, holiness, and unfathomable love—is most profoundly revealed. It is through knowing Christ that we truly "know the Father" (John 14:7), for Jesus is the perfect image of the invisible God. The new covenant promised by God, where hearts of stone are replaced with hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26), is inaugurated in Christ, enabling a true and intimate knowledge of the LORD that goes beyond mere intellectual assent, leading to genuine obedience and worship. Thus, the terrifying judgment of Ezekiel 11:10 ultimately highlights the glorious grace of God in Christ, who bore our judgment so that we might truly know Him and live.

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Commentary on Ezekiel 11 verses 1–13

We have here,

I. The great security of the prince's of Jerusalem, notwithstanding the judgements of God that were upon them, The prophet was brought, in vision, to the gate of the temple where these princes sat in council upon the present arduous affairs of the city: The Spirit lifted me up, and brought me to the east gate of the Lord's house, and behold twenty-five men were there. See how obsequious the prophet was to the Spirit's orders and how observant of all the discoveries that were made to him. It should seem, these twenty-five men were not the same with those twenty-five whom we saw at the door of the temple, worshipping towards the east (Eze 8:16); those seen to have been priests or Levites, for they were between the porch and the altar, but these were princes sitting in the gate of the Lord's house, to try causes (Jer 26:10), and they are here charged, not with corruptions in worship, but with mal-administration in the government; two of them are named, because they were the most active leading men, and perhaps because the prophet knew them, though he had been some years absent - Pelatiah and Jaazaniah, not that mentioned Eze 8:11, for he was the son of Shaphan, this is the son of Azur. Some tell us that Jerusalem was divided into twenty-four wards, and that these were the governors or aldermen of those wards, with their mayor or president. Now observe, 1. The general character which God gives of these men to the prophet (Eze 11:2): "These are the men that devise mischief; under pretence of concerting measures for the public safety they harden people in their sins, and take off their fear of God's judgements which they are threatened with by the prophets; they gave wicked counsel in this city, counselling them to restrain and silence the prophets, to rebel against the king of Babylon, and to resolve upon holding the city out to the last extremity." Note, It is bad with a people when the things that belong to their peace are hidden from the eyes of those who are entrusted with their counsels. And, when mischief is done, God knows at whose door to lay it, and, in the day of discovery and recompence, will be sure to lay it at the right door, and will say, These are the men that devised it, though they are great men, and pass for wise men, and must not now be contradicted or controlled. 2. The particular charge exhibited against them in proof of this character. They are indicted for words spoken at their council-board, which he that stands in the congregation of the mighty would take cognizance of (Eze 11:3); they said to this effect, "It is not near; the destruction of our city, that has been so often threatened by the prophets, is not near, not so near as they talk of." They are conscious to themselves of such an enmity to reformation that they cannot but conclude it will come at last; but they have such an opinion of God's patience (though they have long abused it) that they are willing to hope it will not come this great while. Note, Where Satan cannot persuade men to look upon the judgement to come as a thing doubtful and uncertain, yet he gains his point by persuading them to look upon it as a thing at a distance, so that it loses its force: if it be sure, yet it is not near; whereas, in truth, the Judge stands before the door. Now, if the destruction is not near, they conclude, Let us build houses; let us count upon a continuance, for this city is the caldron and we are the flesh. This seems to be a proverbial expression, signifying no more than this, "We are as safe in this city as flesh in a boiling pot; the walls of the city shall be to us as walls of brass, and shall receive no more damage from the besiegers about it than the cauldron does from the fire under it. Those that think to force us out of our city into captivity shall find it to be as much at their peril as it would be to take the flesh out of a boiling pot with their hands." This appears to be the meaning of it, by the answer God gives to it (Eze 11:9): "I will bring you out of the midst of the city, where you think yourselves safe, and then it will appear (Eze 11:11) that this is not your caldron, neither are you the flesh." Perhaps it has a particular reference to the flesh of the peace-offerings, which it was so great an offence for the priests themselves to take out of the caldron while it was in seething (as we find Sa1 2:13, Sa1 2:14), and then it intimates that they were the more secure because Jerusalem was the holy city, and they thought themselves a holy people in it, not to be meddled with. Some think this was a banter upon Jeremiah, who in one of his first visions saw Jerusalem represented by a seething pot, Jer 1:13. "Now," say they, in a way of jest and ridicule, "if it be a seething pot, we are as the flesh in it, and who dares meddle with us?" Thus they continued mocking the messengers of the Lord, even while they suffered for so doing; but be you not mockers, lest your bands be made strong. Those hearts are indeed which are made more secure by those words of God which were designed for warning to them.

II. The method taken to awaken them out of their security. One would think that the providences of God which related to them were enough to startle them; but, to help them to understand and improve those, the word of God is sent to them to give them warning (Eze 11:4): Therefore prophesy against them, and try to undeceive them; prophesy, O son of man! upon these dead and dry bones. Note, The greatest kindness ministers can do to secure sinners is to preach against them, and to show them their misery and danger, though they are ever so unwilling to see them. We then act most for them when we appear most against them. But the prophet, being at a loss what to say to men that were hardened in sin, and that bade defiance to the judgments of God, the Spirit of the Lord fell upon him, to make him full of power and courage, and said unto him, Speak. Note, When sinners are flattering themselves into their own ruin it is time to speak, and to tell them that they shall have no peace if they go on. Ministers are sometimes so bashful and timorous, and so much at a loss, that they must be put on to speak, and to speak boldly. But he that commands the prophet to speak gives him instructions what to say; and he must address himself to them as the house of Israel (Eze 11:5), for not the princes only, but all the people, were concerned to know the truth of their cause, to know the worst of it. They are the house of Israel, and therefore the God of Israel is concerned, in kindness to them, to give them warning; and they are concerned in duty to him to take the warning. And what is it that the must say to them in God's name? 1. Let them know that the God of heaven takes notice of the vain confidences with which they support themselves (Eze 11:5): "I know the things which come into your minds every one of them, what secret reasons you have for these resolutions, and what you aim at in putting so good a face upon a matter you know to be bad." Note, God perfectly knows not only the things that come out of our mouths, but the things that come into our minds, not only all we say, but all we think; even those thoughts that are most suddenly darted into our minds, and that as suddenly slip out of them again, so that we ourselves are scarcely aware of them, yet God knows them. He knows us better than we know ourselves; he understands our thoughts afar off. The consideration of this should oblige us to keep our hearts with all diligence, that no vain thoughts come into them or lodge within them. 2. Let them know that those who advised the people to stand it out should be accounted before God the murderers of all who had fallen, or should yet fall, in Jerusalem, by the sword of the Chaldeans; and those slain were the only ones that should remain in the city, as the flesh in the caldron. "You have multiplied your slain in the city, not only those whom you have by the sword of justice unjustly put to death under colour of law, but those whom you have by your wilfulness and pride unwisely exposed to the sword of war, though you were told by the prophets that you should certainly go by the worst. Thus you, with your stubborn humour, have filled the streets of Jerusalem with the slain," Eze 11:6. Note, Those who are either unrighteous or imprudent in beginning or carrying on a war bring upon themselves a great deal of the guilt of blood; and those who are slain in the battles or sieges which they, by such a reasonable peace as the war aimed at, might have prevented, will be called their slain. Now these slain are the only flesh that shall be left in this caldron, Eze 11:7. There shall none remain to keep possession of the city but those that are buried in it. There shall be no inhabitants of Jerusalem but the inhabitants of the graves there, no freemen of the city but the free among the dead. 3. Let them know that, how impregnable soever they thought their city to be, they should be forced out of it, either driven to flight or dragged into captivity: I will bring you forth out of the midst of it, whether you will or no, Eze 11:7, Eze 11:9. They had provoked God to forsake the city, and thought they should do well enough by their own policy and strength when he was gone; but God will make them know that there is no peace to those that have left their God. If they have by their sins driven God from his house, he will soon by his judgments drive them from theirs; and it will be found that those are least safe that are most secure: "This city shall not be your caldron, neither shall you be the flesh; you shall not soak away in it as you promise yourselves, and die in your nest; you think yourself safe in the midst thereof, but you shall not be long there." 4. Let them know that when God has got them out of the midst of Jerusalem he will pursue them with his judgments wherever he finds them, the judgments which they thought to shelter themselves from by keeping close in Jerusalem. They feared the sword if they should go out to the Chaldeans, and therefore would abide in their caldron, but, says God, I will bring a sword upon you (Eze 11:8) and you shall fall by the sword, Eze 11:10. Note, The fear of the wicked shall come upon him. And there is no fence against the judgments of God when they come with commission, no, not in walls of brass. They were afraid of trusting to the mercy of strangers. "But," says God, "I will deliver you into the hands of strangers, whose resentments you shall feel, since you were not willing to lie at their mercy." See Jer 38:17, Jer 38:18. They thought to escape the judgments of God, but God says that he will execute judgments upon them; and whereas they resolved, if they must be judged, that it should be in Jerusalem, God tells them (Eze 11:10 and again Eze 11:11) that he will judge them in the borders of Israel, which was fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar slew all the nobles of Judah at Riblah in the land of Hamath, on the utmost border of the land of Canaan. Note, Those who have taken ever so deep root in the place where they live cannot be sure that in that place they shall die. 5. Let them know that all this is the due punishment of their sin, and the revelation of the righteous judgment of God against them: You shall know that I am the Lord, Eze 11:10 and again Eze 11:12. Those shall be made to know by the sword of the Lord who would not be taught by his word what a hatred he has to sin, and what a fearful thing it is for impenitent sinners to fall into his hands. I will execute judgments, and then you shall know that I am the Lord, for the Lord is known by the judgments which he executes upon those that have not walked in his statutes. Hereby it is known that he made the law, because he punishes the breach of it. I will execute judgments among you (says God) because you have not executed my judgments, Eze 11:12. Note, The executing of the judgments of God's mouth by us, in a uniform steady course of obedience to his law, is the only way to prevent the executing of the judgments of his hand upon us in our ruin and confusion. One way or other. God's judgments will be executed; the law will take place either in its precept or in its penalty. If we do not give honour to God by executing his judgments as he has commanded, he will get him honour upon us by executing his judgments as he has threatened; and thus we shall know that he is the Lord, the sovereign Lord of all, that will not be mocked. And observe, When they cast off God's statutes, and walked not in them, they did after the manners of the heathen that were round about them, and introduced into their worship all their impure, ridiculous, and barbarous usages. When men leave the settled rule of divine institutions, they wander endlessly. Justly therefore was this made the reason why they should keep God's ordinances, that they might not commit the abominable customs of the heathen, Lev 18:30.

III. This awakening word is here immediately followed by an awakening providence, Eze 11:13. Here we may observe, 1. With what power Ezekiel prophesied, or, rather, what a divine power went along with it: It came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died; he was mentioned (Eze 11:1) as a principal man among the twenty-five princes that made all the mischief in Jerusalem. It should seem, this was done in vision now, as the slaying of the ancient men (Eze 9:6) upon occasion of which Ezekiel prayed (Eze 11:8) as he did here; but it was an assurance that when this prophecy should be published it should be done in fact. The death of Pelatiah was an earnest of the complete accomplishment of this prophecy. Note, God is pleased often-times to single out some sinners, and to make them monuments of his justice, for warning to others of what is coming; and some that thought themselves very safe and snatched away suddenly, and drop down dead in an instant, as Ananias and Sapphira at Peter's feet when he prophesied. 2. With what pity Ezekiel prayed. Thought the sudden death of Pelatiah was a confirmation of Ezekiel's prophecy, and really an honour to him, yet he was in deep concern about it, and laid it to heart as if he had been his relation or friend: He fell on his face and cried with a loud voice, as one in earnest, "Ah! Lord God, wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel? Many are swept away by the judgments we have been under; and shall the remnant which have escaped the sword die thus by the immediate hand of heaven? Then thou wilt indeed make a full end." Perhaps it was Ezekiel's infirmity to bewail the death of this wicked prince thus, as it was Samuel's to mourn so long for Saul; but thus he showed how far he was from desiring the woeful day he foretold. David lamented the sickness of those that hated and persecuted him. And we ought to be much affected with the sudden death of others, yea, though they are wicked.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–13. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Ezekiel
(Verse 2 onwards) And behold, at the entrance of the gate were twenty-five men, and in their midst I saw Jaazaniah the son of Azzur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, the princes of the people. And he said to me, Son of man, these men devise iniquity and give wicked counsel in this city, saying, 'The houses have been recently built. This is the pot, but we are the meat.' Therefore, prophesy against them, prophesy, son of man. And the spirit of the Lord rushed upon me, and he said to me, speak: Thus says the Lord: So you have spoken, O house of Israel, and I know the thoughts of your heart. You have killed many in this city, and you have filled its streets with the slain. Therefore thus says the Lord God: Your slain whom you have laid in the midst of it, they are the meat, and this city is the pot, but you shall be brought out of the midst of it. You have feared the sword, and I will bring the sword upon you, declares the Lord God. And I will bring you out of the midst of it, and give you into the hands of foreigners, and execute judgments upon you. I will judge you with the sword of the Chaldeans; you shall know that I am the Lord. This will not be a pot for you, and you shall not be in the midst of it as flesh. I will judge you at the borders of Israel, and you shall know that I am the Lord. The following is not found in the Septuagint, but is added from the Hebrew: Because you have not walked in my commandments and have not kept my judgments, but have acted according to the judgments of the nations that surround you. The prophet is assumed according to what is written: The Lord raises the meek (Ps. 146:6); whether he is lifted up from the earth and brought into the eastern gate of the Lord's house, so that he may know the oaths of the twenty-five men who were at the entrance of the gate, and the sons of Jezaniah the son of Azur, and Paltheiah the son of Benaiah, the princes of the people. Therefore, those who were at the entrance of the eastern gate of the Lord's house, despairing of salvation and prepared for destruction by the consciousness of their crimes, and not desiring to correct their sins through repentance, say: Although recently houses have been rebuilt that had fallen, yet we know that this city is like a pot, and we are like the flesh in it, to be consumed and burned, according to what is written in Isaiah: If a tempest passes by, it will not harm us (Isa. 28:15). While they were saying these things, the spirit of the Lord rushed upon the prophet; and for a second time he commanded him to prophesy and say: Because you have spoken these things and the secrets of your hearts are not hidden from me, I will interpret for you how the city will be transformed into a cauldron, and you yourselves will be considered as meat: not according to the sense in which you spoke, but according to another sense which you do not fear. Indeed, the city is like a cauldron, but it will not be filled with your flesh; rather with the flesh of those whom you have killed. But you, who consider yourselves to be dying in this city, I will bring out from the midst of the city and deliver into the hands of the enemy. I will execute judgments against you. And when you have fallen by the sword, you shall not be in the city, nor outside the boundaries of Israel, but rather in the borders of your own province, then you will know that I am the Lord. And it is furthermore said: In the borders of Israel I will judge you, and you will know that I am the Lord. But you will endure all these things because you have not walked in my commandments, and you have not observed my judgments, but have committed the abominations of the surrounding nations. And when it is clear according to the literal sense of what is said, omitting for a moment the names of Jezoniah, Azur, Phaltiah, and Benaiah, which we reserve for another time, it must be said that even to this day in the Church, which is the house of the Lord, and before the gate, and at the entrance, or at the way of the gate, which signifies the Savior, through whom we enter to the Father, there are twenty-five men who represent everything concerning the senses. And as far as my memory serves me, I have never been able to find this number in a positive sense; although in Leviticus twenty-five years are chosen for the priestly ministry; for in Hebrew it does not have this number, which is said in the Seventy, but thirty, which is contained in the beginning of this prophet and the age of the Lord, when He came to the banks of the Jordan and was baptized by John (Luke 3). But in the Gospel there are found five wise virgins and five foolish ones (Matthew 25), let us know that this number is placed in the middle and can be applied to either the good or the bad, depending on the users. Therefore, these men, who refer everything to the senses and have two principles, as we mentioned above, are contained in the dual number, which divides unity, and in the number of the second day, does not seem to be from the Lord, according to the Hebrew truth. And in Noah's Ark, two by two unclean animals are brought in (Genesis 6). But the Lord, restricting division into one, made both one, and broke down the middle wall, condemning enmities in His flesh (Ephesians 2). Therefore, He speaks more augustly and sublimely: I and the Father are one (John 10:30), so that He may bring us from the Judaic duality into the unity of the Christian faith. Finally, with the priesthood of the Jews being lost, the Lord suffered not under one ruler, but under two, Annas and Caiaphas, to show the dividedness of their religion (False). There are many at the entrance of this gate in front of the house of the Lord of the East, who are compared to their own nations in vices, and in the conscience of sins despair of salvation, and say: The city in which we live is a cauldron, and we are all flesh, and we will be consumed by the burning Babylon, whose fiery arrows are: unwilling to repent and despairing of salvation; therefore they hear that they themselves are not the flesh of the past and lost city, but those whom they have scandalized and killed. And so the sword is drawn against them, so that after they have been judged not among the nations, but among Christians in the land of Israel, they may then know that He Himself is the Lord, according to what is read in the Psalms: When He killed them, they sought Him (Psalm 77:34), so that by the torments they may come to know Him whom they did not recognize through His blessings.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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