Ezekiel 12:16

KJV

But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I will leave {H3498} a few {H4557} men {H582} of them from the sword {H2719}, from the famine {H7458}, and from the pestilence {H1698}; that they may declare {H5608} all their abominations {H8441} among the heathen {H1471} whither they come {H935}; and they shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I will spare a few of them from sword, famine and plague; so that they can tell about all their disgusting practices among the nations where they go; thus they too will know that I am ADONAI.'"

Berean Standard Bible

But I will spare a few of them from sword and famine and plague, so that in the nations to which they go, they can recount all their abominations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”

American Standard Version

But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the nations whither they come; and they shall know that I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 12:16 unveils God's sovereign and merciful intention to preserve a small, designated remnant from the devastating judgments of sword, famine, and pestilence. This preservation is not an arbitrary act of clemency but serves a profound redemptive and revelatory purpose: that these survivors might bear witness to the surrounding pagan nations, declaring the pervasive wickedness and "abominations" that provoked God's righteous wrath against Judah. Ultimately, through this witness and the unfolding of divine judgment and mercy, both the remnant and the nations are compelled to acknowledge the true identity, power, and authority of the God of Israel, understanding experientially that He alone is the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 12:16 is strategically positioned within a series of vivid prophetic actions and pronouncements in Ezekiel 12 that graphically portray the certainty and nature of Jerusalem's impending destruction and the Babylonian exile. The chapter opens with Ezekiel's dramatic symbolic acts—digging through a wall and carrying baggage out at twilight as an exile—designed to shatter the complacency of the inhabitants of Jerusalem and impress upon them the grim reality of their coming judgment. Verse 16 serves as a crucial counterpoint to the pervasive themes of death, scattering, and utter devastation that dominate the preceding verses, such as the flight of the prince (Zedekiah) and the suffering of the people. It highlights God's deliberate act of preservation amidst widespread catastrophe, emphasizing that while the majority will perish or be dispersed, a select few will be spared for a specific, revelatory purpose, thus demonstrating God's sovereign control even over the instruments of His wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during a profoundly tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically during the Babylonian exile. He was among the first group of exiles deported to Babylon in 597 BC, serving as God's prophetic voice to both the exiles already in Babylon and, through his messages, to those who remained in Jerusalem. At this time, the people, both in exile and in Jerusalem, were largely complacent, clinging to false hopes of a swift return or denying the severity of God's warnings through His prophets. They rationalized their persistent sin and doubted the imminence of divine judgment. The "sword, famine, and pestilence" were not merely abstract threats but the very real, terrifying, and historically attested consequences of siege warfare in the ancient Near East, frequently employed by God as instruments of judgment against covenant unfaithfulness. The scattering "among the heathen" refers to the dispersion of the exiles into various pagan nations, a profound humiliation and a stark reversal of God's promises of a concentrated, holy people.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 12:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent in the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, the **Remnant** theme is central, showcasing God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises even in the midst of severe judgment by preserving a small, chosen group. This concept echoes similar divine preservation seen in other prophetic books, such as [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - A Remnant Shall Return") and [Jeremiah 23:3](/jeremiah/23-3 "Jeremiah 23:3 - The Righteous Branch and the Remnant"). Secondly, the verse underscores the intricate balance between **Judgment and Mercy**. While God's righteous judgment is severe and pervasive, His sovereign mercy is extended to a select few, not based on their merit, but for His greater redemptive plan. Thirdly, the verse highlights the crucial role of **Witness and Declaration**. The preserved remnant is not merely saved from destruction but is given a divine mandate to declare God's justice and the specific reasons for His judgment (the people's "abominations") to the pagan nations among whom they are scattered. This transforms their suffering into a platform for divine revelation. Finally, the recurring phrase "they shall know that I am the LORD" emphasizes the ultimate purpose of all God's actions—His **Self-Revelation**. Through both judgment and preservation, God compels recognition of His unique sovereignty and power, not only from Israel but also from the surrounding nations, as powerfully articulated in passages like [Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - Knowing the Lord Through Judgment") and [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Holy Name Vindicated").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **leave (Hebrew, _yâthar'_):** This primitive root signifies "to jut over or exceed," and by implication, "to excel." More commonly, it means "to remain or be left," and causatively, "to leave, cause to abound, preserve." In Ezekiel 12:16, its use underscores God's deliberate and sovereign act of preserving a small number, a "remnant," from the otherwise total destruction. It speaks to divine intentionality in salvation amidst judgment, highlighting that this preservation is not accidental but part of God's purposeful design.
* **abominations (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This term, derived from a feminine active participle, literally means "something disgusting (morally)" or "an abhorrence." It specifically refers to practices that are detestable to God, often encompassing idolatry, ritual impurity, sexual perversions, and other grave violations of God's covenant law. Its presence in this verse emphasizes the profound moral and spiritual corruption of Israel, which directly provoked God's righteous judgment and necessitated the remnant's declaration to the nations, thereby justifying God's actions.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** A primitive root, "yâdaʻ" signifies "to know," properly "to ascertain by seeing." It is used in a vast array of senses, including observation, care, recognition, and causatively, instruction or designation. In the context of "they shall know that I am the LORD," it implies a deep, experiential, and undeniable recognition of God's true nature, power, and authority, compelled by His actions in history. This knowledge transcends mere intellectual assent, moving towards a profound, transformative acknowledgment of YHWH's unique sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence;":** This opening clause introduces a stark and merciful contrast to the preceding prophecies of widespread death and dispersion. It reveals God's sovereign decision to preserve a small, numerically insignificant group ("a few men") from the three primary instruments of divine judgment: military conquest ("sword"), economic collapse ("famine"), and widespread disease ("pestilence"). This act of preservation is an intentional, deliberate intervention of mercy amidst righteous wrath, demonstrating God's control over even the most destructive forces.
* **"that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come;":** This clause articulates the specific, didactic purpose of the remnant's preservation. They are not saved for their own comfort or immediate restoration, but to serve as living witnesses. Scattered among the "heathen" (pagan nations), they are divinely mandated to "declare" or recount the full scope of Judah's "abominations"—their idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and moral corruption—which were the direct cause of God's severe judgment. This declaration serves to vindicate God's justice and holiness before a watching world, explaining the "why" behind their suffering.
* **"and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.":** This final clause articulates the ultimate, overarching purpose of the entire process—the self-revelation of God. Through the devastating judgment upon Judah, the miraculous preservation of the remnant, and their subsequent testimony, both the remnant themselves and the pagan nations among whom they are scattered will come to "know" experientially and undeniably that the God of Israel is YHWH, the self-existent, sovereign, and covenant-keeping God. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but a profound recognition of His unique identity, power, and authority over all creation and history.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 12:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. **Contrast** is central, starkly juxtaposing the widespread devastation by "sword, famine, and pestilence" with the merciful preservation of "a few men." This highlights God's selective mercy amidst His universal judgment. The phrase "sword, famine, and pestilence" functions as a **Trio of Judgment**, a recurring prophetic motif (e.g., [Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - Sword, Famine, and Pestilence")), serving as a concise and powerful **Symbolism** for the comprehensive nature of divine wrath and the inescapable consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. Furthermore, the concluding phrase, "they shall know that I am the LORD," is a signature **Refrain** or **Motto** throughout the book of Ezekiel, appearing dozens of times. Its consistent **Repetition** underscores the ultimate theological purpose of all God's actions—His self-revelation and the undeniable acknowledgment of His sovereignty by both Israel and the nations. This repetition imbues the phrase with profound theological weight and emphasizes the didactic and declarative nature of God's interventions in history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 12:16 profoundly illustrates God's complex character, revealing Him as both a righteous judge who punishes sin and a merciful preserver who acts according to His sovereign purpose. The concept of a "remnant" is a foundational theological theme throughout the biblical narrative, demonstrating God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises even when His people are unfaithful. This remnant is not saved by chance or by their own merit, but is strategically preserved to bear witness to God's justice and holiness among the nations. Their survival and testimony serve to vindicate God's actions and ensure that His name is glorified, compelling both Israel and the Gentiles to acknowledge His unique identity and authority. This divine self-revelation through historical events, both destructive and redemptive, is a hallmark of God's interaction with humanity, ensuring that His ultimate glory is revealed through all circumstances.

* [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - A Remnant Shall Return") - Prophecy of a remnant of Israel returning, emphasizing God's sovereign preservation and faithfulness to His covenant.
* [Jeremiah 24:5-7](/jeremiah/24-5-7 "Jeremiah 24:5-7 - The Good Figs and Bad Figs") - God's promise to care for the exiles (a remnant) and bring them back, giving them a heart to know Him, connecting preservation with spiritual transformation.
* [Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - Knowing the Lord Through Judgment") - Another instance of the "know that I am the LORD" motif, explicitly linking judgment and its consequences to this ultimate, experiential knowledge of God.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 12:16 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's purposes transcend our immediate circumstances, even in times of profound suffering and discipline. It teaches us that even when God's judgment falls due to sin, His mercy often preserves a remnant, not for their comfort alone, but to serve as living testaments to His justice and His power. This calls us to a deeper understanding of the pervasive consequences of sin and the unblemished holiness of God, recognizing that His discipline is always purposeful and redemptive. For those who have experienced God's refining fire, whether through personal trials, collective challenges, or societal upheaval, this verse highlights a divine mandate: to declare God's truth, His righteousness, and the reasons for His actions to a world that desperately needs to "know that I am the LORD." Our experiences, even the most painful ones, can become powerful platforms for His glory, revealing His character to those who are still "heathen" in their understanding of Him. It challenges us to consider how our lives, especially our endurance through hardship and our faithful witness, can bear testimony to God's ultimate sovereignty and His unfolding redemptive plan for all humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might God be preserving a "remnant" today, whether individually or corporately, amidst the moral and spiritual decline of society and the Church?**
* **How can our personal experiences of God's discipline or His preserving grace equip us to "declare His abominations" (i.e., the consequences of sin and the need for righteousness) to those around us, both believers and unbelievers?**
* **What does it truly mean for us, and for the world, to "know that I am the LORD" in a way that moves beyond mere intellectual assent to a profound, experiential recognition that transforms our lives and worldview?**

### FAQ
**Why does God preserve a "few men" (a remnant) in the midst of such severe judgment?**

Answer: God preserves a remnant not because they are inherently more righteous or deserving than those who perish, but for His sovereign purposes and the fulfillment of His overarching redemptive plan. Firstly, it demonstrates His enduring mercy and faithfulness to His covenant, ensuring the continuation of His people and His divine program despite their widespread unfaithfulness. Secondly, and explicitly stated in [Ezekiel 12:16](/ezekiel/12-16 "Ezekiel 12:16 - The Remnant's Purpose"), this remnant is preserved to serve as a witness. Scattered among the "heathen" nations, they are to declare the reasons for God's judgment—the "abominations" of His people—thereby vindicating His justice and holiness before the world. Ultimately, their survival and testimony contribute to the overarching goal that both they and the nations "shall know that I am the LORD," recognizing His unique power, authority, and identity.

**What is the significance of the phrase "they shall know that I am the LORD" in Ezekiel?**

Answer: This phrase, a signature motif repeated dozens of times throughout the book of Ezekiel, is far more than a simple statement of recognition; it signifies a profound, experiential, and undeniable acknowledgment of God's true identity, power, and sovereignty. It means to understand that YHWH (the LORD) is the one true God, the self-existent and covenant-keeping God, whose actions in history—whether in judgment or salvation—compel such knowledge. In [Ezekiel 12:16](/ezekiel/12-16 "Ezekiel 12:16 - Knowing the Lord Through the Remnant"), it implies that through the shocking events of the exile and the testimony of the remnant, both Israel and the pagan nations will be forced to confront and acknowledge the undeniable reality of God's character and His absolute control over all things. This knowledge is transformative, leading to a proper fear, reverence, and worship of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 12:16, with its profound themes of a preserved remnant, divine judgment, and God's self-revelation, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament remnant was preserved to declare Israel's abominations and God's justice, Jesus is the perfect and ultimate Remnant, the "seed" through whom all God's promises are fulfilled. He is the one righteous Man, the "true Israel," who perfectly declared the Father's will and exposed the world's sin, not merely by word, but by His very life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection. The "abominations" that provoked God's wrath in the Old Testament find their comprehensive and complete atonement in Christ's death on the cross, where He bore the full weight of humanity's sin, including all forms of idolatry and unfaithfulness, as [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness") profoundly states, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Furthermore, the ultimate purpose of "knowing that I am the LORD" is fully realized in Christ. Jesus is the definitive revelation of God, the "exact imprint of His nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Son's Superiority")). As [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, Except the Son") declares, "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." Through Christ, we gain true, saving knowledge of the Father, not merely through judgment, but preeminently through grace and truth. The judgment of "sword, famine, and pestilence" foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin, which Christ absorbed on the cross, providing a way for a spiritual remnant—those who believe in Him—to be preserved not from physical death, but from eternal condemnation ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - For God So Loved the World")). Thus, in Christ, God's justice is satisfied, His mercy is fully extended, and His identity as the sovereign, loving LORD is made known to all who receive Him, forming a new spiritual remnant, the Church, whose mission is to declare His glory and the good news of His salvation among all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 14:22

Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, [both] sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, [even] concerning all that I have brought upon it.

Ezekiel 14:23

And they shall comfort you, when ye see their ways and their doings: and ye shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done in it, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 6:8

¶ Yet will I leave a remnant, that ye may have [some] that shall escape the sword among the nations, when ye shall be scattered through the countries.

Ezekiel 6:10

And they shall know that I [am] the LORD, [and that] I have not said in vain that I would do this evil unto them.

Jeremiah 22:8

And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this great city?

Jeremiah 22:9

Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them.

Jeremiah 4:27

For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.