Ezekiel 14:15

KJV

If I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land, and they spoil it, so that it be desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts:

KJV (with Strong's)

If {H3863} I cause noisome {H7451} beasts {H2416} to pass through {H5674} the land {H776}, and they spoil {H7921} it, so that it be desolate {H8077}, that no man may pass through {H5674} because {H6440} of the beasts {H2416}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"If I unleash wild beasts on the land, and they kill its children and desolate it, so that no one can pass through because of the animals;

Berean Standard Bible

Or if I send wild beasts through the land to leave it childless and desolate, with no man passing through it for fear of the beasts,

American Standard Version

If I cause evil beasts to pass through the land, and they ravage it, and it be made desolate, so that no man may pass through because of the beasts;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 14:15 presents a stark prophetic warning from God concerning one of His "four sore judgments" against a rebellious land: the unleashing of destructive wild animals. This divine intervention is designed to render the land utterly desolate and impassable, serving as a severe consequence for persistent idolatry and a clear demonstration of God's sovereign power over creation, even in judgment. The verse underscores the direct link between a nation's spiritual rebellion and the physical calamities it may endure, highlighting the comprehensive nature of divine retribution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a chapter that addresses the pervasive idolatry among the elders of Israel, who, despite their outward show of seeking God, harbored idols in their hearts. The chapter opens with these elders coming to Ezekiel, seeking a word from the Lord, only for God to declare that He will answer them according to their idolatry, not their pretense of piety ([Ezekiel 14:1-5](/ezekiel/14-1 "Ezekiel 14:1-5 - God's Response to Idolatrous Elders")). God explicitly states His intention to "set my face against that man" who clings to idols while inquiring of Him ([Ezekiel 14:8](/ezekiel/14-8 "Ezekiel 14:8 - God's Judgment on Idolaters")). Ezekiel 14 then outlines four specific, devastating judgments—famine, the sword, noisome beasts, and pestilence—which God threatens to send upon Jerusalem. These are collectively referred to as "my four sore judgments" in [Ezekiel 14:21](/ezekiel/14-21 "Ezekiel 14:21 - The Four Sore Judgments"), indicating a comprehensive and unavoidable divine punishment intended to bring about desolation and compel recognition of His absolute sovereignty. The inclusion of "noisome beasts" alongside famine and war emphasizes the totality of the impending destruction, affecting every aspect of life and livelihood.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a period of immense national trauma for Judah. The people had been deported to Babylon, yet many back in Jerusalem and even some in exile continued in their idolatrous practices, clinging to false hopes of a quick return or believing that God would not fully abandon His temple or His people. The concept of divine judgment through natural disasters, including plagues of wild animals, was not new to the ancient Near East; it was a recognized form of divine wrath or covenant curse, often found in ancient treaties and legal codes. For the Israelites, such judgments were explicitly outlined in the Mosaic Law, particularly in the covenant curses of [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Specifically, [Leviticus 26:22](/leviticus/26-22 "Leviticus 26:22 - Wild Beasts as Judgment") warns, "I will send wild animals among you, which will rob you of your children, destroy your livestock and make you so few that your roads will be deserted." This historical and covenantal backdrop would have made the threat of "noisome beasts" a deeply resonant and terrifying prospect for Ezekiel's audience, reminding them of the consequences of breaking their covenant with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 14:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, where God actively intervenes in human history to punish sin, particularly idolatry and spiritual infidelity. The phrase "If I cause" underscores God's direct agency and control over creation, wielding even the animal kingdom as an instrument of His justice. This judgment is a direct **Consequence of Unfaithfulness**, aligning with the covenant curses that promised desolation and danger from wild animals for disobedience, as seen in [Leviticus 26:22](/leviticus/26-22 "Leviticus 26:22 - Wild Beasts as Judgment") and [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Deuteronomy 28:26 - Corpses for Beasts"). The resulting **Desolation and Impassability** of the land signifies a complete breakdown of societal order, agricultural productivity, and safe passage, rendering the land uninhabitable and useless. Ultimately, this verse, like much of Ezekiel, highlights God's **Absolute Sovereignty** over all creation, demonstrating that nothing, not even the chaos of wild animals, is outside His control or purpose. The purpose of such severe judgments is often to force humanity to "know that I am the Lord," a recurring motif in Ezekiel ([Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - Knowing the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beasts (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From H2416, this word literally means "living thing" or "life." In context, especially when paired with "noisome" (H7451, _ra'_), it refers to wild, untamed, and dangerous animals. The choice of _chay_ emphasizes that these are not merely domestic animals gone wild, but living creatures under God's command, used as instruments of judgment. It underscores the raw, untamed power of nature when unleashed by divine will, capable of destroying human life and livelihood.
* **Noisome (Hebrew, _ra'_):** From H7451, this term means "bad" or "evil," encompassing moral wickedness, physical harm, or calamity. When applied to "beasts," it signifies their destructive, harmful, and dangerous nature. It's not just that they are wild, but that they are actively causing "mischief" or "hurt," making them a plague. This highlights the severity and divine intentionality behind the judgment; these are not random animal attacks but divinely commissioned agents of destruction.
* **Pass through (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From H5674, this primitive root signifies "to cross over" or any form of "transition." In this verse, it's used twice: first, "I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land," indicating their movement and penetration into populated areas, and second, "no man may pass through," signifying the complete obstruction of human movement. This dual usage emphasizes the reversal of order: what was once a path for humans becomes a domain for destructive beasts, rendering human activity impossible and the land uninhabitable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land":** This opening clause immediately establishes divine agency. God is not merely permitting a natural disaster; He is actively orchestrating it. The "noisome beasts" (literally "evil beasts") are His chosen instruments, indicating a specific, targeted judgment. Their "passing through" implies an invasion and pervasive presence throughout the territory, not just isolated incidents.
* **"and they spoil it":** This phrase describes the direct consequence of the beasts' presence. The Hebrew word for "spoil" (H7921, _shâkôl_) literally means "to miscarry" or "to bereave," often referring to the loss of children or the rendering barren of a land. Here, it conveys the devastating impact of the beasts on life and productivity—they will destroy crops, livestock, and potentially human life, leading to the land's desolation and rendering it unproductive, as if it has "miscarried" its inhabitants and produce.
* **"so that it be desolate":** This clause highlights the ultimate outcome of the beasts' destructive work. The land is not just damaged but becomes utterly "desolate" (H8077, _shᵉmâmâh_), a state of utter ruin, emptiness, and abandonment. This signifies a complete breakdown of human habitation and activity, mirroring the spiritual desolation caused by idolatry.
* **"that no man may pass through because of the beasts":** This final clause emphasizes the severity and totality of the desolation. The land becomes so dangerous and uninhabitable due to the pervasive threat of the beasts that all human movement and commerce cease. The phrase "because of the beasts" (H6440, _pânîym_, "face of" or "presence of") underscores that their presence is the direct cause of this impassability, symbolizing the complete disruption of normal life and the triumph of wildness over human order.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 14:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. The most prominent is **Personification** and **Divine Agency**, where God is depicted as actively "causing" the beasts to act, transforming them from mere animals into instruments of divine wrath. This elevates the natural phenomenon to a direct act of God's will. There is also clear **Hyperbole** in the description of the land becoming so desolate that "no man may pass through," emphasizing the extreme and comprehensive nature of the judgment, rather than a literal impossibility of movement. The "noisome beasts" themselves function as **Symbolism**, representing not just physical danger but also the chaotic and destructive consequences of spiritual rebellion. They embody the reversal of the created order, where humanity's dominion over creation is usurped by untamed forces, reflecting the spiritual chaos that has overtaken the people. Furthermore, the verse is a vivid example of **Covenant Curses** being enacted, drawing upon the established legal framework of the Mosaic covenant where such plagues were promised consequences for disobedience, thus grounding the prophecy in Israel's historical and theological understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 14:15 underscores the profound biblical truth that God is sovereign over all creation, including the natural world and its creatures, and that He employs them as instruments of His righteous judgment against human sin. This verse highlights the direct link between a nation's spiritual rebellion and the physical calamities it may endure, demonstrating that God's justice is not merely spiritual but can manifest in tangible, devastating ways in the earthly realm. The desolation caused by "noisome beasts" serves as a severe consequence of persistent idolatry and a vivid illustration of the chaos that ensues when humanity rejects its covenant relationship with the Creator. It is a powerful reminder that God's holiness demands a response to sin, and His ultimate goal in judgment is often to bring about repentance and a recognition of His supreme authority.

* [Leviticus 26:22](/leviticus/26-22 "Wild Animals as a Consequence of Disobedience")
* [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Corpses for Beasts of the Earth")
* [Jeremiah 15:3](/jeremiah/15-3 "Four Kinds of Destroyers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 14:15 serves as a profound reminder of God's active involvement in the world and the serious consequences of spiritual rebellion. It challenges us to consider the ways in which our own societies, communities, and individual lives might be inviting divine discipline through idolatry—whether it be the worship of material possessions, power, comfort, or self. The "noisome beasts" can be understood not only literally but also metaphorically as the destructive forces that can consume a life or society when God's protective hand is withdrawn due to unfaithfulness. This verse calls us to a sober assessment of our allegiance, urging us to recognize God's sovereignty over all things, including the seemingly chaotic elements of nature and life. It prompts us to consider that true security and flourishing come only from walking in obedience and faithfulness to the Lord, for He alone can protect us from the "beasts" that seek to desolate our lives and make our paths impassable. Ultimately, it is a call to repentance and a renewed commitment to the one true God, who is both just in judgment and merciful in His desire for His people to return to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols of the heart" might be present in my life or community that could invite God's disciplinary hand?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty over natural disasters and calamities?**
* **In what ways might spiritual unfaithfulness manifest in "desolation" or "impassability" in my own life or relationships?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper and more faithful relationship with God, recognizing His justice and seeking His protection?**

### FAQ

**Does God still send "noisome beasts" or other natural disasters as judgment today?**

Answer: The Bible clearly teaches that God is sovereign over all creation and can use natural phenomena, including animals and disasters, to accomplish His purposes, which can include judgment, discipline, or calling people to repentance. While we must be careful not to attribute every specific natural disaster directly to a particular sin, the principle remains that God is ultimately in control. Throughout history, and even today, there are instances where environmental or biological challenges seem to correlate with societal or spiritual decline. More broadly, the "noisome beasts" can also be understood metaphorically as the destructive forces—social, economic, or moral—that can ravage a society when it turns away from God. The ultimate purpose of such warnings, then and now, is to call humanity to acknowledge God's authority and turn from sin, as seen in the call to repentance throughout the prophets and even in the New Testament ([Revelation 9:20-21](/revelation/9-20 "Revelation 9:20-21 - Impenitence of Mankind")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 14:15 speaks of God's judgment through destructive beasts, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment points to the Lord Jesus Christ as the one who delivers from all curses and establishes a new creation where such desolation is overcome. The "noisome beasts" represent the chaotic and destructive forces unleashed by sin and rebellion against God, leading to a land made "desolate" and "impassable." In the New Testament, Jesus is presented as the Good Shepherd who protects His flock from all "wolves" and "thieves" ([John 10:11-12](/john/10-11 "John 10:11-12 - The Good Shepherd")), symbolizing His triumph over all spiritual and physical dangers. He is the one who, through His atoning sacrifice, takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), thereby removing the root cause of divine judgment and the curses that follow. Furthermore, Christ inaugurates a new creation where the harmony of Eden is restored, and the very nature of creation is redeemed through Him ([Romans 8:19-21](/romans/8-19 "Romans 8:19-21 - Creation Groans for Redemption")). Ultimately, in the heavenly city, there will be no more curse, no more desolation, and no fear of destructive forces, for God Himself will dwell with His people, and the Lamb will be their light ([Revelation 22:3-5](/revelation/22-3 "Revelation 22:3-5 - No More Curse")). Thus, the terrifying prospect of "noisome beasts" in Ezekiel finds its ultimate counterpoint in the peace and security offered by Christ, who has overcome the world and all its destructive elements.

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 5:17

So will I send upon you famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave thee; and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee; and I will bring the sword upon thee. I the LORD have spoken [it].

Leviticus 26:22

I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your [high] ways shall be desolate.

Jeremiah 15:3

And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith the LORD: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy.

1 Kings 20:36

Then said he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voice of the LORD, behold, as soon as thou art departed from me, a lion shall slay thee. And as soon as he was departed from him, a lion found him, and slew him.

2 Kings 17:25

And [so] it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, [that] they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew [some] of them.