Ezekiel 14:16

[Though] these three men [were] in it, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate.

Though these three {H7969} men {H582} were in it {H8432}, as I live {H2416}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, they shall deliver {H5337} neither sons {H1121} nor daughters {H1323}; they only shall be delivered {H5337}, but the land {H776} shall be desolate {H8077}.

even if these three men were in it, as I live," says Adonai ELOHIM, "they would save neither sons nor daughters; only they themselves would be saved, and the land would remain barren.

then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, even if these three men were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. They alone would be delivered, but the land would be desolate.

though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, they should deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only should be delivered, but the land should be desolate.

Commentary

Context

Ezekiel 14:16 is part of a powerful prophetic message from God to the elders of Israel who had come to inquire of Him, yet harbored idols in their hearts. The chapter emphasizes God's absolute determination to judge Jerusalem for its pervasive idolatry and rebellion. God declares that His judgment is so severe that even the presence of the most righteous men on earth—specifically, Noah, Daniel, and Job mentioned earlier in Ezekiel 14:14—would not save the land or its inhabitants from destruction. This verse reiterates and reinforces that point, emphasizing that these men would only deliver themselves.

Key Themes

  • Irrevocable Divine Judgment: The phrase "as I live, saith the Lord GOD" is a solemn oath, underscoring the absolute certainty and irreversibility of God's impending judgment on the land due to deep-seated sin and idolatry. It signifies that God's decision is final and His word unbreakable.
  • Limits of Intercession: Even the most righteous individuals cannot avert a divinely determined judgment on a nation that has persistently rebelled and crossed a line of no return. Their personal righteousness secures their own salvation but does not extend to saving the entire corrupt society around them. This echoes a similar sentiment regarding Moses and Samuel's inability to turn away God's wrath in Jeremiah.
  • Individual Righteousness and Deliverance: While the land is doomed, God affirms that the righteous individuals—like Noah, who found grace amidst a wicked generation; Daniel, known for his unwavering faithfulness; and Job, a blameless and upright man—would indeed be delivered. This highlights the enduring value and personal benefit of living righteously before God, even in times of corporate sin and judgment.
  • Desolation as Consequence: The declaration that "the land shall be desolate" (Hebrew: shammah) signifies utter ruin, waste, and devastation. It paints a grim picture of the physical and social consequences of God's judgment, leaving the land uninhabited and barren.

Linguistic Insights

The emphatic declaration, "As I live, saith the Lord GOD," is a powerful divine oath, signifying the absolute certainty and immutability of God's word. It is a formula used throughout the Old Testament to underscore the gravity and truthfulness of a statement. The word "desolate" (Hebrew: shammah) implies not just emptiness but also a state of astonishment and horror, emphasizing the severity of the judgment and the shock it would cause.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a stark warning about the consequences of persistent sin and idolatry. It reminds us that while God is merciful, His justice is also real and can lead to irreversible judgment when a people or nation continually rebels against Him. It underscores the profound importance of individual righteousness and faithfulness, as God promises to deliver those who truly seek Him, even amidst widespread corruption and impending doom. It calls for repentance, a turning away from sin, and a sincere commitment to God's commands, recognizing that personal piety can secure personal salvation even when societal judgment is unavoidable.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 19:29

    And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

  • James 5:16

    Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

  • Ezekiel 33:11

    Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

  • Job 22:20

    Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth.

  • Ezekiel 14:18

    Though these three men [were] in it, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters, but they only shall be delivered themselves.

  • Genesis 18:23

    ¶ And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

  • Genesis 18:33

    And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.