Ezekiel 14:17

Or [if] I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off man and beast from it:

Or if I bring {H935} a sword {H2719} upon that land {H776}, and say {H559}, Sword {H2719}, go through {H5674} the land {H776}; so that I cut off {H3772} man {H120} and beast {H929} from it:

"Or if I bring the sword down on that land, saying, 'Let the sword pass through the land,' so that I eliminate both its humans and its animals;

Or if I bring a sword against that land and say, โ€˜Let a sword pass through it,โ€™ so that I cut off from it both man and beast,

Or if I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off from it man and beast;

Commentary

Ezekiel 14:17 describes God's severe judgment in the form of a devastating military invasion or widespread conflict. This verse is part of a larger discourse where the Lord addresses the idolatry and false prophecy prevalent among the Israelites, both in exile and still in Jerusalem, emphasizing the inevitable consequences of their unfaithfulness.

Context of Ezekiel 14:17

Chapter 14 of Ezekiel outlines God's response to those who "set up their idols in their heart" (Ezekiel 14:3). The Lord declares that He will personally answer those who inquire of Him while harboring sin, indicating His direct involvement in judgment. This specific verse is one of four "sore judgments" (famine, wild beasts, sword, and pestilence) that God threatens to bring upon a rebellious land. These judgments are so certain and severe that even the righteousness of individuals like Noah, Daniel, and Job could only save themselves, not the nation (Ezekiel 14:14). The "sword" here represents war, a common instrument of divine punishment in the Old Testament against nations that have strayed from Him.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: This verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over the instruments of judgment. The phrase "Sword, go through the land" signifies a direct divine command, showing that war and its desolation are not outside of God's sovereign will, but can be instruments of His justice.
  • Consequences of Persistent Sin: The "sword" here represents widespread warfare and violence, a direct consequence of a nation's deep-seated rebellion and idolatry. The cutting off of "man and beast" signifies a complete and utter desolation, impacting all life within the land, emphasizing the totality of divine wrath against severe sin.
  • God's Justice and Holiness: While severe, this judgment underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice and holiness. He cannot tolerate persistent wickedness and will act decisively to purify or remove that which defiles His covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sword," แธฅereแธ‡ (ื—ึถืจึถื‘), is frequently used throughout the Old Testament to denote war, conflict, and a tool of divine judgment. The personification of the sword, "Sword, go through the land," is a vivid literary device that emphasizes the sword's role as an active agent under God's direct command, rather than merely a human instrument of war. This highlights God's active involvement in the judgment.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 14:17 serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice and the serious consequences of sin, both individually and nationally. It prompts reflection on:

  • The Reality of Divine Judgment: God is not indifferent to sin. While His mercy is vast, His justice is equally sure. This should lead to humility and repentance.
  • Societal Responsibility: Just as ancient Israel faced judgment for its collective idolatry, nations today are not exempt from the consequences of widespread moral decay and rejection of God's ways.
  • Call to Repentance: The severity of such judgments should compel individuals and communities to turn from sin and seek God's mercy and guidance, recognizing His power to bring both destruction and restoration (Jeremiah 18:7-8).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 26:25

    And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of [my] covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

  • Ezekiel 21:3

    And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I [am] against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.

  • Ezekiel 21:4

    Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north:

  • Zephaniah 1:3

    I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked; and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the LORD.

  • Ezekiel 5:12

    A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.

  • Ezekiel 25:13

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword.

  • Jeremiah 47:6

    O thou sword of the LORD, how long [will it be] ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.