Ezekiel 14:17

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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:

Complete Jewish Bible

"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;

Berean Standard Bible

Or if I bring a sword against that land and say, ‘Let a sword pass through it,’ so that I cut off from it both man and beast,

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 14:17 powerfully depicts God's sovereign decree of judgment upon a land, employing the "sword" as a divinely dispatched instrument of devastation. This declaration is integral to a broader prophetic discourse that underscores the severe consequences of persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness, demonstrating God's direct involvement in executing His righteous judgment to "cut off man and beast," signifying a comprehensive and utterly devastating desolation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 14 is a pivotal chapter within the prophet's ministry to the exiles in Babylon, immediately following a series of oracles against Jerusalem and Judah ([Ezekiel 12-13](/ezekiel/12-13 "Ezekiel 12-13 - Oracles Against Jerusalem and Judah")) and preceding further judgments and promises of restoration. The chapter opens with elders of Israel approaching Ezekiel, ostensibly to inquire of the Lord, but God reveals their hearts are still set on idols ([Ezekiel 14:1-3](/ezekiel/14-1-3 "Ezekiel 14:1-3 - Elders Inquire of the Lord")). In response, the Lord declares He will answer them Himself, not through their false prophets, and that His answer will be one of judgment. Verses 12-23 introduce a series of four "sore judgments"—famine, wild beasts, the sword, and pestilence—each demonstrating God's unwavering resolve to purify the land. [Ezekiel 14:17](/ezekiel/14-17 "Ezekiel 14:17 - Judgment by the Sword") specifically details the judgment of the sword, which is one of these four, emphasizing its devastating impact on all life. This passage serves as a stark warning that even the presence of righteous individuals like Noah, Daniel, and Job would not avert national judgment, only save themselves ([Ezekiel 14:14, 20](/ezekiel/14-14-20 "Ezekiel 14:14, 20 - Righteous Individuals Cannot Avert National Judgment")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), following the first deportation of Judah's elite in 597 BC. The people, both in exile and those remaining in Jerusalem, continued to engage in idolatry and false worship, clinging to a false sense of security that God would not utterly destroy His chosen people or their holy city. The "sword" in this context refers to military invasion and warfare, a common instrument of divine judgment in the ancient Near East, often executed through powerful empires like Babylon or Assyria. Such conflicts were brutal, leading to widespread death, famine, and the complete disruption of societal life, often resulting in the "cutting off" of entire populations through slaughter or deportation. The phrase "man and beast" underscores the totality of the devastation, reflecting the comprehensive nature of ancient warfare's impact on a land's entire ecosystem and economy, leaving it utterly desolate.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Control**, demonstrating that even instruments of destruction like war are under God's direct command. The "sword" does not act independently but is dispatched by divine fiat, reflecting God's absolute authority over history and human affairs, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Creates Good and Evil"). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Consequences of Persistent Sin and Idolatry**. The judgment of the sword is a direct result of the nation's deep-seated rebellion and spiritual adultery, emphasizing that God's covenant people are not immune to His wrath when they forsake Him, a truth echoed throughout [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thirdly, it underscores **God's Justice and Holiness**. While severe, the judgment is presented as a necessary act of divine justice against unrepentant wickedness, affirming God's unwavering commitment to His holy character and His determination to purge sin from His midst, a concept foundational to understanding God's actions throughout the Old Testament, from [the flood](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6 - The Flood Narrative") to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** This term (H2719) refers to "drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement." In [Ezekiel 14:17](/ezekiel/14-17 "Ezekiel 14:17 - Judgment by the Sword"), "sword" signifies not merely a physical weapon but a potent instrument of divine judgment, representing widespread warfare, military invasion, and the resultant destruction. Its use here indicates God's direct agency in unleashing conflict as a form of punishment.
* **Go through (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** Derived from H5674, a primitive root meaning "to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative)." In this context, "go through" depicts the sword's unhindered and pervasive movement throughout the land, executing God's command without impediment. It underscores the inevitability and comprehensiveness of the judgment, implying no place will be untouched by its destructive force.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** From H3772, a primitive root meaning "to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant." Here, "cut off" emphasizes the totality of the judgment, signifying complete eradication of life from the land, both human and animal. It implies a decisive and irreversible end to existence or presence, highlighting the severity and finality of God's wrath against deep-seated sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Or [if] I bring a sword upon that land,"**: This clause unequivocally establishes God as the active agent and initiator of the judgment. The "sword" is not a random occurrence or a mere human conflict, but a divinely ordained instrument. The phrase "I bring a sword" implies a deliberate act of divine orchestration, indicating God's sovereign control over the nations and their military actions, directing them as He wills.
* **"and say, Sword, go through the land;"**: This is a powerful declaration of divine command, demonstrating God's absolute authority. God directly addresses the sword, personifying it as an obedient agent. This "divine fiat" emphasizes that once spoken, the judgment is set in motion and will be executed without fail, sweeping across the entire territory with irresistible force.
* **"so that I cut off man and beast from it:"**: This final clause reveals the devastating purpose and comprehensive nature of the judgment. The phrase "cut off" signifies complete destruction and removal, an act of decisive termination. The inclusion of "man and beast" highlights the totality of the desolation, impacting all forms of life and the very fabric of the land's existence, underscoring the severity of God's wrath against deep-seated sin and unrepentance.

#### Literary Devices
[Ezekiel 14:17](/ezekiel/14-17 "Ezekiel 14:17 - Judgment by the Sword") employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity and certainty of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the "sword" is imbued with the capacity to hear and obey a direct command from God: "Sword, go through the land." This transforms the sword from a mere inanimate object into an active, obedient agent of divine will, powerfully emphasizing God's absolute control over the instruments of judgment and the inevitability of their execution. This is further reinforced by **Divine Fiat**, where God's spoken word ("and say") is the sole impetus for the judgment, highlighting His omnipotence and the irresistible power of His decrees. Furthermore, the phrase "cut off man and beast" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and comprehensive nature of the devastation. While not necessarily a literal annihilation of every single living thing, it powerfully conveys the utter desolation and the complete disruption of life within the land, leaving no aspect untouched by the divine wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Ezekiel 14:17](/ezekiel/14-17 "Ezekiel 14:17 - Judgment by the Sword") profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and holiness, demonstrating that His patience with sin has limits, and His judgment is both sovereignly decreed and comprehensively executed. This passage underscores the truth that God is not merely a distant observer but an active participant in history, intervening decisively when His covenant people persist in rebellion. The "sword" here is a tangible manifestation of divine wrath, serving as a stark reminder that rejection of God's ways leads to severe, often existential, consequences. This divine judgment is not arbitrary but is always a righteous response to deep-seated idolatry and unfaithfulness, aiming to purify or remove that which defiles His holy name and covenant.

* [Leviticus 26:25](/leviticus/26-25 "Leviticus 26:25 - God's Sword of Vengeance")
* [Jeremiah 25:29](/jeremiah/25-29 "Jeremiah 25:29 - God's Judgment on All Nations")
* [Revelation 6:4](/revelation/6-4 "Revelation 6:4 - The Red Horse of War")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Ezekiel 14:17](/ezekiel/14-17 "Ezekiel 14:17 - Judgment by the Sword") serves as a sobering reminder of the gravity of sin and the certainty of divine judgment. In a world often prone to spiritual complacency and moral relativism, this verse calls believers to a profound reverence for God's holiness and justice. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any "idols"—anything that takes God's rightful place—and to cultivate a spirit of genuine repentance and uncompromising obedience. For communities and nations, it highlights the enduring principle that widespread moral decay and the rejection of God's truth can invite collective consequences. While God's mercy is boundless for the repentant, His justice is equally sure for the unrepentant, compelling us to intercede for our societies and to live as salt and light, pointing others to the path of righteousness and reconciliation with a holy God. This passage ultimately fosters a healthy fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom, and encourages a deeper reliance on His grace for personal and societal transformation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" might be present in my own heart or in my community that could provoke God's righteous judgment?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereign control over judgment, as depicted in this verse, deepen my reverence for His power and holiness?**
* **In what ways can I, as an individual or part of a faith community, actively promote repentance and righteousness in a world that often disregards God's commands?**

### FAQ
**Does God still use "the sword" (warfare) as a form of judgment today?**

Answer: While the direct, prophetic declarations of God unleashing specific judgments like the "sword" upon particular nations, as seen in the Old Testament, are unique to that covenantal context, the underlying principle of God's sovereignty over human history and His unwavering justice remains constant. God is still sovereign over all nations and events, including conflicts and societal upheavals. The Bible teaches that sin still has consequences, and God can permit or use natural disasters, economic downturns, or even wars as instruments that bring nations to account or prompt repentance. However, discerning God's specific hand in contemporary events requires humility and careful theological interpretation, avoiding simplistic or triumphalist claims. Ultimately, God's ultimate judgment on sin has been decisively dealt with through Christ, and His primary mode of engagement with humanity in this age is through the gospel, calling all to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ ([Acts 17:30-31](/acts/17-30-31 "Acts 17:30-31 - God Commands All People Everywhere to Repent")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Ezekiel 14:17](/ezekiel/14-17 "Ezekiel 14:17 - Judgment by the Sword"), with its stark imagery of God's judgment through the "sword" to "cut off man and beast," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a physical sword wielded against humanity, but in the spiritual judgment borne by Christ on the cross. The Old Testament judgments, like the sword, pestilence, and famine, were shadows pointing to the dire consequences of humanity's sin and rebellion against a holy God. Yet, in Christ, God's righteous wrath against sin was fully satisfied. The "cutting off" of man and beast foreshadows the ultimate separation that sin creates, but Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), was "cut off from the land of the living" ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - He Was Cut Off")) to bear the judgment that was due to us. He became the recipient of the divine wrath, enduring the ultimate "sword" of justice ([Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Strike the Shepherd")) so that those who believe in Him might not perish but have eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Thus, the terrifying judgment of the sword in Ezekiel is transformed into the profound mercy of the cross, where the righteous judgment of God was poured out on His Son, securing peace and reconciliation for all who trust in His atoning sacrifice ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")).

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

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.