Ezekiel 15:7

KJV

And I will set my face against them; they shall go out from [one] fire, and [another] fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I set my face against them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will set {H5414} my face {H6440} against them; they shall go out {H3318} from one fire {H784}, and another fire {H784} shall devour {H398} them; and ye shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}, when I set {H7760} my face {H6440} against them.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will set my face against them they may have escaped one fire, but the fire will consume them yet. When I set my face against them, you will know that I am ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will set My face against them. Though they may have escaped the fire, yet another fire will consume them. And when I set My face against them, you will know that I am the LORD.

American Standard Version

And I will set my face against them; they shall go forth from the fire, but the fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah, when I set my face against them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 15:7 delivers a chilling and resolute prophecy of divine judgment against unfaithful Jerusalem, portraying God's unwavering determination to oppose His disobedient people. The verse vividly illustrates the inescapable nature of this impending calamity, where those who might survive one wave of destruction will inevitably be consumed by another, ensuring the complete and relentless fulfillment of God's righteous decree. Ultimately, this severe discipline serves a profound revelatory purpose: to unequivocally demonstrate God's supreme sovereignty, His absolute justice, and His covenant faithfulness, compelling both Israel and the nations to acknowledge Him as the one true LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 15 is strategically placed within a series of oracles detailing Jerusalem's profound spiritual corruption and its inevitable destruction. It immediately follows chapters that expose the abominations committed in the temple ([Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple")) and God's response to idolatry among the elders ([Ezekiel 14](/ezekiel/14 "Ezekiel 14 - Idolatry and Judgment")). Chapter 15 itself employs the powerful and poignant **metaphor of a vine** to describe Jerusalem's spiritual state. Unlike other trees valued for their timber, a vine's wood is inherently worthless for construction or crafting; its sole purpose is to bear fruit. If it fails to produce grapes, its wood is so insignificant and brittle that it is fit only for fuel. This chapter serves as a stark indictment, declaring that Israel, though chosen and nurtured by God as His vineyard (cf. [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")), had become spiritually barren, producing no fruit of righteousness. Thus, they were deemed fit only for divine judgment and destruction, a theme further elaborated in the subsequent chapters concerning Jerusalem's unfaithfulness and harlotry ([Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 15:7 is set against the grim backdrop of the **Babylonian exile**, specifically during the initial phase when many Judeans, including Ezekiel, had already been deported. Jerusalem, though besieged and partially desolated, still stood, fostering a dangerous false sense of security among its inhabitants and those in exile who clung to hopes of a swift return. The "fire" imagery primarily refers to the impending and ongoing **Babylonian siege** and the subsequent total devastation of Jerusalem, which would involve famine, pestilence, and the sword (cf. [Ezekiel 5:12](/ezekiel/5-12 "Ezekiel 5:12 - God's Judgment by Famine, Pestilence, and Sword")). The vine was a common and deeply significant symbol for Israel, representing their special relationship with God as His chosen people, a concept deeply ingrained in their national identity. The cultural understanding of a vine's utility—or lack thereof, if unfruitful—would have resonated powerfully with Ezekiel's audience, emphasizing the severity of their spiritual decline and the justice of God's impending wrath as a direct consequence of their covenant infidelity.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 15:7 encapsulates several major theological themes central to Ezekiel's entire prophetic message. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Inescapable Consequence**, where God's active opposition against sin results in unavoidable and comprehensive destruction. This judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous and just response to Israel's persistent idolatry, rebellion, and spiritual barrenness, vividly illustrated by the worthless vine metaphor. Another crucial theme is **God's Sovereignty and Self-Revelation**. The recurring phrase "and ye shall know that I am the LORD" (appearing over 70 times in Ezekiel, for example, in [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 Name Sanctified Among the Nations")) underscores that the ultimate purpose of God's judgment is not merely punishment but the undeniable demonstration of His supreme authority, justice, and unique identity as [Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Revelation as 'I AM'"). Through His decisive acts, both in judgment and later in restoration, God ensures His name is glorified and His power acknowledged by all, whether they recognize Him willingly or through the consequences of their rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** H6440. This word, often translated as "face," signifies the presence, appearance, or direct confrontation of a person. In the idiom "set my face against" (combining H5414 _nâthan_ "to set/give" and H6440 _pânîym_ "face"), it conveys a strong, determined resolve and active opposition. It's not passive anger or a distant decree, but a decisive, personal engagement by God Himself, indicating His unwavering purpose and direct involvement in bringing judgment upon them. This idiom emphasizes the intensity and certainty of divine wrath.
* **devour (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** H398. A primitive root meaning "to eat," but frequently used figuratively to mean "consume," "burn up," or "destroy." In the context of fire, as here, it powerfully emphasizes the complete and destructive nature of the judgment. The fire will not merely scorch, pass by, or partially affect; it will utterly consume and annihilate, leaving nothing of value behind. This highlights the totality of the impending desolation.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045. A primitive root meaning "to know," encompassing a wide range of understanding, from intellectual apprehension to deep, experiential recognition. Here, it refers to an experiential knowledge of God's identity, power, and justice. Through the severe and undeniable judgment, the people will not just intellectually assent to God's existence but will experientially and undeniably recognize His sovereignty and justice as the LORD. This knowledge is often gained through the painful consequences of their actions, forcing a profound and unavoidable acknowledgment of who God truly is.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will set my face against them":** This opening clause declares God's active, resolute, and personal opposition to Jerusalem. It signifies His unwavering determination to execute judgment, leaving no doubt about the divine origin and certainty of the impending calamity. This is not merely a passive allowance of events but an intentional, direct, and decisive engagement by God, indicating His firm purpose to bring about their downfall due to their profound unfaithfulness and spiritual barrenness.
* **"they shall go out from [one] fire, and [another] fire shall devour them":** This vivid and terrifying imagery portrays the inescapable and successive nature of God's judgment. It suggests that even if some manage to escape an initial wave of destruction (the first "fire," likely representing the Babylonian siege, famine, or pestilence), they will inevitably face further, equally devastating calamities (the "another fire"), such as subsequent waves of exile, sword, or even the internal collapse of their society. There is no true or lasting escape from the consequences of their spiritual barrenness and persistent rebellion; the judgment is comprehensive and relentless.
* **"and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I set my face against them":** This concluding phrase reveals the ultimate theological purpose behind God's severe and inescapable judgment. The experience of His wrath, the fulfillment of His prophecies, and the unfolding of these devastating events will serve as an undeniable and profound revelation of His identity, power, and faithfulness. Through these cataclysmic occurrences, Israel and the surrounding nations will be forced to acknowledge Yahweh (the LORD) as the sovereign God, whose word is true, whose justice is absolute, and whose authority is supreme. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but a profound, experiential recognition of His unique divine authority and unchallengeable position.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 15:7 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of impending and inescapable judgment. The dominant device is **Metaphor**, where Jerusalem is implicitly likened to the worthless wood of a vine, fit only for burning, and the "fire" serves as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment and comprehensive destruction. The phrase "set my face against them" is a potent **Idiom**, conveying God's resolute, active, and personal opposition, signifying a direct, unwavering confrontation. The **Repetition** of "fire" ("one fire... another fire") emphasizes the pervasive, successive, and inescapable nature of the judgment, suggesting a relentless sequence of calamities from which there is no true escape. The imagery of escaping one fire only to be consumed by another employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the absolute certainty and totality of the impending doom, leaving no room for hope of evasion. Finally, the concluding declaration, "ye shall know that I am the LORD," is a recurring **Divine Self-Attestation** throughout Ezekiel, serving as a theological refrain that highlights God's ultimate purpose in revealing His sovereignty, justice, and identity through His decisive actions, whether in judgment or eventual salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 15:7 powerfully articulates God's unwavering justice and the severe, inescapable consequences of spiritual barrenness and persistent unfaithfulness to the covenant. It underscores the profound biblical truth that divine judgment is not arbitrary or capricious but a righteous and necessary response to a people who have rejected their covenant obligations and failed to bear the fruit of obedience and righteousness. This judgment serves as a profound revelation of God's holy character, His unchallengeable sovereignty, and His absolute control over history, demonstrating that He is indeed the LORD who acts decisively and purposefully. The verse also highlights the inescapable nature of God's judgment once His face is set against a people, emphasizing that there is no circumventing His righteous decrees or escaping His determined will.

* [Leviticus 20:3](/leviticus/20-3 "Leviticus 20:3 - God Sets His Face Against Those Who Defile Themselves")
* [Amos 5:19](/amos/5-19 "Amos 5:19 - Inescapable Judgment")
* [Ezekiel 37:13](/ezekiel/37-13 "Ezekiel 37:13 - Knowing the LORD Through Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 15:7 serves as a sober and challenging reminder for believers today regarding the seriousness of spiritual barrenness and the profound importance of bearing fruit for God's kingdom. Just as the vine was chosen for its fruit-bearing potential, believers are chosen and grafted into Christ, the true vine, to produce righteousness, good works, and the fruit of the Spirit (cf. [John 15:1-8](/john/15-1-8 "John 15:1-8 - Jesus the True Vine and His Branches")). This verse compels us to examine our lives with honest introspection: Are we merely consuming spiritual resources without contributing to God's purposes? Are we living in a way that truly reflects our identity as God's redeemed people, or have we become spiritually unproductive, complacent, and perhaps, in God's eyes, fit for nothing but judgment? It calls us to a deeper commitment to active obedience, personal holiness, and zealous participation in God's redemptive plan, understanding that God's character demands both grace and justice, and He will ultimately be glorified through both. Our fruitfulness is not for His benefit, but for our good and the manifestation of His glory in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be spiritually barren, failing to produce the fruit of the Spirit or good works for God's kingdom?**
* **How does the imagery of inescapable judgment challenge my understanding of God's justice, holiness, and the consequences of unfaithfulness?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "know that I am the LORD" experientially in my daily life, beyond mere intellectual assent to His existence?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a life characterized by consistent obedience and spiritual fruitfulness, rather than succumbing to complacency or spiritual apathy?**

### FAQ
**What does "I will set my face against them" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "I will set my face against them" is a powerful Hebrew idiom signifying God's resolute, determined, and active opposition. It indicates that God is not passively allowing judgment to occur but is personally and decisively engaged in bringing about the consequences of their unfaithfulness. It conveys a sense of unwavering purpose and a direct confrontation from God Himself, ensuring that His judgment will be fully executed. This idiom is used elsewhere in Scripture to denote divine wrath and a firm commitment to punishment, as seen in [Leviticus 20:3](/leviticus/20-3 "Leviticus 20:3 - God Sets His Face Against Those Who Defile Themselves") when referring to those who defile themselves or their children through idolatry.

**What is the significance of "one fire" and "another fire" devouring them?**

Answer: The imagery of escaping "one fire" only to be devoured by "another fire" vividly illustrates the inescapable and successive nature of God's judgment. It means that even if the people manage to survive an initial calamity, such as the first wave of the Babylonian siege, famine, or pestilence, they will inevitably face further, equally devastating consequences. There is no true or lasting escape from God's determined judgment once He has set His face against them. This emphasizes the totality and certainty of their destruction, whether through sword, famine, pestilence, or subsequent waves of exile, as prophesied throughout Ezekiel and Lamentations (e.g., [Lamentations 2:3](/lamentations/2-3 "Lamentations 2:3 - God's Burning Anger") speaks of God pouring out His fury like fire).

**Why is it important that "ye shall know that I am the LORD" through this judgment?**

Answer: The recurring phrase "ye shall know that I am the LORD" (Hebrew: _Ani Yahweh_) is a central and profound theme in Ezekiel, appearing over 70 times. It signifies that the ultimate purpose of God's actions, whether in judgment or restoration, is His self-revelation. Through the severe judgment, God demonstrates His supreme authority, justice, and unique identity as the sovereign, covenant-keeping God. The people, and indeed the surrounding nations, will be forced to experientially recognize that Yahweh is the one true God, whose word is true and whose power is absolute. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but a profound, undeniable recognition gained through the unfolding of His divine plan, as seen in both judgment (e.g., [Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - Knowing the LORD Through Judgment")) and future restoration (e.g., [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations"), where His name is sanctified among the nations).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 15:7, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment against spiritual barrenness and unfaithfulness, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. While the Old Testament judgment on Israel highlighted the dire consequences of failing to bear fruit, Christ himself is presented as [the True Vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine") in whom believers must abide to bear much fruit, for apart from Him, we can do nothing. Those who do not abide in Him and bear fruit are, like the worthless vine wood, "thrown away and withered; and men gather them, throw them into the fire and they are burned" ([John 15:6](/john/15-6 "John 15:6 - Branches Thrown into the Fire")). However, for those who are in Christ, the terrifying judgment of God setting His face against them has been fully absorbed by Jesus on the cross. He, who knew no sin, became sin for us, bearing the consuming fire of God's righteous wrath, so that we might not face it ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, believers are delivered from the "fire" of God's condemnation, for "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Thus, the ultimate "knowing that I am the LORD" is revealed not only in judgment but supremely in the cross and resurrection, where God's perfect justice and boundless love perfectly converge, demonstrating His sovereignty and identity as both righteous Judge and merciful Savior and Lord to all who believe.

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 14:8

And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Psalms 34:16

The face of the LORD [is] against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

Isaiah 24:18

And it shall come to pass, [that] he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.

Amos 9:1

¶ I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.

Amos 9:4

And though they go into captivity before their enemies, thence will I command the sword, and it shall slay them: and I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good.

Jeremiah 21:10

For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good, saith the LORD: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.

Ezekiel 6:7

And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.