Ezekiel 20:47

KJV

And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

And say {H559} to the forest {H3293} of the south {H5045}, Hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}; Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I will kindle {H3341} a fire {H784} in thee, and it shall devour {H398} every green {H3892} tree {H6086} in thee, and every dry {H3002} tree {H6086}: the flaming {H3852} flame {H7957} shall not be quenched {H3518}, and all faces {H6440} from the south {H5045} to the north {H6828} shall be burned {H6866} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

say to the Negev forest: 'Hear the word of ADONAI. Adonai ELOHIM says, "I will light a fire in you; it will devour every tree in you, green and dry alike; a blazing, unquenchable flame that will scorch every face from the Negev to the north.

Berean Standard Bible

Say to the forest of the Negev: Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Lord GOD says: I am about to ignite in you a fire, and it will devour all your trees, both green and dry. The blazing flame will not be quenched, and by it every face from south to north will be scorched.

American Standard Version

and say to the forest of the South, Hear the word of Jehovah: Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burnt thereby.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:47 delivers a profound and stark prophetic declaration of divine judgment against the kingdom of Judah, symbolically depicted as "the forest of the south." Through the prophet Ezekiel, the sovereign Lord God announces His deliberate intention to ignite an unquenchable fire within the land, which will indiscriminately consume both "green" and "dry" trees. This vivid and terrifying imagery underscores the absolute certainty, comprehensive nature, and inescapable severity of God's righteous wrath, ensuring that the consequences of Judah's persistent idolatry and rebellion will be felt across the entire land, from its southernmost reaches to its northern borders, leaving no one untouched.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 20:47 serves as the climactic and culminating pronouncement of judgment within a broader prophetic oracle that begins in [Ezekiel 20:45](/ezekiel/20-45 "Ezekiel 20:45 - Prophecy Against the South") (or 20:46 in some translations), immediately following a lengthy and damning historical review of Israel's relentless rebellion. Throughout [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellious History"), God meticulously recounts the nation's idolatry and disobedience, from their time in Egypt, through their wilderness wanderings, and into their settlement in the Promised Land, highlighting their consistent rejection of His covenant despite His unwavering grace. This historical indictment, particularly emphasizing the defilement of His Sabbaths and the worship of idols, builds inexorably towards the declaration of an imminent and devastating judgment. Thus, the "fire" of verse 47 is presented not as an arbitrary act, but as the just and inevitable consequence of centuries of spiritual apostasy and persistent rejection of God's holy commands.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel 20:47 is delivered to the Jewish exiles already in Babylon, yet its focus is directed back towards the unfaithful remnant in Judah and the impending destruction of Jerusalem. The phrase "the forest of the south" (Hebrew: *yaʻar han-negev*) is a powerful symbolic reference to the kingdom of Judah, specifically the densely populated region around Jerusalem, which lay geographically to the south of the Babylonian empire from Ezekiel's perspective. While the *Negev* typically refers to the arid southern desert, its combination with "forest" here creates a rich metaphor for a land that, despite its potential for spiritual fruitfulness, had become spiritually overgrown, wild, and corrupted by idolatry. The "fire" imagery was a potent and commonly understood biblical metaphor for divine judgment, often executed through the destructive campaigns of invading armies. In this context, it vividly foreshadows the imminent Babylonian invasion that would lay waste to Jerusalem and the surrounding territory, fulfilling God's pronouncements with devastating precision.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Wrath**, where the "fire" functions as a stark and inescapable metaphor for the comprehensive and destructive nature of God's righteous indignation against sin. It underscores the theme of **Comprehensive Destruction**, as the phrase "every green tree... and every dry tree" acts as a merism, signifying an indiscriminate judgment that will affect all inhabitants and aspects of the land, leaving no one untouched—a concept echoed in [Luke 23:31](/luke/23-31 "Luke 23:31 - Green and Dry Wood in Judgment"). Furthermore, the declaration that "the flaming flame shall not be quenched" emphasizes the **Inevitable and Unyielding Nature of God's Judgment** once it has been decreed and set in motion. Finally, the authoritative opening, "Thus saith the Lord GOD," powerfully reiterates **God's Sovereignty and Authority** over history, nations, and the consequences of human actions, demonstrating that this impending judgment is not random calamity but a deliberate, just, and holy act of His divine will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **forest (Hebrew, _yaʻar'_):** While literally meaning a copse or wood, here "forest" is used metaphorically to represent the land and people of Judah. The imagery suggests a dense, perhaps wild or overgrown, population that has become spiritually untamed and rebellious. The choice of "forest of the south" specifically points to the geographical location of Judah relative to the prophet's exile, emphasizing the target of God's judgment. It implies a place that should have been cultivated for God's glory but had instead become a thicket of sin and idolatry.
* **kindle (Hebrew, _yâtsath'_):** This verb signifies an active, deliberate initiation of fire. It emphasizes that the impending destruction is not a random calamity or an act of mere human aggression, but a direct, intentional act of God. The divine declaration, "Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee," underscores His sovereignty and agency in bringing about this judgment. It is a divine judgment, not merely a natural consequence, demonstrating God's active role in history and His response to human sin.
* **quenched (Hebrew, _kâbâh'_):** This word refers to the act of extinguishing a flame or light. The declaration that the "flaming flame shall not be quenched" highlights the absolute certainty, intensity, and unstoppable nature of the divine judgment. Once ignited, this fire of wrath will run its full course, consuming everything it is purposed to destroy without any possibility of being put out or averted by human intervention. It signifies the irreversible and complete nature of the coming devastation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD;"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and unchallengeable authority of the prophecy. Ezekiel is commanded to deliver a direct, authoritative message from the sovereign God to Judah, personified as a "forest," demanding their immediate and serious attention to the impending judgment. The repetition of divine titles—"LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh, the covenant God) and "Lord GOD" (ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih, the sovereign Master)—underscores the absolute and undeniable source of this pronouncement, leaving no doubt as to its ultimate power and certainty.
* **"Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree:"**: This is the core declaration of judgment, revealing God as the active agent. "Behold" draws immediate attention to the gravity of the impending act. God Himself is the initiator of the "fire," which symbolizes destructive warfare, desolation, and the consuming nature of His wrath. The phrase "every green tree... and every dry tree" is a powerful merism, signifying that the destruction will be total and indiscriminate, affecting all inhabitants and aspects of the land—the righteous and the wicked, the strong and the weak, the productive and the unproductive—leaving no one untouched by the sweeping devastation.
* **"the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein."**: This final clause intensifies the imagery, emphasizing the unyielding and unstoppable nature of the judgment. The "flaming flame" (a powerful Hebrew idiom) highlights its fierce intensity and consuming power, and the declaration that it "shall not be quenched" confirms its inevitability and permanence. The widespread impact is conveyed by "all faces from the south to the north," indicating that the devastation will be comprehensive, leaving no one untouched across the entire breadth of the land of Judah, from its southernmost borders to its northernmost reaches, as the fire of God's judgment sweeps through.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:47 is rich with powerful literary devices that amplify its message of impending judgment and underscore its divine origin. **Metaphor** and **Symbolism** are central to the verse's impact, with "the forest of the south" serving as a potent metaphor for the land and people of Judah, specifically Jerusalem and its inhabitants. The "fire" is a pervasive and terrifying symbol for divine judgment and the destructive force of war, often executed through invading armies. The phrase "every green tree... and every dry tree" functions as a **Merism**, a figure of speech in which two contrasting parts represent the whole, powerfully underscoring the totality and indiscriminateness of the coming destruction, affecting all without exception. The repetition of "flaming flame" (Hebrew: *shalhebeth yahhebet*) is an example of **Polyptoton** or **Intensifying Repetition**, used to emphasize the extreme heat, intensity, and consuming power of the fire, making its destructive force undeniable. Finally, the prophetic declaration begins with the authoritative formula "Thus saith the Lord GOD," which is a hallmark of **Divine Speech** or **Prophetic Oracle**, asserting the absolute authority and certainty of the message as emanating directly from God Himself, leaving no room for doubt regarding its fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:47 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding holiness, perfect justice, and unwavering commitment to His covenant. It reveals that while God is merciful and long-suffering, His patience with persistent rebellion has limits. His covenant faithfulness demands that He uphold His righteous standards and bring consequences for unrepentant sin and idolatry. This verse serves as a stark reminder that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a just, necessary, and proportionate response to a sustained pattern of disobedience, spiritual apostasy, and rejection of His commands. It underscores the severity of breaking covenant with God and the comprehensive nature of the judgment that can fall upon a people who continually provoke Him. The "unquenchable fire" speaks to the certainty and finality of God's decreed judgment, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over the affairs of nations and His commitment to purifying His people, even if it means through devastating means that reveal the depth of their sin and the righteousness of His character.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 1:31](/isaiah/1-31 "Isaiah 1:31 - Unquenchable Fire of Judgment")
* [Jeremiah 17:27](/jeremiah/17-27 "Jeremiah 17:27 - Unquenchable Fire on Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:47, while a historical prophecy against ancient Judah, carries timeless spiritual truths and profound implications for all generations. It serves as a solemn warning that persistent rebellion against God's revealed will inevitably leads to severe and inescapable consequences. We are reminded that God is not to be trifled with; His holiness and justice demand a response of reverence, humility, and obedience. For individuals and communities today, this verse calls for a serious and honest examination of our lives and priorities. Are we living in faithful obedience to God's word, or are we, like ancient Israel, subtly or overtly pursuing idols of our own making—whether wealth, power, pleasure, self-sufficiency, or even religious ritual without true devotion—that effectively dethrone God in our hearts? The imagery of an "unquenchable fire" of judgment should impress upon us the urgency of genuine repentance and the profound mercy of God's gracious offer of salvation through Christ. It compels us to consider the ultimate destination of those who reject God's grace and to live lives that honor Him, seeking His will and walking in His ways, lest we face the consuming fire of His righteous wrath.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly or overtly rebelling against God's will, similar to ancient Israel's idolatry and disobedience?**
* **How does the imagery of an "unquenchable fire" impact my understanding of God's absolute justice and the seriousness of unrepentant sin?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my life is characterized by faithful obedience and spiritual vitality, rather than spiritual dryness or rebellion?**

### FAQ
**What does "the forest of the south" specifically refer to in Ezekiel 20:47?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 20:47, "the forest of the south" (Hebrew: *yaʻar han-negev*) is a rich symbolic and metaphorical reference to the kingdom of Judah, particularly the region surrounding Jerusalem. While the *Negev* typically denotes the arid southern desert region of Judah, its use in this context, combined with "forest," represents the entire populated and cultivated land of Judah. The imagery of a "forest" might also subtly allude to the spiritual wildness, the dense growth of sin, or the thicket of idolatry that had taken root within the nation. Geographically, Judah was indeed south of Babylon, where Ezekiel was prophesying from, making the directional reference relevant to the exiles hearing the prophecy. This symbolic language underscores that the impending divine judgment would encompass the entire nation, from its heartland to its borders, as further suggested by the phrase "all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein," indicating a comprehensive and inescapable devastation across the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 20:47 vividly portrays God's unquenchable judgment against a rebellious nation, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual resolution are profoundly found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "fire" of God's wrath, which threatened to consume "every green tree and every dry tree" in Judah, finds its ultimate satisfaction not in the destruction of humanity, but in the person of Christ. On the cross, Jesus willingly became the object of this divine judgment, absorbing the full, unquenchable fury of God's righteous anger against sin. As hinted in [Luke 23:31](/luke/23-31 "Luke 23:31 - Green and Dry Wood in Judgment"), where Jesus speaks of "green wood" and "dry wood" in relation to judgment, Christ, the perfectly "green tree" of righteousness, bore the judgment intended for the "dry trees" of humanity. His sacrifice on Calvary was the ultimate act of both judgment and atonement, where the divine fire of wrath was poured out upon Him, thereby quenching it for all who believe ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Deliverance from Wrath through Christ")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ provides the only escape from the consuming fire of God's judgment, offering reconciliation and eternal life to those who trust in Him. He is both the Lamb who bore the judgment and the coming King who will execute final judgment, ensuring that God's justice is fully satisfied and His people are eternally redeemed ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - Christ as Judge"), [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, the terrifying fire of Ezekiel 20:47 points forward to the cross, where the righteous demands of God were met, and salvation was secured for all who would turn to Christ.

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

Jeremiah 21:14

But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings, saith the LORD: and I will kindle a fire in the forest thereof, and it shall devour all things round about it.

Isaiah 9:18

For wickedness burneth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up [like] the lifting up of smoke.

Isaiah 9:19

Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.

Luke 23:31

For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

Isaiah 24:1

¶ Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.

Isaiah 24:6

Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

Ezekiel 17:24

And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it].