Ezekiel 24:9

KJV

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the bloody city! I will even make the pile for fire great.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Woe {H188} to the bloody {H1818} city {H5892}! I will even make the pile {H4071} for fire great {H1431}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore Adonai ELOHIM says this: 'Woe to the city drenched with blood! I myself will make a huge bonfire,

Berean Standard Bible

Yes, this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the city of bloodshed! I, too, will pile the kindling high.

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe to the bloody city! I also will make the pile great.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 24:9 delivers a severe divine "woe" against Jerusalem, indicting it as a "bloody city" due to its pervasive moral corruption, idolatry, and the shedding of innocent blood. This pronouncement, coinciding with the very day the Babylonian siege began, underscores the certainty and imminence of God's righteous judgment. The vivid imagery of making "the pile for fire great" powerfully conveys the totality and consuming intensity of the impending destruction, signifying that Jerusalem's impurities and its very fabric would be purged or annihilated by the fiery wrath of God, executed through the Babylonian invaders.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 24 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet's ministry, transitioning from prophecies of future judgment to the immediate, unfolding reality of Jerusalem's destruction. The chapter commences with the vivid **parable of the boiling pot** in [Ezekiel 24:3-5](/ezekiel/24-3-5 "Ezekiel 24:3-5 - Parable of the Boiling Pot"), which graphically illustrates the city as meat being consumed by fire within a pot, symbolizing its inhabitants trapped during the Babylonian siege. Verse 9 directly follows the explanation of this parable, reinforcing the message of inescapable judgment. The "woe" pronouncement here is not a lament but a solemn, authoritative declaration of divine wrath, tying Jerusalem's fate directly to its accumulated guilt. This prophecy was given on the very day the siege began ([Ezekiel 24:1-2](/ezekiel/24-1-2 "Ezekiel 24:1-2 - The Siege Begins")), emphasizing the immediate and unavoidable nature of the judgment, leaving no room for doubt about God's direct involvement in the city's downfall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 24:9 is set against the backdrop of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, which commenced in 588 BCE and culminated in the city's destruction in 586 BCE. Jerusalem, despite its status as the holy city and the dwelling place of God's temple, had become deeply corrupted. Its history was marred by widespread idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, social injustice, and the shedding of innocent blood, including child sacrifice to pagan deities like Molech ([Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Child Sacrifice to Molech")). The epithet "bloody city" (עִיר דָּמִים, *ʻîr dāmîm*) was a direct indictment of this pervasive moral and spiritual decay. In ancient Near Eastern thought, bloodshed, especially innocent blood, defiled the land and cried out for divine retribution ([Genesis 4:10](/genesis/4-10 "Genesis 4:10 - Abel's Blood Cries Out")). God's patience had worn thin after centuries of warnings through prophets, and now the consequences of Jerusalem's persistent rebellion were to be fully realized through the instrument of the Babylonian empire.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes in Ezekiel 24, and particularly in verse 9, revolve around **divine judgment** and the **inevitable consequences of sin**. God's **holiness and justice** are paramount, as He cannot tolerate unrepentant wickedness, even in His chosen city. The concept of **bloodguilt** is crucial, highlighting how pervasive moral corruption and acts of violence, both literal and spiritual, defile a community and necessitate divine purging. The imagery of fire throughout the chapter ([Ezekiel 24:10-11](/ezekiel/24-10-11 "Ezekiel 24:10-11 - The Pot Purged by Fire")) symbolizes God's consuming wrath, which acts as both a destructive force and a purifying agent. This judgment also underscores the theme of **covenant faithfulness**, demonstrating that Israel's continued rebellion against God's covenant stipulations would ultimately lead to the forfeiture of their blessings and the experience of curses, culminating in exile and destruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bloody (Hebrew, _dâm_):** From דָּמַם, this term primarily refers to blood, especially as that which causes death when shed. Figuratively, and particularly in its plural form (*dāmîm*), it denotes "bloodshed" or "bloodguilt." In Ezekiel 24:9, "bloody city" signifies not merely isolated acts of violence, but a pervasive state of moral corruption, injustice, and idolatry that resulted in the systemic shedding of innocent blood, defiling the city and its inhabitants.
* **city (Hebrew, _ʻîyr_):** This term refers to a fortified settlement, a place guarded by a watch. In this context, *ʻîyr* specifically designates Jerusalem, the capital of Judah and the spiritual center of Israel. The juxtaposition of "city" with "bloody" underscores the profound irony and tragedy of God's chosen city becoming a place of such profound defilement and violence, necessitating divine judgment.
* **pile (Hebrew, _mᵉdûwrâh_):** This word denotes a pile of fuel, typically for a fire, stemming from a root meaning "accumulation." In the context of Ezekiel 24:9, it refers to a massive accumulation of combustible material intended to create an intense blaze. The imagery evokes a funeral pyre or a large bonfire, powerfully symbolizing the complete and consuming destruction that would befall Jerusalem, where its physical structures and symbolic impurities would be annihilated by the fire of God's wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and absolute certainty of the pronouncement. It emphasizes that the subsequent declaration is not merely a human lament or observation, but a direct, authoritative word from the sovereign God (Adonai YHWH), signifying His righteous judgment is about to be executed.
* **"Woe to the bloody city!":** This is a solemn declaration of judgment, an exclamation of impending doom rather than mere sorrow. The epithet "bloody city" (Jerusalem) is a powerful indictment of its deep-seated moral depravity, characterized by idolatry, injustice, and the shedding of innocent blood, which had accumulated to such an extent that it cried out for divine retribution.
* **"I will even make the pile for fire great.":** This clause vividly describes the intensity and totality of the impending destruction. The "pile for fire" refers to a massive pyre, symbolizing the consuming nature of God's judgment. The Lord Himself declares He will make it "great," indicating that the devastation brought upon Jerusalem by the Babylonian siege will be overwhelming, complete, and utterly destructive, purging the city of its defilement through a fiery ordeal.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 24:9 is rich with **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. The "bloody city" is a powerful symbol of Jerusalem's profound moral corruption and guilt, where "blood" represents not only literal violence but also the spiritual defilement of idolatry and injustice. The phrase "make the pile for fire great" employs a vivid **metaphor** of a massive funeral pyre or bonfire. This imagery powerfully conveys the consuming nature of God's judgment, where the city, like fuel, is destined for complete incineration, signifying total destruction and purification by fire. The declaration "Woe to the bloody city!" functions as a **Prophetic Oracle** of judgment, a formal and authoritative pronouncement of divine wrath. The entire verse is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action (making a pile great) to God, emphasizing His direct and active role in orchestrating the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 24:9 powerfully articulates the biblical principle that God is a holy and just God who will not indefinitely tolerate sin, especially when it involves the shedding of innocent blood and covenant unfaithfulness. Jerusalem's designation as a "bloody city" highlights the profound defilement that human sin, particularly violence and injustice, brings upon a community and its land. This defilement necessitates a divine response, often in the form of judgment, which, while destructive, also serves a purifying purpose. The imagery of a "great pile for fire" speaks to the consuming nature of God's wrath, which ultimately purges what is corrupt. This judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous consequence of persistent rebellion against God's moral law and covenant.

* [Jeremiah 2:34](/jeremiah/2-34 "Jeremiah 2:34 - Judah's Hands Stained with Innocent Blood")
* [Leviticus 18:25](/leviticus/18-25 "Leviticus 18:25 - Land Defiled by Sin")
* [Revelation 18:24](/revelation/18-24 "Revelation 18:24 - Babylon's Bloodguilt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 24:9 serves as a sober reminder that God's holiness demands justice, and persistent sin, particularly that involving injustice, oppression, and moral corruption, invites divine reckoning. While the immediate context is ancient Jerusalem, the principles resonate profoundly today. We are called to examine our own lives and societies for any form of "bloodguilt"—which extends beyond literal violence to include systemic injustices, spiritual apathy, and any actions that diminish human dignity or defile God's creation. The "great pile for fire" imagery compels us to consider the consuming nature of unaddressed sin and the ultimate consequences of turning away from God. This verse challenges us to pursue righteousness, advocate for justice, and live in a manner that honors God's holiness, recognizing that divine patience has limits and that accountability is inevitable. It calls for deep introspection: Are we contributing to the "bloodguilt" of our communities through our silence, complicity, or active participation in injustice? Or are we striving to be agents of healing and reconciliation, reflecting God's character in a world that often mirrors the "bloody city"?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our own communities or nations exhibit characteristics of a "bloody city" (e.g., through systemic injustice, moral compromise, or disregard for human life)?**
* **How does the concept of God's consuming judgment (the "great pile for fire") shape our understanding of His character and our responsibility to live righteously?**
* **What specific actions can I take to promote justice and righteousness in my sphere of influence, thereby counteracting the "bloodguilt" of the world?**

### FAQ
**What does "bloody city" mean in this context, and how does it relate to Jerusalem's destruction?**

Answer: The term "bloody city" (Hebrew: *ʻîr dāmîm*) is a severe indictment of Jerusalem's profound moral and spiritual corruption. It refers not only to literal acts of violence and the shedding of innocent blood (e.g., judicial murder, child sacrifice to idols as seen in [Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Child Sacrifice to Molech")) but also to the pervasive spiritual adultery of idolatry and the systemic injustice that permeated its society. In ancient Israelite thought, bloodshed defiled the land and cried out for divine retribution ([Numbers 35:33-34](/numbers/35-33-34 "Numbers 35:33-34 - Land Defiled by Blood")). Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon was God's righteous judgment, a direct consequence of its accumulated "bloodguilt" and unrepentant rebellion against His covenant. The "great pile for fire" symbolizes the complete and consuming nature of this divine purging.

**How does this prophecy of judgment align with God's character of love and mercy?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 24:9 presents a stark picture of judgment, it aligns with God's character by demonstrating His unwavering holiness and justice. God's love is not sentimental; it is a holy love that demands righteousness and cannot tolerate persistent, unrepentant sin. His mercy was extended for centuries through prophets and warnings, but when His people continually rejected His covenant and engaged in pervasive evil, His justice demanded a response. The judgment, though severe, was a necessary act to uphold His righteous character, to purify a defiled people, and to ultimately pave the way for future restoration. It underscores that true love includes holding people accountable for their actions and that there are indeed consequences for rebellion against a holy God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 24:9, with its pronouncement of "woe to the bloody city" and the imagery of a "great pile for fire," vividly portrays the consequences of sin and the necessity of divine judgment. In Christ, we see the ultimate fulfillment and transformation of these themes. Jesus Himself became the sacrificial Lamb, bearing the "bloodguilt" of humanity upon the cross, shedding His own innocent blood to atone for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He absorbed the fiery wrath of God's judgment, so that those who believe in Him might be spared the consuming fire of divine justice ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from God's Wrath")). The "bloody city" of Jerusalem, condemned for its defilement, foreshadows the universal human condition of sin and rebellion. Christ, through His blood, offers cleansing and purification, establishing a new covenant where sins are remembered no more ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")). Ultimately, the judgment upon the "bloody city" points to the coming judgment of all unrighteousness, but also to the promise of a New Jerusalem, a holy city "coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband," where there will be no more sin or defilement ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends")). Thus, Christ is both the one who fulfills the righteous judgment against sin and the one who provides the means of escape and purification for those who trust in Him.

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 24:6

Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the bloody city, to the pot whose scum [is] therein, and whose scum is not gone out of it! bring it out piece by piece; let no lot fall upon it.

Habakkuk 2:12

Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity!

Isaiah 30:33

For Tophet [is] ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made [it] deep [and] large: the pile thereof [is] fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.

Jude 1:7

Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

2 Peter 3:7

But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

2 Peter 3:12

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

Isaiah 31:9

And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire [is] in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.