33:25 33:25

Ezekiel 33:26

33:27 33:27

Bible Versions

Ye stand upon your sword, ye work abomination, and ye defile every one his neighbour's wife: and shall ye possess the land?
Ye stand {H5975} upon your sword {H2719}, ye work {H6213} abomination {H8441}, and ye defile {H2930} every one {H376} his neighbour's {H7453} wife {H802}: and shall ye possess {H3423} the land {H776}?
You depend on your swords, you commit disgusting practices, and each of you defiles his neighbor's wife - and you still expect to possess the land?'
You have relied on your swords, you have committed detestable acts, and each of you has defiled his neighbor’s wife. Should you then possess the land?’
Ye stand upon your sword, ye work abomination, and ye defile every one his neighbor’s wife: and shall ye possess the land?

Context

Ezekiel 33 marks a significant turning point in the prophet Ezekiel's ministry. After the fall of Jerusalem, a momentous event reported in Ezekiel 33:21, God's message shifts from solely predicting judgment to also offering hope for restoration for the repentant. However, before this hope, Ezekiel addresses the false security and continued sin of those who remained in the land of Israel. These individuals, despite the clear signs of divine judgment, believed they had a right to possess the land simply by their physical presence. This verse, Ezekiel 33:26, is a direct and forceful rebuke to their presumptuous claims, highlighting their profound moral corruption.

Key Themes

  • False Security and Presumption: The people wrongly assumed their heritage guaranteed possession of the land, ignoring their flagrant disobedience. They "stand upon their sword," indicating reliance on their own strength, perceived rights, or perhaps even violence, rather than on God's covenant faithfulness contingent upon their obedience.
  • Gross Moral Depravity: The verse explicitly lists severe sins: "working abomination" (detestable acts against God's law, often involving idolatry or severe social injustice) and "defiling every one his neighbour's wife" (adultery). These actions directly violated the core tenets of the Mosaic Law, particularly the commandment against adultery.
  • Consequences of Sin: The rhetorical question, "and shall ye possess the land?", underscores that their sinful behavior disqualified them from enjoying God's covenant blessings. The land was a gift, but its possession was tied to faithfulness to God's covenant, a principle emphasized throughout the Pentateuch, especially in Deuteronomy.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "ye stand upon your sword" (KJV) conveys a sense of self-reliance and aggressive self-assertion. It implies that their confidence was in their own power or ability to defend their claim, rather than in God. The term "abomination" translates the Hebrew word to'ebah (תּוֹעֵבָה), which refers to something detestable or abhorrent to God. It is frequently used in the Old Testament for idolatrous practices, sexual perversions, and other grave moral offenses that defile the land and the people, as seen in Leviticus 18:25-28.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 33:26 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual presumption and the dangers of moral decay. It reminds us that:

  • Faith without Works is Dead: Our claims of faith or spiritual heritage are empty if our lives are characterized by unrepentant sin. True possession of God's blessings requires alignment with His will and character.
  • Consequences of Sin are Real: God is holy, and while He is merciful, unaddressed sin brings separation and loss of blessing. This verse highlights that living in defiance of God's moral standards has tangible consequences, both individually and corporately.
  • Authenticity Matters: God looks beyond outward appearances or claims of belonging to the heart and actions. Our conduct must reflect the values of the Kingdom we claim to be part of. This calls believers to genuine repentance and a life of integrity, rather than relying on a mere declaration of faith without corresponding transformation.
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.

  • Zephaniah 3:3

    Her princes within her [are] roaring lions; her judges [are] evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.

  • Genesis 27:40

    And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.

  • Micah 2:1

    ¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

  • Micah 2:2

    And they covet fields, and take [them] by violence; and houses, and take [them] away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.

  • Joshua 23:15

    Therefore it shall come to pass, [that] as all good things are come upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

  • Joshua 23:16

    When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.

  • Psalms 94:20

    Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
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