Ezekiel 5:13

KJV

Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it] in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus shall mine anger {H639} be accomplished {H3615}, and I will cause my fury {H2534} to rest {H5117} upon them, and I will be comforted {H5162}: and they shall know {H3045} that I the LORD {H3068} have spoken {H1696} it in my zeal {H7068}, when I have accomplished {H3615} my fury {H2534} in them.

Complete Jewish Bible

In this way my anger will spend itself, my fury against them will die down, and I will be satisfied. Then, when I have spent my fury on them, they will know that I, ADONAI, have spoken out of my zeal.

Berean Standard Bible

And when My anger is spent and I have vented My wrath against them, I will be appeased. And when I have spent My wrath on them, they will know that I, the LORD, in My zeal have spoken.

American Standard Version

Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my wrath toward them to rest, and I shall be comforted: and they shall know that I, Jehovah, have spoken in my zeal, when I have accomplished my wrath upon them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 5:13 delivers a chilling and definitive declaration of divine judgment, revealing God's unwavering resolve to fully execute His righteous wrath upon Jerusalem and its inhabitants. This verse underscores the certainty and comprehensive nature of the impending devastation, asserting that this judgment serves not only as punishment for persistent rebellion and idolatry but also as a means to accomplish God's holy purposes, bring Him a form of "comfort" in the vindication of His character, and ultimately lead both His people and the nations to acknowledge His sovereign power and unyielding zeal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 5:13 stands as the climactic and interpretive statement following a profound prophetic action detailed at the beginning of [Ezekiel 5](/ezekiel/5 "Ezekiel 5 - Jerusalem's Punishment"). The chapter opens with God commanding Ezekiel to shave his hair and beard, then divide it into three portions, each subjected to a different fate: one-third burned, one-third struck with a sword, and one-third scattered to the wind. This vivid, symbolic act graphically illustrates the three-fold calamity awaiting Jerusalem's population: death by famine and plague, death by the sword, and dispersion among the nations. The divine explanation in [Ezekiel 5:7-12](/ezekiel/5-7-12 "Ezekiel 5:7-12 - The Reasons for Jerusalem's Punishment") explicitly articulates that Jerusalem's profound wickedness and apostasy surpassed even that of the surrounding pagan nations, necessitating such severe and unprecedented judgment. Verse 13, therefore, functions as God's solemn declaration that His righteous anger will be fully expended, and His justice completely satisfied through these devastating events, leaving no doubt as to their divine origin and purpose.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Ezekiel were delivered to the Jewish exiles who had been deported to Babylon following the first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. During this period, and leading up to the final destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BC, many, both in exile and those remaining in the city, clung to a false sense of security, believing that God would never allow His holy city or His dwelling place to be utterly destroyed. Ezekiel's ministry, characterized by dramatic symbolic acts and uncompromising pronouncements, was designed to shatter this delusion and prepare the people for the inevitable and righteous judgment. The cultural backdrop was one of deep-seated idolatry and syncretism within Israel, where the people had abandoned their covenant with Yahweh for the detestable practices of surrounding nations, including child sacrifice and temple prostitution, as vividly depicted in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"). God's judgment was a direct, covenantal response to this profound and persistent unfaithfulness, demonstrating that He would not tolerate the defilement of His name or His land.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 5:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. A primary theme is **Divine Judgment and Holiness**, emphasizing that God's holy character cannot indefinitely tolerate persistent sin, rebellion, and covenant unfaithfulness. His wrath is not arbitrary but a righteous and necessary response to profound moral and spiritual defection, ensuring the vindication of His divine attributes. Another crucial theme is the **Knowledge of God**, as the ultimate purpose of the judgment is for both Israel and the nations to "know that I the LORD have spoken." This experiential knowledge of God's sovereignty and unique identity as the one true God is often gained through the undeniable fulfillment of His warnings and promises, a recurring motif throughout Ezekiel (e.g., [Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - Knowing the Lord Through Judgment"), [Ezekiel 7:27](/ezekiel/7-27 "Ezekiel 7:27 - Acknowledging God's Sovereignty")). Finally, the concept of **Divine Zeal** (Hebrew: *qin'ah*) is central, portraying God's fervent, passionate commitment to His own glory, His covenant, and His people, which compels Him to act decisively against anything that dishonors His name or undermines His relationship with Israel, ensuring His word is always brought to pass.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **anger (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** From H639, this word literally refers to the nose or nostril, but figuratively denotes the face and, most commonly, "ire" or "wrath" due to the rapid breathing associated with intense emotion. In Ezekiel 5:13, it signifies God's intense, righteous indignation and displeasure, which has reached a point of full expression and cannot be restrained. It is a holy anger, provoked by Israel's profound and persistent rebellion against His covenant, a response to their defilement of His name and His sanctuary.
* **comforted (Hebrew, _nâcham'_):** From H5162, this root carries a range of meanings, including "to sigh," "to be sorry," "to pity," "to console," or "to avenge oneself." In this context, "I will be comforted" indicates that God will find relief or satisfaction in the execution of His just judgment. It does not imply pleasure in suffering, but rather a cessation of the grief, dishonor, and offense caused by Israel's egregious sin. His holy character, which has been deeply offended and "grieved" by their apostasy, will be vindicated and brought to a state of rest once justice is fully accomplished and His righteousness upheld.
* **zeal (Hebrew, _qinʼâh'_):: From H7068, this term denotes an intense, fervent passion, often translated as "jealousy" or "envy." Here, it describes God's burning commitment to His own holiness, His covenant, and His unique relationship with Israel. This zeal compels Him to act decisively against unfaithfulness and idolatry, as His honor and the integrity of His covenant are at stake. It is a divine attribute that ensures His promises and warnings are fulfilled, whether in judgment or blessing, demonstrating His unwavering devotion to His own character and purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus shall mine anger be accomplished":** This clause declares the absolute certainty and finality of God's wrath. His anger, provoked by Israel's persistent and profound sin, will not be held back or merely threatened; it will be fully executed, brought to its complete and intended end. The judgment is not partial or temporary but comprehensive, ensuring that the full measure of divine displeasure is meted out.
* **"and I will cause my fury to rest upon them":** This phrase powerfully reinforces the idea of the full, settled, and pervasive application of divine wrath. God's "fury" (a synonym for intense anger, indicating a boiling, passionate indignation) will not just touch them lightly but will "rest upon them," indicating a sustained, overwhelming, and inescapable impact. It signifies that the judgment will be complete and relentless, leaving no doubt about its divine origin, thoroughness, and purpose.
* **"and I will be comforted":** This profound and often challenging statement reveals a unique aspect of God's character in judgment. His "comfort" is not found in the suffering of His people but in the vindication of His righteousness and the satisfaction of His justice. The deep offense, grief, and dishonor caused by Israel's rebellion will be resolved through the execution of righteous judgment, bringing a holy "peace" or "relief" to God's character as order is restored and His holiness is upheld.
* **"and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it] in my zeal":** This clause articulates a primary, overarching purpose of the judgment: to bring about a profound and undeniable recognition of God's sovereignty and unique identity. Through the undeniable fulfillment of His warnings and the devastating consequences, both Israel (the remnant) and the surrounding nations will come to "know" (experientially understand and acknowledge) that the God of Israel, Yahweh (the LORD), is the true and living God, and that His actions are driven by His fervent, unyielding commitment to His own glory and covenant.
* **"when I have accomplished my fury in them.":** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful reiteration and emphasis on the completeness and thoroughness of the divine judgment. The "accomplishment" of His "fury" signifies that the full measure of His righteous indignation will be poured out, leaving no doubt that His word has been fulfilled precisely as spoken, and His justice has been entirely satisfied. This repetition underscores the absolute certainty and devastating thoroughness of the impending divine action.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 5:13 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine judgment with maximum impact. **Personification** is evident in phrases such as "mine anger be accomplished" and "I will cause my fury to rest upon them," which attribute human actions and states (accomplishment, resting) to abstract divine emotions. This technique emphasizes the active, intentional, and personal nature of God's wrath, making it a dynamic force rather than a passive state. The verse also utilizes powerful **Repetition** of key concepts, particularly "accomplished" and "fury," which serves to underscore the certainty, finality, and thoroughness of the impending judgment. This reiteration creates a sense of inevitability and divine resolve. The opening phrase, "Thus shall...," functions as a classic **Oracle Formula**, a common prophetic device that signals a direct, authoritative divine pronouncement. This lends absolute authority and an inescapable sense of doom to the words that follow. Furthermore, the entire declaration is imbued with a profound sense of **Divine Pathos and Resolution**, where God's intense emotional response to sin (anger, fury, zeal) is met with His unwavering resolve to bring about justice, ultimately finding a unique form of "comfort" in the restoration of order and the vindication of His holy character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 5:13 profoundly articulates the theological truth that God is not only loving and merciful but also holy and just, and His character demands a righteous response to sin. His "anger" and "fury" are not human capriciousness but righteous indignation against covenant unfaithfulness and idolatry, which desecrates His name and violates His relationship with His people. The idea of God being "comforted" by the accomplishment of His wrath is a challenging but vital concept, signifying that His justice must be satisfied for His holy character to be fully vindicated and at peace. This verse highlights the absolute certainty of God's word and the inevitability of His judgments, demonstrating that His "zeal" ensures the fulfillment of all He has spoken, whether for blessing or for discipline, ultimately for the purpose that humanity might "know" Him as the sovereign Lord, who is faithful to His word and His nature.

* [Deuteronomy 32:36](/deuteronomy/32-36 "Deuteronomy 32:36 - God's Vengeance and Comfort for His People")
* [Isaiah 1:24](/isaiah/1-24 "Isaiah 1:24 - God's Declaration of Vengeance and Comfort")
* [Psalm 78:38-39](/psalms/78-38-39 "Psalm 78:38-39 - God's Compassion Despite His Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 5:13 serves as a stark and sobering reminder that God's holiness and justice are not abstract theological concepts but active attributes that demand a response to sin. For ancient Israel, this meant facing the devastating consequences of their persistent idolatry and rebellion. For us today, it underscores the profound seriousness of our own sin and the immutable truth that God does not overlook unrighteousness indefinitely. This passage challenges us to deeply examine our lives for any form of idolatry—anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts, whether it be wealth, power, relationships, self-sufficiency, or worldly approval. It calls us to cultivate a deeper, more reverent understanding of God's character, recognizing that His "anger" is a holy and just response to that which dishonors Him, and His "comfort" is found in the vindication of His righteousness and the restoration of His glory. This should cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, not a terror that paralyzes, but a reverent awe that compels us to walk in obedience, faithfulness, and humility, trusting that His word, whether in warning or promise, will always be fulfilled. Moreover, it deepens our appreciation for the immense cost of redemption, as it reveals the depth of wrath that was justly due to humanity's sin, making the grace offered in Christ all the more astonishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "anger" and "fury" in this verse shape your perception of His holiness and justice?**
* **What does it mean for God to be "comforted" by the accomplishment of His wrath, and how does this concept challenge or deepen your understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways might modern-day "idolatry" manifest in our lives, and how does Ezekiel 5:13 speak to the seriousness of such unfaithfulness?**
* **How does the certainty of God's word, as highlighted by His "zeal" in this verse, impact your trust and obedience today?**

### FAQ

**Does God truly take "comfort" in punishing people?**
Answer: The concept of God being "comforted" (Hebrew: *nâcham*) in Ezekiel 5:13 is not about finding sadistic pleasure in human suffering or destruction. Instead, it speaks to the satisfaction of divine justice and the vindication of His holy character. God's righteous nature is grieved and dishonored by persistent sin, rebellion, and the defilement of His covenant. When His righteous judgment is executed, it brings an end to the disorder, offense, and dishonor caused by sin, thereby upholding His holiness and bringing a form of "rest" or "relief" to His character. It signifies that the righteous demands of His nature have been met, and His glory has been upheld, as also seen in [Isaiah 1:24](/isaiah/1-24 "God's Vengeance and Comfort").

**What does "zeal" mean in the context of God's actions?**
Answer: God's "zeal" (Hebrew: *qinʼâh*) refers to His intense, fervent passion or indignation. It describes His burning commitment to His own holiness, His covenant, and His unique relationship with His people. This zeal drives Him to act decisively against anything that compromises His glory or violates the covenant, whether through judgment against sin or through acts of redemption and restoration. It ensures that His word, both warnings and promises, will be fulfilled, as He is passionately devoted to His own character and purposes. This divine attribute is also seen in [Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "The Zeal of the LORD of Hosts") where it guarantees the establishment of the Messiah's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 5:13, with its stark declaration of God's accomplished anger and fury, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The righteous wrath of God, which was justly due to humanity's sin and rebellion—the very wrath prophesied in Ezekiel and throughout the Old Testament—was fully poured out and "accomplished" not upon us, but upon Christ at the cross. He became the propitiation for our sins, meaning He fully absorbed the divine fury and satisfied God's righteous demands, as articulated in [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation for Sins"). In Christ, God's "anger" and "fury" found their perfect and complete resolution, allowing God to be "comforted" not by our destruction, but by the perfect, obedient sacrifice of His Son, which fully vindicated His justice while simultaneously demonstrating His boundless love ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Through Jesus' atoning death and resurrection, the "zeal" of the Lord, which once brought judgment for covenant unfaithfulness, now passionately works for the salvation and restoration of all who believe, bringing them into a new covenant relationship where the knowledge of the Lord is given not through devastating judgment but through grace, forgiveness, and the indwelling Spirit ([Hebrews 8:10-12](/hebrews/8-10-12 "Hebrews 8:10-12 - The New Covenant and Knowledge of God")). Thus, the terrifying prospect of divine wrath in Ezekiel ultimately points to the glorious truth that in Christ, God's justice is perfectly satisfied, and His comfort is found in reconciliation and eternal life for His redeemed people.

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 36:5

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all [their] heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey.

Ezekiel 36:6

Prophesy therefore concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my fury, because ye have borne the shame of the heathen:

Isaiah 1:24

Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies:

Ezekiel 6:12

He that is far off shall die of the pestilence; and he that is near shall fall by the sword; and he that remaineth and is besieged shall die by the famine: thus will I accomplish my fury upon them.

Ezekiel 20:21

Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.

Ezekiel 7:8

Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations.

Ezekiel 21:17

I will also smite mine hands together, and I will cause my fury to rest: I the LORD have said [it].