Ezekiel 5:16

KJV

When I shall send upon them the evil arrows of famine, which shall be for [their] destruction, [and] which I will send to destroy you: and I will increase the famine upon you, and will break your staff of bread:

KJV (with Strong's)

When I shall send {H7971} upon them the evil {H7451} arrows {H2671} of famine {H7458}, which shall be for their destruction {H4889}, and which I will send {H7971} to destroy {H7843} you: and I will increase {H3254} the famine {H7458} upon you, and will break {H7665} your staff {H4294} of bread {H3899}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I will send upon them the deadly, destructive arrows of famine, which I will send to destroy you. I will make the famine worse for you by cutting off your food supply.

Berean Standard Bible

When I shower you with the deadly arrows of famine and destruction that I will send to destroy you, I will intensify the famine against you and cut off your supply of food.

American Standard Version

when I shall send upon them the evil arrows of famine, that are for destruction, which I will send to destroy you. And I will increase the famine upon you, and will break your staff of bread;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 5:16 serves as a stark prophetic declaration of God's severe and escalating judgment against Jerusalem, specifically detailing the devastating impact of famine. This verse underscores the divine origin and intentionality of the impending calamity, portraying famine not as a random misfortune but as a targeted weapon of destruction. It highlights the complete withdrawal of basic sustenance, symbolized by the breaking of the "staff of bread," signifying utter deprivation and societal collapse as a direct consequence of Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 5:16 is embedded within a powerful prophetic oracle concerning the fate of Jerusalem and its inhabitants. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 5:1-12) describe a symbolic act performed by Ezekiel: he shaves his hair and beard, dividing the hairs into three portions, each representing a different fate for the people of Jerusalem—one-third consumed by fire (pestilence/famine), one-third struck by the sword, and one-third scattered by the wind. Verse 16 specifically elaborates on the "fire" portion, detailing the nature and severity of the famine. This judgment is presented as a direct consequence of Jerusalem's defilement of God's sanctuary and disregard for His covenant laws (Ezekiel 5:11). The entire chapter serves as a vivid illustration of the covenant curses outlined in the Torah, emphasizing the inescapable nature of divine judgment for unfaithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 5:16 is delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), following the first deportation of Judah's elite, including Ezekiel himself, to Babylon. Jerusalem, though not yet fully destroyed, was under siege and facing imminent collapse. The people of Judah had a long history of covenant unfaithfulness, embracing idolatry and social injustice, despite repeated warnings from prophets. Famine was a common and devastating consequence of siege warfare in the ancient Near East, often leading to extreme suffering, disease, and cannibalism. The "staff of bread" was a universal symbol of life's most basic necessity. To "break" it meant to cut off all means of sustenance, a punishment frequently threatened in the Mosaic Law for disobedience (e.g., [Leviticus 26:26](/leviticus/26-26 "Leviticus 26:26 - Breaking the Staff of Bread") and [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48 - Hunger and Thirst as Curses")). This verse thus resonates deeply with the lived experience and cultural understanding of the exiles and those remaining in Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, asserting God's active role in orchestrating the calamities as righteous retribution for sin. It underscores God's absolute control over natural elements and human destiny, demonstrating that He is not merely an observer but an active participant in history. Another crucial theme is **Covenant Faithfulness and Consequences**, highlighting that Israel's persistent rebellion against the Mosaic covenant inevitably leads to severe curses, as warned in the Torah. The severity of the famine also emphasizes the theme of **Desolation and Deprivation**, illustrating the complete stripping away of all comfort and provision, leading to utter societal breakdown. This serves as a stark warning about the destructive power of sin and the holiness of God, who will not tolerate persistent unfaithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This word signifies not merely "bad" in a moral sense, but also calamitous, harmful, or disastrous. When applied to the "arrows of famine," it emphasizes the destructive, injurious, and malevolent nature of the judgment from the perspective of those experiencing it. It points to the suffering and calamity that famine brings.
* **arrows (Hebrew, _chêts'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to pierce," this term refers to a projectile, typically an arrow or dart. In this context, it metaphorically describes famine as a swift, precise, and lethal weapon, indicating that God's judgment is targeted and unavoidable. The imagery conveys a sense of direct impact and deadly intent, as if famine itself is being launched with destructive purpose.
* **break (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** This primitive root means "to burst," "to shatter," or "to crush." When applied to the "staff of bread," it denotes the complete and utter destruction or cessation of the food supply. It implies a violent and decisive act that renders sustenance impossible, leading directly to starvation and the collapse of life-sustaining structures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When I shall send upon them the evil arrows of famine, which shall be for their destruction, and which I will send to destroy you:"** This opening clause unequivocally establishes God as the active agent of judgment. The phrase "evil arrows of famine" personifies famine as a weapon, emphasizing its destructive and targeted nature. The repetition of "which I will send to destroy you" (or "them," referring to the inhabitants of Jerusalem) underscores the divine intent behind the calamity, making it clear that this is not random misfortune but a deliberate act of divine wrath, aimed at bringing about utter ruin. The word "destruction" (H4889, _mashchîyth_) further highlights the complete and devastating outcome.
* **"and I will increase the famine upon you,"** This clause indicates an escalation of suffering. The initial famine will not be a singular event but will intensify progressively, leading to a worsening state of hunger and deprivation. This signifies a prolonged and deepening period of agony, designed to maximize the punitive effect of the judgment.
* **"and will break your staff of bread:"** This powerful idiom signifies the complete cutting off of all food supply and means of sustenance. The "staff of bread" (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh lechem_) represents the very foundation of life and provision. To "break" it means to render it useless, ensuring starvation and the collapse of societal order. It is an image of ultimate deprivation, leaving the people utterly helpless and without hope of relief from their hunger.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 5:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey the severity of God's judgment. **Personification** is evident in the phrase "evil arrows of famine," where famine is given the agency and destructive capacity of a weapon, capable of being "sent" and causing "destruction." This vivid imagery transforms an abstract concept into an active, menacing force. The most prominent device is **Metaphor** in "break your staff of bread." This is a powerful and universally understood idiom for the complete removal of all means of sustenance, signifying utter starvation and the collapse of life's basic support. The "staff" represents support and the "bread" represents life itself. The phrase also functions as a **Merism**, where "staff of bread" stands for all forms of sustenance, implying a total lack. Furthermore, the escalating language, "I will increase the famine," suggests a form of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, emphasizing the overwhelming and relentless nature of the impending suffering. The repetition of "I will send" also serves as **Anaphora**, reinforcing God's direct and active role in orchestrating these calamities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 5:16 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding justice and His commitment to His covenant, even when it involves severe judgment for disobedience. It reveals that God is not indifferent to sin but actively intervenes to uphold His holiness and righteousness. This verse connects to the broader biblical theme that material sustenance is a gift from God, and its withdrawal can be a form of divine discipline, designed to bring people to repentance or to demonstrate the consequences of rebellion. The "breaking of the staff of bread" is a recurring motif in scripture, symbolizing complete deprivation and the removal of divine blessing due to unfaithfulness, underscoring the direct link between human action and divine response.

* [Leviticus 26:26](/leviticus/26-26 "Leviticus 26:26 - Breaking the Staff of Bread as a Covenant Curse")
* [Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - Famine, Sword, and Pestilence as Judgment")
* [Amos 8:11](/amos/8-11 "Amos 8:11 - A Famine of Hearing the Word of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 5:16 serves as a sobering reminder of the gravity of sin and the unwavering justice of God. While we live under the New Covenant of grace, this passage still speaks to the unchanging character of God—His holiness, His righteousness, and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation. It compels us to consider the seriousness with which God views disobedience and idolatry, urging us to examine our own lives for areas where we might be unfaithful or taking His provisions for granted. This verse challenges us to cultivate a deep reverence for God, to live in humble obedience to His Word, and to recognize that true sustenance, both physical and spiritual, ultimately comes from Him. It also highlights the importance of repentance, reminding us that God's judgment, though severe, often aims to bring about a turning back to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "evil arrows of famine" shape your understanding of God's judgment?**
* **In what ways might we, in our modern context, "break our staff of bread" through our choices or societal values?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the relationship between sin, consequences, and God's sovereignty?**
* **How can understanding God's justice in the Old Testament deepen our appreciation for His grace in the New Testament?**

### FAQ

**Does God literally send famine as punishment, or is this figurative language?**

Answer: In the biblical worldview, especially within the prophetic literature, God is understood to be sovereign over all creation, including natural phenomena. While famine can arise from natural causes (drought, disease, war), the prophets often interpret such events as divinely orchestrated judgments, particularly when they occur in response to covenant unfaithfulness. Ezekiel 5:16 explicitly states, "When I shall send upon them the evil arrows of famine," indicating God's direct agency and intentionality. This does not preclude secondary causes but emphasizes that God is ultimately in control and uses these means to achieve His purposes, whether for discipline, warning, or judgment. It’s a theological statement about God's active involvement in history and His justice, not merely a scientific explanation of natural disasters.

**What is the significance of "breaking the staff of bread"?**

Answer: The "staff of bread" (Hebrew: _maṭṭeh lechem_) is a powerful biblical idiom representing the complete cessation or destruction of the food supply—the most basic necessity for life. The "staff" symbolizes support and sustenance, while "bread" (Hebrew: _lechem_) is a metonym for all food. To "break" it means to render it useless, signifying utter deprivation, starvation, and the collapse of societal order. This phrase is found in various prophetic warnings (e.g., [Leviticus 26:26](/leviticus/26-26 "Leviticus 26:26 - Covenant Curses for Disobedience") and [Psalm 105:16](/psalm/105-16 "Psalm 105:16 - God Calls for Famine")), underscoring that God controls the very means of human survival and can withdraw them as a form of judgment for persistent disobedience. It implies a state of extreme distress where even the most fundamental provisions are withheld.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 5:16 vividly portrays God's judgment through famine and the breaking of physical sustenance, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment points to Jesus as the one who addresses humanity's deepest spiritual hunger and the ultimate judgment for sin. Humanity's rebellion against God led to a spiritual famine, a separation from the true "bread of life" and the source of all spiritual nourishment. Jesus, however, declares Himself to be the "[bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" (John 6:35), offering eternal sustenance to those who believe in Him, ensuring that "whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." He did not experience the breaking of the "staff of bread" in the sense of physical deprivation for His own sin, but rather, He endured the ultimate divine judgment—the breaking of His body on the cross—to satisfy the spiritual hunger of a fallen world and to reconcile humanity to God. Through His sacrifice, the curse of spiritual famine is broken, and believers are granted access to an inexhaustible supply of grace, truth, and eternal life, ensuring that they will never again experience the destructive consequences of spiritual starvation. He is the ultimate provision, turning judgment into salvation and scarcity into abundant life (John 10:10).

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 4:16

Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:

Deuteronomy 32:23

I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.

Deuteronomy 32:24

[They shall be] burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust.

2 Kings 6:25

And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass's head was [sold] for fourscore [pieces] of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove's dung for five [pieces] of silver.

Psalms 91:5

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day;

Psalms 91:7

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee.

Lamentations 3:12

He hath bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow.