Ezekiel 5:17

KJV

So will I send upon you famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave thee; and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee; and I will bring the sword upon thee. I the LORD have spoken [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

So will I send {H7971} upon you famine {H7458} and evil {H7451} beasts {H2416}, and they shall bereave {H7921} thee; and pestilence {H1698} and blood {H1818} shall pass through {H5674} thee; and I will bring {H935} the sword {H2719} upon thee. I the LORD {H3068} have spoken {H1696} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, I will send famine and savage beasts upon you to leave you without children; plague and bloodshed will sweep through you; and I will bring the sword upon you. I, ADONAI, have spoken it.'"

Berean Standard Bible

I will send famine and wild beasts against you, and they will leave you childless. Plague and bloodshed will sweep through you, and I will bring a sword against you. I, the LORD, have spoken.”

American Standard Version

and I will send upon you famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave thee; and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee; and I will bring the sword upon thee: I, Jehovah, have spoken it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 5:17 serves as the climactic summation of God's severe judgment against Jerusalem, articulating the comprehensive and inescapable calamities—famine, evil beasts, pestilence, and the sword—that the Lord Himself will unleash upon the city. This verse underscores divine sovereignty over these instruments of wrath, affirming their certain arrival as a direct consequence of Israel's profound idolatry and covenant infidelity, thereby sealing the prophetic word with the unchallengeable authority of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 5 is a pivotal chapter within the prophet's early ministry, immediately following a series of dramatic symbolic acts detailed in [Ezekiel 4](/ezekiel/4 "Ezekiel 4 - The Siege of Jerusalem Symbolized"). In that chapter, Ezekiel portrays the coming siege and suffering of Jerusalem through actions like lying on his side and eating meager rations. Building upon this, [Ezekiel 5](/ezekiel/5 "Ezekiel 5 - The Fate of Jerusalem") opens with Ezekiel shaving his head and beard, dividing the hair into three portions, each representing a different fate for Jerusalem's inhabitants: a third to be consumed by fire (symbolizing death by siege and famine), a third struck by the sword (death by war), and a third scattered by the wind (exile), with only a tiny remnant preserved. Verse 17 acts as the climactic summary of the four primary scourges—famine, evil beasts, pestilence, and the sword—that God himself will "send upon" the city, reinforcing the certainty and severity of the judgment detailed throughout the preceding verses (e.g., [Ezekiel 5:12](/ezekiel/5-12 "Ezekiel 5:12 - Three Fates of Jerusalem")). It functions as a divine seal on the prophecy, leaving no doubt about its fulfillment and the comprehensive nature of God's wrath.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 5:17 is delivered during the Babylonian exile, specifically to the Jewish exiles already in Babylon. At this time, Jerusalem, though besieged and partially depopulated, had not yet been utterly destroyed. The people, especially those remaining in Jerusalem, harbored false hopes of a swift return and divine protection, despite their persistent idolatry and moral corruption. God's judgment, as outlined in this verse, directly addresses these false securities. The four scourges mentioned—famine, wild animals, disease, and warfare—were well-known and terrifying instruments of divine judgment in the ancient Near East, often invoked in covenant curses (e.g., [Leviticus 26:21-26](/leviticus/26-21-26 "Leviticus 26:21-26 - Curses for Disobedience") and [Deuteronomy 28:21-26](/deuteronomy/28-21-26 "Deuteronomy 28:21-26 - Curses of Disease, Famine, and Wild Beasts")). The mention of "evil beasts" (wild animals) was a particular terror in a world where human settlements were more vulnerable to wildlife, and their proliferation often signaled societal breakdown and desolation. The concluding phrase, "I the LORD have spoken [it]," is a common prophetic formula, emphasizing the divine origin and unalterable nature of the pronouncement, a crucial affirmation in a context where false prophets offered comforting but deceptive messages.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 5:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, unequivocally stating that God is the active agent sending these calamities, not merely allowing them. This underscores His absolute control over history and His righteous response to sin, as seen throughout [the prophetic warnings](/ezekiel/6 "Ezekiel 6 - Judgment Against Idolatry"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Consequences of Covenant Disobedience**, illustrating the severe repercussions for Israel's persistent idolatry and violation of their covenant with Yahweh, echoing the curses outlined in the Torah (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:21-26](/deuteronomy/28-21-26 "Deuteronomy 28:21-26 - Curses of Disease, Famine, and Wild Beasts")). Thirdly, the verse points to **Comprehensive Devastation**, as the combination of famine, wild animals, pestilence, and the sword signifies a total breakdown of order and a complete desolation of the land and its people. This multi-faceted destruction is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, signifying the totality of God's wrath when His people refuse to repent, as also seen in [Jeremiah 15:2-3](/jeremiah/15-2-3 "Jeremiah 15:2-3 - Four Kinds of Destroyers"). Finally, the concluding declaration, "I the LORD have spoken [it]," reinforces the **Infallibility and Authority of God's Word**, demonstrating that His warnings are as certain to be fulfilled as His promises, a truth central to Ezekiel's entire ministry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pestilence (Hebrew, _deber'_):** From the root meaning "to destroy," _deber_ specifically refers to a devastating plague or epidemic, often associated with divine judgment. It signifies a widespread, deadly disease that decimates populations, indicating not just illness but a divinely sent scourge. In Ezekiel 5:17, its inclusion alongside famine and the sword underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, targeting life itself through unseen forces, disrupting societal function and causing widespread death.
* **Beasts (Hebrew, _chay'_):** While _chay_ broadly means "alive" or "living thing," in this context, especially when paired with "evil" (_raʻ_), it refers to wild, dangerous animals. These are not merely natural occurrences but instruments of divine judgment, acting to "bereave" or make childless. Their presence signifies a breakdown of human dominion over creation and a return to a chaotic, pre-civilized state, where nature itself turns hostile as a consequence of human sin and the withdrawal of divine protection.
* **Spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root means "to arrange" or, more commonly, "to speak," "declare," or "command." In the concluding phrase, "I the LORD have spoken [it]," _dâbar_ emphasizes the authoritative, deliberate, and unchangeable nature of God's decree. It highlights that these calamities are not random events but the direct, intentional, and certain outcome of God's verbal pronouncement, affirming His sovereignty and the absolute reliability of His word, whether in warning or promise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So will I send upon you famine and evil beasts,"**: This clause immediately establishes the divine initiative behind the calamities. God Himself is the active agent ("I will send"), indicating that these are not mere misfortunes or natural disasters, but direct, intentional judgments. "Famine" (Hebrew: _râʻâb_) denotes a severe and widespread lack of food, leading to starvation and societal collapse. "Evil beasts" (Hebrew: _raʻ chay_) refers to dangerous wild animals, which would not only attack people but also destroy crops and livestock, exacerbating the famine and further destabilizing society, turning the natural world into an enemy.
* **"and they shall bereave thee;"**: This phrase highlights the devastating demographic impact of the preceding scourges. "Bereave" (Hebrew: _shâkôl_) means to cause the loss of children or to make childless. The widespread death caused by famine and the attacks by wild beasts will result in a catastrophic loss of life, particularly among the vulnerable, leading to a profound and painful reduction in the population of Jerusalem, signifying the obliteration of future generations and the very continuity of the community.
* **"and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee;"**: This clause introduces two more instruments of judgment, emphasizing their pervasive and inescapable nature. "Pestilence" (Hebrew: _deber_) signifies deadly disease or plague, which would sweep through the besieged city, weakening and killing its inhabitants indiscriminately. "Blood" (Hebrew: _dâm_) refers to violent bloodshed, primarily through warfare and internal strife, indicating a state of chaos and death. The phrase "pass through thee" emphasizes that these scourges will permeate every part of the city and its people, leaving no one untouched.
* **"and I will bring the sword upon thee."**: This final instrument of judgment is the "sword" (Hebrew: _chereb_), representing warfare and violent death. This explicitly states that God Himself will orchestrate military defeat and slaughter, ensuring that those who survive famine, beasts, and pestilence will face the ultimate instrument of destruction. This highlights the totality of the judgment, leaving no avenue of escape for the unrepentant city.
* **"I the LORD have spoken [it]."**: This concluding declaration is a powerful and frequently used prophetic formula. It serves as an emphatic seal of divine authority and certainty. "I the LORD" (Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh_) underscores God's personal involvement and unchallengeable sovereignty as the covenant God of Israel. The phrase "have spoken [it]" (Hebrew: _dâbar_) affirms that this prophecy is not a human conjecture but a direct, unalterable decree from the Creator of the universe, guaranteeing its sure and inevitable fulfillment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 5:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending and inescapable judgment. The primary device is **Enumeration**, as the verse systematically lists four distinct and devastating instruments of God's wrath: famine, evil beasts, pestilence, and the sword. This cumulative listing, often referred to as God's "four sore judgments," emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the coming destruction, leaving no aspect of life untouched. The phrase "and they shall bereave thee" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the devastating effect (bereavement and childlessness) stands in for the cause (death by famine and beasts), powerfully conveying the demographic catastrophe and the obliteration of future generations. The recurring "So will I send" and "and I will bring" exemplifies **Divine Fiat**, highlighting God's direct and active agency in orchestrating these calamities, not merely permitting them. This reinforces the theological concept of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and human affairs, even in judgment. Finally, the concluding declaration, "I the LORD have spoken [it]," serves as a **Seal of Authenticity** or a divine **Oath Formula**, lending absolute certainty and unchallengeable authority to the prophecy, ensuring the audience understands that these are not idle threats but unalterable decrees from the sovereign God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 5:17 stands as a stark reminder of God's righteous judgment against persistent sin and covenant infidelity. It demonstrates that God is not indifferent to the wickedness of His people, and His warnings are not empty threats. The fourfold judgment—famine, wild beasts, pestilence, and the sword—is a recurring motif in biblical prophecy, often referred to as God's "four sore judgments" (e.g., [Ezekiel 14:21](/ezekiel/14-21 "Ezekiel 14:21 - The Four Sore Judgments")). This passage underscores the principle that disobedience to God's covenant commands inevitably leads to severe consequences, fulfilling the curses outlined in the Mosaic Law. It highlights God's justice and holiness, emphasizing that His character demands a response to sin, even from His chosen people. The certainty of the judgment, sealed by "I the LORD have spoken [it]," reinforces the absolute reliability of God's word, whether in judgment or salvation, demonstrating that His pronouncements are always fulfilled.

* [Leviticus 26:21-26](/leviticus/26-21-26 "Leviticus 26:21-26 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Deuteronomy 28:21-26](/deuteronomy/28-21-26 "Deuteronomy 28:21-26 - Curses of Disease, Famine, and Wild Beasts")
* [Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - God Refuses to Hear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the immediate context of Ezekiel 5:17 is the historical judgment upon ancient Jerusalem, its timeless truths resonate deeply with believers today. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the gravity of sin and the unyielding holiness of God. It compels us to consider the seriousness with which God views idolatry—anything that takes His rightful place in our hearts or lives—and disobedience to His commands. It challenges us to examine our own lives for areas where we might be subtly or overtly rebelling against His will, fostering a spirit of humility and repentance. The comprehensive nature of the judgment also highlights God's absolute sovereignty; He is in control of all things, even the instruments of suffering, and uses them to accomplish His purposes, whether for discipline, purification, or the demonstration of His justice. This should inspire awe and a deeper reverence for His power and justice, prompting us to live lives that honor Him and walk in obedience. Ultimately, while the warnings are severe, they implicitly call for a turning back to God, reminding us that His ultimate desire is not destruction but repentance and life, and that His warnings are given out of a desire for His people to return to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be prioritizing things other than God in my life, effectively engaging in modern forms of "idolatry"?**
* **How does the comprehensive nature of God's judgment in this verse deepen my understanding of His holiness, justice, and absolute sovereignty?**
* **What specific areas of my life might need repentance and a renewed commitment to God's commands in light of this passage, recognizing the seriousness of covenant disobedience?**
* **How does the phrase "I the LORD have spoken [it]" impact my trust in the certainty and authority of God's Word in all its forms—warnings, promises, and commands—for my life today?**

### FAQ
**What does "evil beasts" mean in this context, and why are they part of God's judgment?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 5:17, "evil beasts" (Hebrew: _raʻ chay_) refers to dangerous wild animals, such as wolves, lions, or bears, that would prey on humans and livestock. Their inclusion as an instrument of God's judgment signifies a complete breakdown of societal order and human dominion over creation. In ancient Israel, a flourishing land free from wild beasts was a sign of God's blessing and covenant faithfulness (e.g., [Leviticus 26:6](/leviticus/26-6 "Leviticus 26:6 - Peace and Security")). Conversely, the proliferation of wild animals and their attacks on people were seen as a curse and a sign of divine displeasure, indicating desolation and a land abandoned by its protector. God "sending" them emphasizes His direct orchestration of this calamity, using even the natural world to execute His righteous judgment against the unfaithful.

**How does "bereave thee" relate to the other judgments in the verse?**

Answer: The phrase "and they shall bereave thee" (Hebrew: _shâkôl_) means to cause the loss of children or to make childless. It is directly linked to the preceding judgments of "famine and evil beasts." The widespread starvation caused by famine and the attacks by wild animals would lead to a catastrophic loss of life, particularly among the vulnerable, resulting in a significant reduction in the population and the destruction of future generations. This emphasizes the profound and painful human cost of God's judgment, highlighting the complete devastation that would befall Jerusalem, not just in terms of resources or infrastructure, but in the very fabric of its families and future, symbolizing the obliteration of hope and continuity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 5:17, with its pronouncement of comprehensive divine judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a future earthly calamity for believers, but in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "famine," "evil beasts," "pestilence," and "sword" represent the full weight of God's righteous wrath against sin, a wrath that humanity justly deserved due to its profound rebellion and covenant infidelity. However, in an act of unparalleled grace and divine love, God "sent" His own Son, Jesus, not to bring judgment upon His people, but to bear it on their behalf. Christ became the ultimate sacrifice, willingly enduring the spiritual and physical equivalent of these "sore judgments" on the cross. He experienced abandonment (a spiritual "bereavement") as He cried out, "[My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus Cries Out")" The "blood" that would "pass through" Jerusalem found its perfect fulfillment in the [shed blood of Christ](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through His Blood"), which cleanses from all sin and establishes a new covenant. The "sword" of divine justice, meant for us, was [pierced into His side](/john/19-34 "John 19:34 - Jesus' Side Pierced"), fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant who was [cut off from the land of the living](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - The Suffering Servant") for the transgressions of His people. Thus, for those who are in Christ, the terrifying pronouncement "I the LORD have spoken [it]" regarding judgment is transformed into the glorious declaration that "[there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")", because He bore the full weight of God's righteous wrath, offering eternal life and reconciliation through His perfect obedience and sacrifice.

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 38:22

And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that [are] with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.

Ezekiel 33:27

Say thou thus unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; [As] I live, surely they that [are] in the wastes shall fall by the sword, and him that [is] in the open field will I give to the beasts to be devoured, and they that [be] in the forts and in the caves shall die of the pestilence.

Ezekiel 14:21

For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?

Leviticus 26:22

I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your [high] ways shall be desolate.

2 Kings 17:25

And [so] it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, [that] they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew [some] of them.

Ezekiel 14:15

If I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land, and they spoil it, so that it be desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts:

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.