Ezekiel 5:8

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, [am] against thee, and will execute judgments in the midst of thee in the sight of the nations.

Therefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I, even I, am against thee, and will execute {H6213} judgments {H4941} in the midst {H8432} of thee in the sight {H5869} of the nations {H1471}.

therefore here is what Adonai ELOHIM, says: 'I too am against you, yes, I; and I will execute judgments among you while all the nations look on.

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself am against you, Jerusalem, and I will execute judgments among you in the sight of the nations.

therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I, even I, am against thee; and I will execute judgments in the midst of thee in the sight of the nations.

Commentary

Ezekiel 5:8 delivers a powerful and stern declaration from God regarding His impending judgment upon Jerusalem and the inhabitants of Judah. This verse serves as a direct explanation for the preceding symbolic actions Ezekiel was commanded to perform, emphasizing the divine resolve behind the coming devastation.

Context

The prophet Ezekiel was ministering to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, conveying messages directly from the Lord God. In Ezekiel chapter 5, God instructs Ezekiel to perform a vivid prophetic act: cutting his hair and beard, weighing it, and dividing it into three portions to symbolize the various fates awaiting Jerusalem's inhabitants—death by famine and plague, death by sword, and scattering among the nations. This dramatic visual aid was meant to communicate the severity and certainty of God's judgment. Verse 8 immediately follows this symbolic act, providing the divine commentary and rationale for such harsh measures. It underscores that the judgment is not random but a direct, personal intervention from God against His disobedient people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Justice: The phrase "I, even I, am against thee" highlights God's personal and active involvement in executing judgment. It emphasizes His supreme authority and unwavering commitment to justice. This is not a passive consequence but a deliberate act from the sovereign Lord, who holds all nations accountable.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Jerusalem, chosen by God to be a center of worship and a light to the nations, had repeatedly rebelled against His covenant, embracing idolatry and wickedness. This verse signifies the culmination of their persistent unfaithfulness, demonstrating that sin has severe and unavoidable consequences. For further understanding of covenant curses, consider Deuteronomy 28:15 and following verses.
  • Public Spectacle of Judgment: The declaration "in the sight of the nations" is crucial. God intended Jerusalem's destruction to be a public display, a vivid warning to surrounding peoples about His holiness and the consequences of defying Him. It reveals that God's justice is not hidden but is openly demonstrated for all to see, serving as a testimony to His character. The lamentations of the people in Lamentations 2:15 echo this public humiliation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "I, even I" (gam 'ani) is a powerful emphatic construction. It signifies an intense personal resolve and determination on God's part. It's not merely a statement of fact but an assertion of divine will and an indication that this judgment is direct, intentional, and unavoidable. The title "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) combines 'Adonai' (Master, Sovereign) with 'Yahweh' (the personal covenant name of God), emphasizing His absolute authority and His covenant relationship, which Israel had broken.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 5:8 serves as a timeless reminder of several critical truths:

  • God's Holiness and Justice: It underscores that God is holy and will not tolerate unrepentant sin indefinitely. His justice is an inherent part of His character.
  • Accountability: Just as ancient Israel was held accountable for their actions, so too are individuals and nations today. There are consequences for rebellion against divine principles.
  • The Importance of Repentance: While this verse speaks of judgment, the broader prophetic message often includes a call to repentance and the promise of restoration for those who turn back to God.
  • Being a Witness: Israel was meant to be a positive witness to the nations. When they failed, their judgment became a negative witness. Believers today are called to live in a way that honors God, being a positive testimony to His goodness and truth (Matthew 5:16).

This verse, though severe, ultimately points to God's unwavering commitment to His own glory and the establishment of His righteous kingdom.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 24:9

    And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for [their] hurt, [to be] a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.

  • Ezekiel 15:7

    And I will set my face against them; they shall go out from [one] fire, and [another] fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I set my face against them.

  • Jeremiah 21:13

    Behold, I [am] against thee, O inhabitant of the valley, [and] rock of the plain, saith the LORD; which say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations?

  • Jeremiah 21:5

    And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath.

  • Ezekiel 21:3

    And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I [am] against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.

  • Ezekiel 35:3

    And say unto it, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I [am] against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate.

  • Deuteronomy 29:20

    The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.