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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Ezekiel 6:11–14. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The same threatenings which we had before in the foregoing chapter, and in the former part of this, are here repeated, with a direction to the prophet to lament them, that those he prophesied to might be the more affected with the foresight of them.
I.He must by his gestures in preaching express the dep sense he had both of the iniquities and of the calamities of the house of Israel (Eze 6:11): Smite with thy hand and stamp with thy foot. Thus he must make it to appear that he was in earnest in what he said to them, that he firmly believed it and laid it to heart. Thus he must signify the just displeasure he had conceived at their sins, and the just dread he was under of the judgments coming upon them. Some would reject this use of these gestures, and call them antic and ridiculous; but God bids him use them because they might help to enforce the word upon some and give it the setting on; and those that know the worth of souls will be content to be laughed at by the wits, so they may but edify the weak. Two things the prophet must thus lament: - 1. National sins. Alas! for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel. Note, The sins of sinners are the sorrows of God's faithful servants, especially the evil abominations of the house of Israel, whose sins are more abominable and have more evil in them than the sins of others. Alas! What will be in the end hereof? 2. National judgments. To punish them for these abominations they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence. Note, It is our duty to be affected not only with our own sins and sufferings, but with the sins and sufferings of others; and to look with compassion upon the miseries that wicked people bring upon themselves; as Christ beheld Jerusalem and wept over it.
II.He must inculcate what he had said before concerning the destruction that was coming upon them.
1.They shall be run down and ruined by a variety of judgments which shall find them out and follow them wherever they are (Eze 6:12): He that is far off, and thinks himself out of danger, because out of the reach of the Chaldeans' arrows, shall find himself not out of the reach of God's arrows, which fly day and night (Psa 91:5): He shall die of the pestilence. He that is near a place of strength, which he hopes will be to him a place of safety, shall fall by the sword, before he can retreat. He that is so cautious as not to venture out, but remains in the city, shall there die by the famine, the saddest death of all. Thus will God accomplish his fury, that is, do all that against them which he had purposed to do.
2.They shall read their sin in their punishment; for their slain men shall be among their idols, round about their altars, as was threatened before, Eze 6:5-7. There, where they had prostrated themselves in honour of their idols, God will lay them dead, to their own reproach and the reproach of their idols. They lived among them and shall die among them. They had offered sweet odours to their idols, but there shall their dead carcases send forth an offensive smell, as it were to atone for that misplaced incense.
3.The country shall be all laid waste, as, before, the cities (Eze 6:6): I will make the land desolate. That fruitful, pleasant, populous country, that has been as the garden of the Lord, the glory of all lands, shall be desolate, more desolate than the wilderness towards Diblath, Eze 6:14. It is called Diblathaim (Num 33:46; Jer 48:22), that great and terrible wilderness which is described, Deu 8:15, wherein were fiery serpents and scorpions. The land of Canaan is at this day one of the most barren desolate countries in the world. City and country are thus depopulated, that the altars may be laid waste and made desolate, Eze 6:6. Rather than their idolatrous altars shall be left standing, both town and country shall be laid in ruins. Sin is a desolating thing; therefore stand in awe and sin not.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
(Verse 11.) Thus says the Lord God: Strike your hand, and stamp your foot, and say: Alas! for all the abominations of the evil house of Israel. The prophet is commanded to show the magnitude of sins with his hands, feet, and words, so that he may display through the movement of his body and the indignation of his voice, the appearance of one amazed and astonished, weeping and lamenting. For just as when we see something new and marvelous, we tremble both in body and mind, so that we clap our hands and stamp our feet on the ground, and bow our voice to weeping; in the same way, now the prophet, seeing with the eyes of his soul the coming punishments, speaks of all the abominations of the evil house of Israel that follow. We strike spiritually with our hand, when we separate ourselves from evil works. We stomp our foot, when we do not proceed on the path of sin. We weep and cry, when we are displeased with what is happening. What is shown in words, alas. For which Aquila interpreted as ἂ ἂ, Symmachus σχετλίασον, which means to lament or weep. LXX and Theodotion εὖγε, which is more of an insult than a lament.
Those who are going to perish by the sword, famine, and plague. This is indeed the cause of weeping, because the inhabitants of the mountains and the worshippers of altars and idols are going to perish by the sword, famine, and plague. Those who are led astray by various errors, and change their faith daily, are tossed about by every wind of doctrine: they are killed by the sword and divided into factions, abandoning the unity of the Catholic faith. But whoever does not have spiritual food dies of hunger, not knowing him who said: I am the life (John XIV, 6). Moreover, those who are devoted to either single or multiple vices cannot be separated from them, as if once they fell from an ancient pestilence, or rather a certain uterine pestilence.
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Summary
Ezekiel 6:11 presents a solemn divine directive to the prophet Ezekiel, commanding him to perform a dramatic, public act of lament—smashing his hands together and stamping his foot—as a profound expression of grief and indignation. This visceral demonstration anticipates the severe and inevitable judgment awaiting the house of Israel. Their pervasive and detestable idolatry, characterized as "evil abominations," will culminate in a comprehensive national catastrophe, manifesting through the devastating trio of the sword, famine, and pestilence, thereby underscoring the certainty and righteous nature of God's wrath against their persistent rebellion.
Context
Literary Context
Ezekiel 6:11 is deeply embedded within a powerful prophetic oracle (Ezekiel 6-7) that pronounces God's unyielding judgment against the defiled land and people of Israel. Chapter 6 initiates with a direct, symbolic address to the "mountains of Israel" Ezekiel 6:2 - Prophecy Against the Mountains, which served as prominent sites for idolatrous worship and "abominations." The preceding verses detail the comprehensive destruction of their pagan altars, idols, and high places, emphasizing that the land will be desolated and the bodies of the idolaters scattered around their detestable objects of worship Ezekiel 6:4-7 - Destruction of Idolatry. Verse 11, therefore, serves as a climactic and emotionally charged command, transitioning from a general pronouncement of judgment to a specific, embodied lament by the prophet. It reinforces the certainty and severity of the declared judgment, portraying God's own anguish over the fate His people have brought upon themselves.
Historical & Cultural Context
This prophecy was delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, likely between 593-587 BC, following the first Babylonian deportation of Judah's elite in 597 BC. While Jerusalem and the remaining kingdom of Judah still stood, their spiritual condition was dire, marked by deep-seated idolatry and moral corruption, even within the sacred precincts of the temple itself, as later revealed in Ezekiel 8. The "house of Israel" in this context primarily refers to the kingdom of Judah, which had continued the apostasy of the northern kingdom. The physical gestures commanded of Ezekiel—smashing hands and stamping feet—were culturally recognizable in the ancient Near East as powerful expressions of extreme grief, despair, or indignation, often performed during times of national calamity or lament. This made Ezekiel's actions immediately impactful and comprehensible to his audience. The "sword, famine, and pestilence" triad was a conventional and terrifying motif of divine judgment, frequently appearing in prophetic warnings across the Old Testament, such as in Jeremiah 14:12 and Jeremiah 21:7.
Key Themes
Ezekiel 6:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive in the book of Ezekiel and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores God's unwavering holiness and justice, demonstrating that His righteous character necessitates a response to persistent sin, particularly the egregious idolatry that violated His covenant. Secondly, the verse highlights the inevitability of divine judgment when warnings are disregarded and repentance is withheld; the prophet's commanded "Alas" and physical actions convey a sense of irreversible doom that awaits the unrepentant. Thirdly, the explicit focus on "abominations" reinforces the theme of Israel's deep-seated spiritual rebellion and defilement, which rendered such severe divine purification necessary. Finally, the prophet's commanded lament foreshadows the profound sorrow of God Himself over the impending destruction of His people, even as He executes righteous judgment, a poignant theme echoed in passages like Hosea 11:8.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This interjection (H253) is an exclamation of profound grief, sorrow, or surprise. In Ezekiel 6:11, it functions as a deep cry of woe and lamentation, amplifying the emotional weight of Ezekiel's commanded actions. It signifies the prophet's, and by extension, God's, intense anguish over the dire spiritual state and impending doom of Israel, directly attributable to their pervasive sin.
This term (H8441) refers to something utterly disgusting, abhorrent, or detestable, particularly in a moral or religious sense. It is frequently employed in the Old Testament to describe practices repugnant to God, most notably idolatry, pagan rituals, and associated immoralities. Its use here underscores the severity, offensive nature, and profound defilement of Israel's transgressions against God's holy character and covenant.
This primitive root (H5307) means "to fall" in a wide variety of applications, including to die, be overthrown, or perish. In the context of Ezekiel 6:11, it specifically denotes the perishing and demise of the "house of Israel" through the instruments of divine judgment—the sword, famine, and pestilence—signifying their complete collapse and destruction as a direct consequence of God's righteous wrath.
Verse Breakdown
"Thus saith the Lord GOD; Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel!"
This opening clause establishes the absolute divine authority behind the command, emphasizing that the message originates from "the Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH). Ezekiel is then instructed to perform a dramatic, public act of lament. "Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot" are vivid physical expressions of extreme grief, despair, and indignation, visually communicating the depth of sorrow and the certainty of impending doom. The exclamation "Alas" (H253) further intensifies this lament, directed specifically at "all the evil abominations of the house of Israel," highlighting the pervasive, detestable, and offensive nature of their idolatry and sin as the direct and undeniable cause of God's impending judgment.
"for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence."
This concluding clause provides the explicit reason and the precise instruments of the judgment. The "house of Israel" (primarily referring to Judah in this context) will "fall" (H5307), meaning they will perish, be overthrown, or collapse. This comprehensive judgment will be executed through the devastating triad of "the sword" (representing warfare, violence, and conquest), "the famine" (signifying severe lack of food, starvation, and economic collapse), and "the pestilence" (denoting widespread disease, plague, and epidemic). These were the most common and comprehensive forms of divine chastisement in the ancient world, signifying a complete societal collapse and a stark, undeniable fulfillment of the covenant curses for disobedience.
Literary Devices
Ezekiel 6:11 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and severe message. The prophet's commanded actions to "smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot" exemplify Symbolic Action, a hallmark of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry. These gestures are not merely descriptive but performative, functioning as a visual and auditory sermon that embodies the divine grief and the prophet's despair over Israel's impending destruction. The phrase "Alas for all the evil abominations" utilizes Exclamation to convey profound sorrow and Hyperbole to emphasize the overwhelming extent and severity of Israel's sin. The repeated emphasis on "abominations" throughout Ezekiel 6 (e.g., Ezekiel 6:9) functions as Anaphora or Repetition, underscoring the central cause of God's wrath and the pervasive nature of Israel's defilement. Finally, the listing of "sword, famine, and pestilence" is a classic example of a Triad or Climax, representing the comprehensive, inescapable, and utterly devastating nature of God's judgment, a common prophetic motif for complete societal collapse.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Ezekiel 6:11 profoundly emphasizes the gravity of idolatry and the unwavering justice of God. It reveals that God's holiness cannot tolerate persistent rebellion and defilement, even from His chosen people. The physical lament commanded of Ezekiel underscores the divine sorrow over the necessity of judgment, yet it also affirms the certainty of consequences for sin. This passage serves as a stark reminder that true worship demands exclusive allegiance to the Lord, and any deviation into "abominations" will inevitably lead to severe divine discipline, designed either to purify and restore a right relationship, or, failing that, to demonstrate God's righteous character to the nations.
Reflection and Application
Ezekiel 6:11 confronts us with the profound seriousness of idolatry and the inevitable consequences of persistent sin. While we may no longer bow to physical statues, modern idolatry often takes more subtle and insidious forms: the worship of self, the relentless pursuit of wealth, power, or pleasure above God, or even placing our ultimate trust in human institutions, ideologies, or personal achievements rather than in the Creator. This verse calls us to deep introspection, prompting us to identify and dismantle any "abominations" in our own hearts and lives that compete for the ultimate devotion due to God alone. It serves as a potent reminder that God's justice is real, and His warnings are not idle threats but expressions of His righteous character and covenant faithfulness. The prophet's lament should stir within us a holy fear of God and a compassionate sorrow for a world that often ignores divine truth, urging us to humble ourselves, repent, and turn wholeheartedly to the Lord, embracing His holiness and seeking His will above all else.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot" mean in this context?
This command to Ezekiel (H5221, H7554) is a powerful symbolic action, a common feature of prophetic ministry in the Old Testament. It represents a visceral, public display of extreme grief, despair, and indignation. By smashing his hands together and stamping his foot, Ezekiel was embodying the profound sorrow and anguish of God Himself over the impending destruction of Israel due to their persistent idolatry and sin. It was a visible, audible sermon designed to convey the certainty and severity of the judgment to the exiles, leaving no doubt about the divine lament over their tragic fate and the just consequences of their rebellion.
What are the "evil abominations" referred to in the verse?
The "evil abominations" (H7451, H8441) primarily refer to the widespread and deeply entrenched idolatry practiced by the house of Israel (Judah). This included the worship of false gods on "every high hill and under every green tree" (as mentioned in Ezekiel 6:13), the erection of pagan altars, and participation in detestable rituals that often involved child sacrifice and sexual immorality. These practices were utterly repugnant to the holy character of Yahweh and a direct violation of His covenant with Israel, making them "abominations" in His sight.
Why are "sword, famine, and pestilence" repeatedly mentioned as instruments of judgment in the Old Testament?
"Sword" (H2719), "famine" (H7458), and "pestilence" (H1698) form a common prophetic triad representing comprehensive divine judgment and societal collapse. These were the most devastating and inescapable forms of catastrophe in the ancient world, often occurring together. The sword brought war and violence, leading to death. Famine often followed, as war disrupted agriculture and supply lines, causing widespread starvation. Pestilence, or plague, frequently accompanied these conditions, as weakened populations and unsanitary environments became breeding grounds for disease. Their repeated mention (e.g., Jeremiah 24:10) underscores their effectiveness as instruments of divine discipline, signifying that no aspect of life would be untouched by God's wrath, ensuring a complete and unavoidable consequence for national sin.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Ezekiel 6:11 vividly portrays the dire consequences of Israel's idolatry and God's righteous judgment, it implicitly points to the ultimate solution and fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The "evil abominations" of the house of Israel, which brought about the devastating trio of sword, famine, and pestilence, represent humanity's universal sin and rebellion against a holy God. The lament of Ezekiel, mirroring God's own profound sorrow, foreshadows the ultimate anguish of God over sin, an anguish that would be fully expressed in the person of Jesus Christ. The judgment that "they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence" is a powerful picture of the spiritual death and separation from God that all humanity faces due to sin. However, in Christ, the ultimate Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, God Himself bore the full weight of this judgment. Jesus became the one who "fell" for our abominations, enduring the spiritual sword of divine wrath, the famine of God's presence, and the pestilence of sin's curse on the cross (Galatians 3:13). Through His atoning sacrifice, those who believe are delivered from the judgment pronounced in Ezekiel, experiencing instead the abundant life and reconciliation with God that He offers (Romans 5:10). Thus, Ezekiel's lament over impending doom finds its ultimate reversal and hope in the redemptive work of Christ, who transforms the curse into blessing and spiritual death into eternal life for all who turn to Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).